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At what age should a child use nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication develops across the toddler years (12–36 months). Most children point to share, wave and respond to their name by around 12–15 months, and pair gestures with words by 18–24 months. These gestures are the foundation of spoken language; if gesture or eye contact seems limited by 18 months, a gentle developmental screen helps.
In this answer 5 sections
Long before first words arrive, your toddler is already 'talking' — with eyes, hands, and that delighted point at a passing dog.
In short
Nonverbal communication — eye contact, smiling back, pointing, showing, waving and gesturing — develops steadily across the toddler years (roughly 12–36 months). Most children point to share interest and wave by around 12–15 months, and combine gestures with early words by 18–24 months. These nonverbal communication skills are the foundation that spoken language is built upon.
What to expect, month by month
Around 9–12 months — responds to their name, follows your gaze, reaches up to be lifted, and begins pointing or showing you objects.
12–18 months — points to ask and to share ("look at that!"), waves bye-bye, shakes head for "no", and brings things to show you.
18–24 months — uses several gestures together, nods, blows kisses, and pairs gestures with single words.
24–36 months — gestures fade as words take over, but facial expression and eye contact stay rich and responsive.
The science
Gesture and gaze are how a child learns that communication is a two-way game. Shared attention — pointing and looking together at the same thing — reliably predicts later vocabulary growth. This is why early childhood frameworks watch gesture as closely as speech: a child who points, shows and shares before words is laying down strong language scaffolding.
The Pinnacle way
Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from an online read. If gesture and eye contact seem limited by 18 months, a gentle developmental screen and speech therapy guidance can help early, when it matters most.
Trusted sources
Aligned with CDC developmental milestones, the American Academy of Pediatrics and ASHA guidance on early communication and gesture.
Next step — if you're unsure whether your toddler's gestures are on track, book a friendly developmental check on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
By 12 months: pointing, showing or waving. By 18 months: several gestures plus eye contact. Seek a screen if gestures are largely absent by 18 months, or if your child stops using gestures or eye contact they once had.
In everyday life
Pause and follow your child's point — look where they look, name it, and look back at them with a smile. This 'gaze and respond' loop builds the back-and-forth that words grow from.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
When should my toddler start pointing?
Most children point to ask for things by around 12 months and point to share interest ("look at that!") by 14–16 months. Pointing to share is an especially good sign of healthy communication.
Is it normal that my toddler gestures more than they talk?
Yes. In the second year, gestures often lead and words follow. Children typically pair gestures with single words by 18–24 months, then use words more as their vocabulary grows.
When should I be concerned about nonverbal communication?
Consider a developmental screen if your child shows little eye contact or few gestures by 18 months, or if they stop using gestures, babble or eye contact they previously had. Persistent parent concern is always worth checking.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceICF d3
- Source referenceCDC: Developmental Milestones
- Source referenceASHA: Communication Milestones
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren: Early Communication
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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