Not babbling but making strange noises at 11 months

[Pammym]

My DS is not making any recognisable sounds yet but he makes v. odd noises. He often makes grunting noises like he is filling his nappy but it is clear that he is trying to communicate. He also makes growling noises and shouts out 'aa' quite a lot. Does this sounds normal? I have no concerns about his hearing but am a little worried about his speech development.

Can anyone reassure me?

Thank you.

[nimnom]

my ds1 was very erratic with sounds and speech early on so much so that at his 2 year check, when he was 2y3m the hv wrote that he was to be observed for the next few months. Almost the day after, it was like he had swallowed a dictionary and he is fine now. If you're worried speak to hv.

[Pammym]

Thanks nimnom. I will see how he goes and try not to worry!

[glaskham]

dont worry about speach problems at such a young age....my daughter is nearly 18mths and has only just stopped making funny noises!!! and she's only just saying her forst words!! she used to curl her lips up and snort lots of air in and out of her nose making funny noises.....they are just experimenting what they can do with their voice and mouth!!

[PASTIT]

Definitely too young to be concerned about speech. However with apologies if I'm 'teaching you to suck eggs' it is worthwhile only having the TV and radio on for short periods, even at this young age, so that your LO can hear your speech sounds clearly when your talking with him and he's babbling (or grunting!)back. LO's don't have the adult ability to differentiate between background noises and speech. Also whilst it is only a generalisation, boys are often later than girls with communication skills but earlier with physical skills. Often if a child is developing a physical skill, like crawling or walking, then other development areas seem to be 'put on hold' but they do catch up!

[Pammym]

Thanks Glaskham and Pastit.