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How children learn speech sounds

When children usually learn each speech sound, which mix-ups are common, and how to help at home.

Children learn speech sounds over several years. Some sounds, like p, m and b, come early. Others, like r and th, come much later.

Each guide in this set covers one group of sounds, with ideas for play, jobs around the house and trips out. The word lists are for English. You can use the same ideas in any language.

When children learn this

  • Most children say p by about 3.
  • Many children say b, m, w, h, d, n, k, g and ng by about 3; most say these and t by about 4.
  • Many children say f by about 3 and a half; most by about 4.
  • Many children say l and sh by about 4, and s by about 4 and a half. Most say l, sh, ch, s, z and j by about 5.
  • Many children say r by about 5; most by about 6.
  • Many children say v by about 4 to 5; some not until 6 or later. Studies give different ages for v.
  • th as in thumb is often one of the last sounds. Many children say it at about 6 to 7; some later. Studies give different ages for th.
  • th as in this: many children say it at about 5 to 6; some later.
  • Many young children leave off end sounds. This usually stops by a little after 3.
  • Many children say two sounds together, like bl in blue, by about 4. Pairs with an s in them, like sp in spoon, can take until about 5.
  • Children in preschool can still find long words and two sounds together hard.
  • Children learn sounds at different ages. Many say a sound in short words before they can say it in long words.

Common mix-ups

  • Many young children say one sound in place of another while they learn. Each guide in this set gives the usual mix-ups for its sounds and the age they usually stop.
  • Many children leave out a quiet part of a long word ('puter' for 'computer') until about 4. If it is still happening after about 4, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.
  • Some children make one sound in a word match another ('gog' for 'dog') until about 4. If it is still happening after about 4, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.
  • Accents, dialects and home languages change how some sounds are said. That is not a mix-up.

Guides in this set

Why it helps

  • When you say words the usual way in your own talk, your child hears how each sound is used. Your child does not have to say the words after you or copy you.

When to get help

  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child's s sounds slushy, with air coming out the side. This is worth mentioning at any age.
  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child says the same word a different way each time.
  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child uses one sound in place of many different sounds.
  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child is 4 or older and people who do not know them cannot understand much of what they say.

More help

Sources

© State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au. CC BY 4.0.

Last checked 12 October 2026

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a health professional about your child.

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