What is the correct age range for a child to begin saying their first meaningful words?

The age range during which a child typically begins to say their first meaningful words is from 18 to 24 months. This is a crucial period in language development, as children start to transition from babbling to forming recognizable words that carry specific meanings.

By around 18 months, many children will have a small vocabulary and can express needs or desires by saying words like "mama" or "more." As they approach 24 months, their vocabulary often expands rapidly, and they may begin to combine two words to form simple phrases, such as "more juice."

Recognizing this developmental milestone is important for caregivers and educators, as encouraging meaningful communication during this stage can have lasting impacts on a child's language skills and overall development. Engaging in activities like talking, reading, and singing helps support this language growth and encourages children to experiment with words.