Hello
At 2.5 years, most children are expected to:
Use 2–3 word sentences
Speak around 200–300 words
Follow simple instructions
Be understood by familiar people at least 50–75% of the time
Eating ice cubes:
This behavior may suggest:
Oral sensory seeking (common in toddlers)
Or rarely, pica – eating non-food items
Occasionally linked to iron deficiency anemia
Consider checking hemoglobin and iron levels.
Encourage crunchy healthy alternatives (like cold fruits or cucumbers).
Avoid letting child chew hard ice to prevent dental injury.
Next Steps
Hearing check (OAE/BERA) – essential to rule out hearing issues.
Speech-language therapy referral – early intervention can make a big difference.
At home:
Talk slowly and clearly with repetition.
Name objects during play (e.g., “ball,” “car,” “jump”).
Avoid screen time (TV, mobiles) as it hampers speech development.
Health Tips
Red flags:
No clear words or sentences by age 3
Child not pointing, imitating, or showing interest in others
Difficulty interacting or understanding instructions