How to Help Increase Expressive Language in Babies and Toddlers: Simple Techniques Every Parent Can Try

How to Help Increase Expressive Language in Babies and Toddlers

Watching your baby or toddler learn to communicate is one of the most exciting parts of early childhood. Every gesture, sound, babble, and new word is a building block toward building their expressive language skills and their ability to communicate with the world around them.

But if your little one isn’t talking as much as you expected, you may be feeling confused or worried — and you’re not alone. Many children need extra support as they develop their speech and language skills.

The good news?
There are simple, effective strategies parents can use every day to help encourage expressive language. These techniques are play-based, gentle, and backed by research.

Here’s what expressive language is, what to look for, and how you can help your child build strong communication skills from the start.

What Is Expressive Language?

Expressive language refers to how your child shares their thoughts, needs, and ideas. This includes:

• Babbling

• Gestures

• Sounds

• First words

• Word combinations

• Simple sentences

Expressive language naturally develops through repetition, modeling, play, and meaningful interactions with caregivers.

When Do Expressive Language Milestones Typically Develop?

It’s important to know that every child develops differently and at their own pace, but here are general milestones:

By 12 months:

• Babbling (mamama, bababa)

• Uses 1–2 real words (“mama,” “ball”)

• Gestures (wave, point)

By 18 months:

• Uses 10–20 words

• Names familiar items

• imitates new words

By 24 months (2 years):

• Uses 50+ words

• Starts combining words (“more juice”)

• Imitates short phrases

By 30 months:

• Uses 200+ words

• Speaks in simple phrases

• Vocabulary expands quickly

If your toddler isn’t meeting these milestones, early support can make a big difference.

10 Effective Strategies to Help Babies & Toddlers Increase Expressive Language

These are the same techniques speech-language pathologists use in early intervention — and they fit naturally into everyday routines.

1. Get Down to Your Child’s Level

Sit face-to-face on the floor or kneel beside them.

Why it helps:
Children learn words best when they can see your face, mouth movements, and gestures clearly.

2. Use Parallel Talk

Narrate what your child is doing during play.

Example:
“You’re pushing the car! The car is going fast! Crash!”

Why it works:
Children learn vocabulary most naturally when adults describe their actions in real time.

3. Use Self-Talk

Narrate what you are doing.

Example:
“I’m opening the box… I see a ball… I’m throwing the ball!”

This pairs language with action, helping babies understand and imitate words.

4. Teach Gestures and Baby Signs

Words often begin with gestures.

Model signs like:

• “more”

• “all done”

• “help”

• “open”

Children who sign often talk earlier because gestures help the brain learn symbolic communication.

5. Offer Choices Instead of Yes/No Questions

Instead of asking:
“Do you want a snack?” (child can nod)

Try:
“Do you want apple or banana?”

This encourages your child to use real words or approximations.

6. Pause and Wait

One of the most powerful strategies.

Example:
Hold up a desired toy, look expectantly, and wait silently for 3–5 seconds.

Babies and toddlers often need extra time to process and respond.

7. Expand Your Child’s Words

If your child says “ball,” expand to:
“Big ball!”
“Red ball!”
“Roll ball!”

This teaches new vocabulary and grammar naturally.

8. Use Repetition (A Lot!)

Children need many, many exposures to truly learn a new word.

Repeat key words 10–20 times during a play routine without sounding “teachy.” Try not to use the word “say” (e.g., say ‘ball!’) when getting your child to imitate. Simply using repetition of the object label and giving your child time to respond is ideal.

9. Add Sound Effects & Exaggerated Intonation

Babies and toddlers LOVE playful sounds:

• “Uh oh!”

• “Beep beep!”

• “Pop!”

• “Moo!”

Sound effects help build imitation skills — the foundation of speech.

10. Follow Your Child’s Lead

If your child loves blocks, use blocks for language.
If they love cars, use cars.

Children learn best when they are motivated, engaged, and having fun.

Bonus: Create Language-Rich Routines

Daily routines are perfect for practicing expressive language:

• Bath time

• Meal time

• Diaper changes

• Getting dressed

• Car rides

• Bedtime

Use these moments to:

• Label items

• Use simple phrases

• Offer choices

• Encourage imitation

• Pause for your child to communicate

Consistency matters more than perfection.

When Should You Seek Speech Therapy?

Consider an evaluation if your baby or toddler:

• Says fewer than 5–10 words by 18 months

• Has fewer than 50 words by age 2

• Is not combining words by age 2

• Rarely imitates sounds

• Doesn’t point, gesture, or communicate needs

• Is difficult to understand

• Is frustrated when trying to communicate

Early intervention leads to faster progress and reduces long-term challenges.

At Long Island Speech and Play, we specialize in:

• Early language development

• Late talking toddlers

• Gestures and imitation

• Play-based therapy

• Parent coaching

• Apraxia & speech sound development

• EI support for ages birth–3

Therapy is in-home or teletherapy, flexible, and designed to help your child grow in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

If you’re concerned about your child’s expressive language, we’re here to help.

📞 (516) 732-5252
🌐 www.longislandspeechandplay.com