Communication Development (Ages 0-3)
Supporting early language through connection, interaction, and responsive care.
Communication begins at birth. During the first three years of life, children rapidly develop the foundational skills for language, social connection, and learning. For professionals working with infants, toddlers, and their families, understanding how communication unfolds and how to support it can make a lasting impact on a child's development.
Key Developmental Stages of Communication
Understanding what to expect at each age helps professionals guide families and recognize when additional support may be needed.
Birth to 6 Months
+
-Reacts to sounds, voices, and faces.
-Communicates needs through different types of cries.
-Begins cooing, smiling, and babbling.
-Engages in eye contact and facial expression exchange.
6 to 18 Months
+
-Uses gestures like pointing and waving.
-Understands simple words and routine phrases.
-Begins to use single words meaningfully.
-Initiates turn-taking and joint attention.
18 to 36 Months
+
-Vocabulary increases rapidly.
-Combines words into short phrases.
-Follows multi-step directions.
-Engages in early conversations and symbolic play.
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