learning to count (oh yes, a pfb thread - so kill me)

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When do preschoolers learn to count properly? ds is 17mo and has been repeating the numbers one to four for a few weeks (we tend to count steps going upstairs, etc) but assumed he was just copying sounds and had no idea of the concept of measuring units.
but now he seems to have moved on, eg if he points to a bird in the park and then another one joins it he says 'two' with no prompting from us - and without anyone saying 'one', ie it is more than just knowing what is the next word in the sequence.
beyond two things get a bit random - he will sometimes accurately say 'three' for a third thing but sometimes 'two' seems to cover for anything plural. has he got a clue what he's doing? or does proper counting not come until much later?

Sounds like this is the start of it.

DD3 started chanting numbers in sequence around 18m. Counting objects was in place by the time she was 2 I think.

TBH it doesn't really matter whether they can count at this ages....it is just so cute to see them (especially when DD3 starts counting because DTDs are mis-behaving - like I do!)

I just went over & over it from about 18m, most is copying but that's how thet learn. Lots of "how many sheep? 2 sheep", and mainy counting cars : 1, 2, 3. 3 cars. He is quite good now @ 2.7, but sometimes says random numbers! Once they get the jist of that, then you can do 1 red car and 1 blue car, but its repetition over & over before they get it.

Aw, well done your ds!
Think i posted on one of these threads at about 18mths, cos dd was similar and thought she would be counting soon... but she is 2.5mths now and can sort of count one or two but counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9 . Think you are right that two counts for plural, dd added 'lots' after. But she has def not got it yet! (Of course, counting might be one of your dc's 'things', my dd's is jigsaws and drawing).

Apparently there is quite a leap between counting 2 things and counting more things and the timing of both has a wide normal range. Dd could count 2 things by 18 months but 3 up came later (but can't remember how much later - maybe 6 mo?). They do tend to use 2 for all things plural in the meantime. It is exciting when you realise they are actually counting something

DD 20months will only count to 2, if we suggest 3, she just shakes her head and says no!! Can say her vowels though

Dd1 could count to 10 at 15 months, dd2 (2.9) can't talk but points to numbers in order.

Its great when they start to count then they want to count evrything (food, steps, sheep).

a friend of mine has a 21mo old ds who can say his alphabet and count to 29 unprompted! I wasn't sure if this was impressive, genius or scary!

I think somewhere between 18 months and 4 but whether they understand the 'concept' is anyone's guess. dd is 4 and we're trying to teach her to count and not sure if she's getting that certain sounds relate to the amount of things.