By 2 years, what should my child be able to say and do?
Say
Uses over 50 single words.
Is starting to combine words; for example, "go car", "more drink", "titiro pāpā!"
Asks simple questions; for example, "what that?", "where ball?"
Talks about what they can see and hear right now.
Do
Understands instructions containing 2 keywords; for example, "give your cup to me".
Listens to a simple story.
Enjoys pretend play with their toys; for example, feeding teddy and putting dolly to bed.
Joins in with songs, waiata and nursery rhymes with actions.
Enjoys interactive books such as lift-the-flap books like 'Spot', 'Little Kiwi' and 'Hairy Maclary'.
Is understood by familiar adults most of the time.
What are some tips to help my baby's communication development at 2 years?
- play with your child, join in with what they are doing or interested in
- make sure you're face to face when playing with your child – you may need to sit on the floor
- being face to face allows you to see what your child is interested in – it also helps conversation
- share stories, songs, waiata and poems with your whole whānau (family)
Acknowledgements
The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014).
References
If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this list of references might be a good starting point.
