Toys to Help with Speech Development

When do Babies Start to Talk?

Shortly after birth, usually between three and six months old, babies begin making cooing and babbling noises. This is the very first stage of speech development.

The noises are not words but are essential to any child finding their voice.

Around four months, a baby will start to laugh or giggle, almost guaranteeing oohs and awes from everyone nearby.

Between twelve and eighteen months old, most children can say ma, ba, da, or mi with an occasional combination of short words like mama, dada, and baba.

Closer to the eighteen-month mark, children may discover they can say words like cat, ball, no, bug, and shortened versions of easy names or nicknames.

  • Save

How Many Words Should a 2 Year Old Say?

Around two years old, two-word sentences can be strung together, but they are direct to the point, such as “mom go” or “me here.”

Three and four-year-old children can generally create sentences with three or more words that are relatively understandable.

Toddlers turning five and entering the school-age phase of life will have a decent-sized vocabulary and can carry on conversations with other children, parents, and teachers.

It is crucial to understand that not all children are the same.

Some toddlers learn to talk before others, some are late talkers, and there may be a few that are just uninterested or have speech delays that may require the intervention of a speech pathologist.

Preschool and kindergarten wellness visits with primary care physicians are vital to monitor and track any child’s developmental milestones and potential delays.

Whether there is any risk or concern about a speech delay, using speech toys explicitly designed to encourage verbal development is an excellent way for a toddler to learn.

Speech Therapy Toys for Toddlers

Frog in a Box
This game is a cause-and-effect toy, like the old-school jack in a box. Single phrase words such as “in,” “open,” and “pop” can be used to express what is happening, what will happen, and what did happen. Once single-word phrases are accomplished, move on to two and three words such as “frog in box” or “close the box.”

Critter Clinic
The Critter Clinic is a fun way to let children care for critters needing attention. Speech skills and single or two-word instructions from the toddler will help the animals overcome the circumstances that brought them to the clinic.

Baa Ba Barn Musical Farm Set
Spatial awareness and verbal skills are used with this toy as toddlers are encouraged to provide instructions for placing animals to hear sounds and music.

Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Sheet
To get the full benefit of this toy, toddlers are encouraged to provide verbal direction and make verbal requests during play. A toddler can request or instruct to cut the cookie, frost the cookie, cook or bake the cookie, put on desired toppings, and more.

Speech Delay Toys for Toddlers

Toys designed to help with speech delay have an open-ended concept that encourages conversation during play. Discuss the characteristics of items, the order of toys, and the journey through the story the toddler imagines while they build, align, find, and learn.

  1. Learning Resources All Ready for Toddler Time
  2. Melissa and Doug Colored Wooden Building Blocks
  3. Seek-a-Boo
  4. String a Farm
  • Save

How to Navigate the Strong Will of a 2-Year-Old: Practical Tips and Strategies

Dealing with a strong-willed 2-year-old can be both challenging and rewarding. As parents, it’s crucial to understand that this stage of development is a natural part of a child’s growth, …

Read more

  • Save

Why Won’t my Toddler Stop Throwing Things? (Let’s Find Out)

Toddlers are known for their boundless energy and curiosity, but one behavior that often perplexes parents and caregivers is their tendency to throw toys. This seemingly innocent act can be …

Read more

  • Save

What are the benefits of soft play for toddlers?

What are the benefits of soft play for toddlers? Soft play helps toddlers develop gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and balance. It also encourages them to be active and use …

Read more

  • Save

How can I use positive parenting techniques with my child?

There are a number of positive parenting techniques that you can use with your child. One of the most important things that you can do is to make sure that …

Read more

  • Save

What should I do if my toddler is having a tantrum in public?

First, Keeping a calm demeanor is key when dealing with a tantrum from your little one. I know it can be challenging, but taking a deep breath and staying calm …

Read more

  • Save

How do you give responsibility and Chores to children?

Since every family is different and every child is unique. You will need to consider your child’s age, maturity level, and interests when deciding how to assign responsibilities and chores. …

Read more

  • Save

How can I tell if my toddler is ready to start drawing?

Many toddlers show an interest in drawing and begin to experiment with scribbling around the age of 15 months. However, there is no set age at which all toddlers will …

Read more

  • Save

How Excess Screen Time Impacts Children (The Facts)

How much screen time is too much for kids? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged two or older should have no more than one hour a day …

Read more

  • Save

What can I do to get my toddler to brush their teeth?

Introduce brushing as part of your daily routine. Make it fun and positive by playing music or singing songs while they brush their teeth. Start with just one tooth at …

Read more

  • Save

How can parents encourage their children to be independent?

One way parents can encourage their children to be independent is by teaching them how to do things for themselves. This can start with simple tasks like getting dressed or …

Read more

Leave a Comment

Copy link