No, most 1-year-olds cannot hold a conversation or speak in sentences. While they may understand significantly more than they can express, their verbal communication is typically limited.
What to Expect at 1 Year Old
- Limited vocabulary: Most 1-year-olds will say only a few words, if any, usually simple words like "mama" or "dada." [Source: Nemours KidsHealth, Happiest Baby] There is no specific word a 12-month-old should be saying. [Source: Toddler Talk]
- Understanding surpasses speaking: One-year-olds understand far more than they can communicate verbally. Many understand 25 or more words. [Source: Happiest Baby]
- Babble and sounds: Around their first birthday, babies experiment with babbling, using different sounds. [Source: HealthyChildren.org]
Development of Speech in Toddlers
- 15 months: Most children say 1-2 words. [Source: Nemours KidsHealth]
- 18 months: Most children say 3 or more words. [Source: Nemours KidsHealth]
- 2 years old: Most toddlers use more words and can create 2-word sentences. [Source: Nemours KidsHealth]
When to Seek Professional Advice
While it's unusual for a 1-year-old to "talk perfectly," a child's speech development varies. If you have concerns about your child's speech development, consult a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist. A child who speaks in short sentences around age 2 might indicate neurodiversity. [Source: Quora]
