2-year-old not talking?

A 2-year-old who isn't yet talking can understandably worry parents. At this age, a child is expected to use at least 50 words and form two-word simple sentences (like "mommy come" or "more milk"). Every child develops at his own pace; some kids say one word at 2 while others experience a language explosion by 3.

First, assess your child's hearing—hearing loss is one of the most common causes of speech delay. Also, check if he understands language (following simple directions, turning when you call his name)—if his comprehension is normal, this usually means his language development is on track. Other delays can stem from environmental factors (not enough language input, too much screen time), a history of being born premature, or developmental differences.

If your child has no speech by age 2, don't wait—see a developmental specialist or pediatric neurologist. Early intervention programs at this age are very effective. Meanwhile, limit screen time and play face-to-face a lot, narrating what you do in simple sentences. Don't rush, but a professional evaluation helps you understand what's normal moving forward.