Development of speech language skills in children occurs over a period of time. It is important to monitor these milestones so that any delay can be caught early and appropriate steps can be taken. Some of the important milestones in a child's speech and language development are as follows: By 3 months: • Cries when hungry/wet • Reacts to loud sounds with startle reflex • Is awakened by loud voices and sounds • Smiles in response to voices when spoken to • Raises head and chest when lying on stomach By 6 months • Grunts, gargles and cooing sounds • Babbles and laughs • Enjoys rattles or toys that makes sounds • Begins to repeat sounds (ooh-aah-ba-ba) • Rolls from back to stomach and stomach to back • Plays peek-a-boo By 9 months • Produces string of sounds such as ba-ba-ba • Responds to his/her own name • Sits without support • Starts to respond to requests such as “come here” • Can look towards interesting sound By 12 months • Comprehends simple commands accompanied by gestures e.g. “Give it to daddy.” • Points to some body parts • Says 1-2 words meaningfully • Enjoys routine games such as pat-a-cake By 2 years • Uses speech like pattern interspersed with true words • Has a vocabulary of 50-100 words • Uses few two word phrases by 20-24 months • Drinks from a cup • Enjoys being read to By 3 years • Climbs stairs • Speaks 2-3 word phrases • Can sort by size i.e. big and small • Indicates toilet needs • Follows two step commands • e.g. “Get your shoes and come here.” • Awareness of gender identity- girl and boy It is essential we monitor these milestones of our children's development.