Here's a better way to think about it:
* By 12 months: Most babies will start saying their first few words, usually "mama", "dada", "ba-ba", or "uh-oh".
* Around 18 months: They typically start to say 20-50 words.
* By 2 years: Most toddlers have a vocabulary of 50-200 words and are starting to put two words together.
What to look for instead of counting words:
* Understanding: Does your child seem to understand simple instructions like "come here" or "give me the ball"?
* Communication: Does your child use gestures and sounds to communicate their needs and wants?
* Engagement: Does your child interact with you and others, showing interest in their surroundings?
If you're concerned:
* Talk to your pediatrician: They can assess your child's development and give you personalized advice.
* Don't stress: There's a wide range of normal development. Focusing on your child's overall communication skills is more important than the number of words they say.
Remember, every child is unique. Focus on creating a loving and stimulating environment to help your child develop their communication skills naturally.