Your 20-month-old babbles all day, but real words? Not so many.
Many 20-month-olds use several dozen words, but vocabulary size can vary widely. Some toddlers use fewer words while others already have a much larger vocabulary.
In this post, you'll learn what counts as a word, the speech milestones to watch for, and when it's worth talking to your pediatrician.
By the end, you'll know exactly where your child stands, what's still normal, and what small steps you can take next to support their speech.
How Many Words Should a 20-Month-Old Understand?
A 20-month-old often understands much more than they can say. Receptive language skills help show how well your toddler is developing communication abilities. At this age, many toddlers can understand words and instructions such as:
- Understands common words used in daily routines, such as “eat,” “sleep,” or “shoes”
- Follows simple instructions like “bring your toy” or “sit down”
- Recognizes familiar people, objects, and body parts when named
- Responds to their name and understands basic questions or requests
- Uses gestures, pointing, and facial expressions to support communication
- Connects words with meanings during play and everyday activities
How Many Words Should a 20-Month-Old Say?
Most 20-month-olds say around 20 to 50 words, although the normal range is much wider. Some toddlers say fewer words and still catch up naturally, while others may already use 100 or more words.
Different sources report different vocabulary ranges because they measure language development in different ways.
Rather than focusing on one exact number, pediatricians look for steady progress and overall communication skills. Around this age, many toddlers also begin combining two to four words into simple phrases, such as "more milk" or "go bye-bye."
Steady growth matters more than the exact word count. If your child is learning new words each month, that's a positive sign. It's also important to remember that understanding language and speaking it are different skills.
Many 20-month-olds understand far more words than they can say, so a toddler who follows simple directions and recognizes familiar objects may still be developing expressive language even if their spoken vocabulary is smaller.
What Counts as a Word Said by 20 Months Old?
A word isn't always a clear, correctly pronounced word. It can take many forms.
Kids this age communicate in more ways than you might think. Real words like "mama" or "dog" count, but so do word approximations like "ba" for bottle.
Animal sounds such as "moo" or "woof" count too, since they show your child links sounds to meaning. Exclamations like "uh-oh" or "oh no" are also words in a toddler's world.
Even baby signs, like waving for bye or signing "more," count as communication. Speech experts look at all of these when checking a child's progress, not just clearly spoken words.
Speech and Language Milestones at 20 Months
Language grows fast at this age, and it shows up in more than just talking.
- Vocabulary continues to grow rapidly, often adding new words each week
- Begins using simple two-word phrases like "want up" or "more juice"
- Understands many more words than they can actually say out loud
- Follows simple instructions, like "get your shoes" or "sit down"
- Points to familiar objects and body parts when asked
- Copies words and sounds they hear from you or siblings
- Uses gestures alongside speech, like waving while saying "bye"
- Enjoys pretend play, like feeding a stuffed animal or talking on a toy phone
Is My 20-Month-Old's Speech Normal in comparison to Others?
In most cases, yes. Kids develop language at different speeds, and that's expected.
Understanding almost always comes before speaking. Your child may follow directions perfectly but say very few words, and that's still healthy progress.
Comparing your toddler with others can be misleading because language skills develop at different speeds.
Watch instead for signs your child is moving forward: new words showing up, more attempts to communicate, and better understanding month to month. If your toddler is engaged, curious, and trying to talk, that's usually a strong sign things are on track.
When Should You Worry About Speech Delay?
Here's a quick way to check if your child's speech needs a closer look.
| Typical Development | Consider Speaking With a Professional If… |
| Uses words, gestures, or signs to communicate | Says very few or no meaningful words |
| Follows simple instructions | Doesn't understand simple requests |
| Tries to imitate words | Doesn't imitate sounds or words |
| Points to communicate | Doesn't point or gesture |
| Continues learning new words | Loses words or previously learned skills |
Losing skills your child once had is more concerning than a temporary delay. If several signs sound familiar, speak with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. They may recommend a hearing test or early intervention based on your child's needs.
Simple Ways to Encourage Your 20-Month-Old to Talk More
Small daily habits can support your toddler's speech and language development.
- Read together every day, even if it's just a few pages
- Talk during everyday activities like bath time or car rides
- Expand on your child's words, so "ball" becomes "yes, big red ball"
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes, since repetition builds vocabulary
- Encourage pretend play, since it pushes kids to use new words and phrases
- Give choices instead of yes or no questions, like "milk or water?"
- Limit passive screen time and swap in more talking and play
- Praise every attempt at communication, even the messy ones
Conclusion
Knowing how many words should a 20 month old say is only one part of understanding your toddler's communication development.
A growing vocabulary, better understanding of everyday language, and regular attempts to communicate are all positive signs.
Focus on your child's progress over time instead of comparing their speech with other toddlers.
If you have concerns, talk with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for guidance.
Have more questions about toddler speech milestones? Share them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a bilingual 20-month-old to say fewer words?
Yes, bilingual toddlers often have a smaller vocabulary in each language on its own, but their total word count across both languages usually matches single-language peers.
Do boys talk later than girls at 20 months?
Girls often show a slight early edge in vocabulary size, but the gap is small and closes well before preschool, so it's not a reason for concern on its own.
Can too much screen time delay a 20-month-old's speech?
Yes, heavy screen use at this age is linked to slower vocabulary growth, since toddlers learn language best through back-and-forth talk with a real person.
At what age does a speech delay turn into a diagnosis?
Speech concerns can be evaluated at any age. Early screening and support can begin when delays are noticed, even before a formal diagnosis is made.
