At 14 months, a toddler’s spoken vocabulary is still quite limited. On average, they may be able to say around three to five words. These words typically include “Mama” and “Dada,” as well as one or two other simple words like “ball” or “dog.” However, it’s important to note that while their spoken vocabulary may be small, their understanding of words is much more advanced.
At this age, toddlers are like sponges, soaking up new words and meanings every day. They may not be able to articulate these words yet, but they are certainly learning and absorbing them. It’s fascinating to watch their language development unfold as they start to grasp the meaning behind certain words and begin to associate them with objects, actions, or people in their environment.
It’s important to provide a language-rich environment for your toddler to support their language development. Talk to them frequently, describe what you are doing, and point out objects as you go about your day. Engage them in conversations, even if they can’t respond with words yet. This helps build their understanding of language and encourages them to communicate.
Every child develops at their own pace, so the number of words a 14-month-old can say may vary. Some toddlers may have a larger vocabulary, while others may have fewer words. It’s also common for toddlers to have a “word spurt” around this age, where their spoken vocabulary suddenly expands. So, even if your child is saying only a few words now, they may surprise you with a sudden burst of new words in the coming weeks or months.
It’s important to remember that language development is not solely dependent on the number of words a child can say. Nonverbal communication, such as pointing, gesturing, and making sounds, also play a crucial role in their language development. These nonverbal cues are a way for toddlers to express themselves and make their needs known before they can articulate their thoughts with words.
As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to be patient and supportive during this stage of language development. Encourage your child’s attempts to communicate, even if it’s not yet with words. Respond to their gestures, sounds, and attempts at communication, as this helps them feel understood and encourages further language development.
A 14-month-old toddler typically has a spoken vocabulary of about three to five words, with “Mama” and “Dada” being common early words. However, their understanding of language is much more advanced, and they are constantly learning new words and meanings. Remember to provide a language-rich environment and engage in conversations with your child to support their language development.