Children typically acquire different speech sounds gradually. Here is a general guide to speech sound development:
- By two years: p, m, h, n, b, w, y, d
- By three years: t, k, g, f, ng
- By four to five: sh, s, j, ch, l, r, z
- By six years and above: v, th, st, sp, sl, and other groups of consonant blends
A child's speech clarity progresses with age:
- 25% clear by 18 months
- 50–75% clear by 24 months
- 75–100% clear by 36 months