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l and r sounds

l and r are later sounds. When children usually say them, the w-for-r mix-up, and ideas for home.

This guide is about two sounds: l as in leg and r as in red. Both are later sounds.

The ideas below fit into 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

  • Many children say l by about 4; most by about 5.
  • Many children say r by about 5; most by about 6.
  • Children learn sounds at different ages. Many say a sound in short words before they can say it in long words.

Common mix-ups

  • Some children say w or y for l ('yeg' for 'leg') until about 5. If it is still happening after about 5, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.
  • Many children say w for r ('wed' for 'red') until about 6 to 7. If it is still happening after about 7, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.

Try this

While you play

Play with toy cars on a mat or in the sandpit. Race them to a finish line.

  • Your child: Wace you!
  • You: A race! My car and your car. The race is on.

Around the house

When you fold the washing, talk about the colours as you sort the clothes.

  • Your child: This one wed.
  • You: That one is red. A red sock, and here is another red sock.

When you go out

On a walk, pick up leaves and sticks and talk about them.

  • Your child: A big yeaf!
  • You: A big leaf. Your leaf is bigger than my hand.

Words to use in your talk

Use these words in your own talk. Your child does not have to say them.

l

Easier words: leg, lid, log, leaf, look

Harder words: balloon, yellow, jelly, pillow, lolly

r

Easier words: red, rain, rock, run, rope

Harder words: carrot, parrot, giraffe, frog, rainbow

Why it helps

  • When you say words with l and r the usual way in your own talk, your child hears how these sounds are 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 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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