My toddler isn't talking yet — when should I worry?

By age 2, most toddlers have 50–100 words and are combining two-word phrases ('more milk,' 'daddy go'). If your child has fewer than 50 words by 18 months, isn't combining words by age 2, or seems to understand you but won't speak, request a speech-language evaluation. You can contact your state's early intervention program directly (for children under 3) without waiting for a referral. Early speech therapy is highly effective — don't adopt a 'wait and see' approach without consulting your pediatrician.