If you’ve ever found yourself counting your toddler’s words and wondering if they’re on track, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of The SLP Mom Podcast, I’m answering one of the most common questions parents ask:
“How many words should my 18-month-old be saying?”

We’ll talk about the real numbers you need to know — including the difference between averages and milestones — and why that distinction matters so much for your peace of mind. I’ll explain what actually counts as a word (yes, animal sounds and approximations count!) and why pronunciation isn’t something to stress about at this age.

More importantly, we’ll go beyond word count and look at the bigger picture of communication, including the prelinguistic skills that lay the foundation for spoken language.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The expected speech milestones for an 18-month-old
• What counts as a “word” (and what doesn’t)
• Why comparing your child to others can be misleading
• Signs your child is building a strong language foundation
• When it may be time to seek a speech and language evaluation
• Simple next steps you can take right now to support language growth at home

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just want clear guidance without the fear-based noise, this episode will help you feel more confident about where your child is — and what to do next.

💛 Be sure to grab my free guide “How to Get Your Child Talking: 3 Dos and Don’ts” for simple, practical ways to support your child’s speech at home.

You’re doing a really good job, mama.

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