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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To worry my DC doesn't know any words yet?

45 replies

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 10:44

Dc is 16 months old, makes lots of noises/shrieks etc, babbles frequently (more so when tired) has been saying dadada for a long time but I don't think she knows yet that Daddy is dadada IYKWIM? I couldn't say 'oh yes DC knows that's daddy and she calls him dadada' or 'she says nana when she wants a banana' I'm hoping you all understand what I am trying to say. Sorry if it's a bit confusing..

She also does a lot of.. squirming? I'm not sure how to describe it... it's like when she gets excited it comes out in her body movements and facial expressions. A lot. I've not seen another baby's face and body move like that so often.

When did your DC's say their first word in the right context? Any other people's babies bodies get excited?

OP posts:

CheeseFondueRocks · 18/07/2013 10:54

I'm sure she knows words as understands what you talk to her about? Follows commands?

She just doesn't actively produce the words yet because she can't make the right sounds yet.

DD is 17 months and understand everything (in two languages) apart from prepositions that I or DH say to her but her production is still quite limited. So no need to worry.

CheeseFondueRocks · 18/07/2013 10:57

DD did say the right words for mama, dada and kaese (cheese in German) when she was 12 months but every baby is different.

Btw, if she says nana when she wants a banana, that counts as a proper word. It's about using the same word in the same context iyswim. Animal noises count as well.

HoldingHigh · 18/07/2013 10:57

If your that worried have a word with your HV. One of mine hardly said a word at 16 months - instead choosing to point at what they wanted. Another of mine you couldn't shut up lol. All kids develop at different rates.

But if you feel worried maybe a chat to your HV or GP would be good idea.

Anomaly · 18/07/2013 11:00

Does she understand you? None of mine talked early but I knew they understood a lot of what I said so was never that worried. My youngest is 16 months and only knows a few words. Very like my older two at the same age and at 3 and 6 they're perfectly normal.

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:00

She knows what it means when I say 'no' or her name in the 'no' tone.

I don't think she really follows commands though..

Example: We have a red sensory ball which we pass back and forth playing catch sort of thing. But if I line it up with a few other toys and say 'get the ball' she wouldn't know what toy I want her to get. (or she's just ignoring me) I can't be sure...

OP posts:

MrsSparkles · 18/07/2013 11:02

My LO barely said a word at 16 months - mainly dada! At 22 months she suddenly started talking and now at 26 months I can't shut her up! But she could understand me at 16 months, basic instructions at least.

Agree if you're worried have a chat with the HV.

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:03

cheese

No, she doesn't say 'nana' when she wants a banana. She hasn't used a word in context at all.

She's only just started to point at things in the last week or two, doesn't point often, and no words with the pointing.

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 18/07/2013 11:03

My mother took my brother to the Doctor when he was 15 months old because he wasn't saying more than a couple of words. (She was used to me and I'd said my first grammatically correct sentence at 11 months - always was a wordy blighter. )

The Doctor just laughed himself silly. In a nice sort of way, apparently.

Don't worry - once he starts, you'll be on here asking how to shut him up. (Until he reaches 14 and starts communicating through grunts again.)

cozietoesie · 18/07/2013 11:04

Ah sorry - it's a DD. It won't be grunts then. It will be sighs.

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:05

Anyone got any input on the 'squirming'? or is that normal?

OP posts:

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:06

cozie I did a lot of sighing still do I think lol

OP posts:

gordyslovesheep · 18/07/2013 11:08

to be fair OP no one here can 'diagnose' anything wrong here - if you are seriously concerned talk to your HV or GP

all children are different and without seeing or communicating with your child no one over the interweb can answer your question

CheeseFondueRocks · 18/07/2013 11:12

Sorry OP, I misunderstood your first post.

What does the red book say for milestones?

I seem to remember I was quite surprised how little was expected in the relevant age groups, so I would be surprised id the HV thought your DD was behind. I'd ask though if you feel worried.

I was told DH was a late speaker, didn't say a word until almost 2 but then he came out with sentences immediately. They all have their own system of developing speech.

riojabotherer · 18/07/2013 11:12

My 20 month old hasn't yet anything discernible but his sounds are changing week on week and for months there hasn't been damn thing I've said that he hasn't (apparently) fully understood. Not worried, just weary of waiting! If I couldn't tell there wasn't a lot going on in there I would be concerned, but if we haven't had words by 24 months I plan to get things checked out.

If you're worried do mention it to the HV and perhaps have his hearing checked to start with.

They're all different but follow your gut instinct.

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:13

gordy

I'm not seriously concerned, I'm asking what age your child first used a word in context.

I only started thinking about it yesterday . Thought asking here was okay.

You haven't added anything constructive here at all. Go annoy someone else if you don't want to actually answer the questions asked.

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riojabotherer · 18/07/2013 11:14

Sorry her, not his!

digerd · 18/07/2013 11:20

My DD said her first word at 9 months, ' more' but was only when feeding her . It was after the age of 18 months that her speech developed gradually.

BeeWi · 18/07/2013 11:22

Hi Who. I would perhaps have a word with your HV or doc next time you see them.

Do they have hearing screening in the UK as a matter of course for babies? I have a 16 month old girl and she has quite a few words now, as do the other babies in our circle of mum/baby friends. One who has been a bit slower to make sounds has no hearing in one ear at the moment, so there's stuff been put into place for him to sort that.

I don't mean to worry you by saying that, I would personally have it checked out though, just in case.

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:31

She had her hearing checked at the hospital 4 days after she was born. All fine. Not had one since. I'll make an appointment and mention it to the HV while there. I'll probably have to video her doing the excited body movements as she would probably just cling to me and be all shy at the doctors office.

I honestly didn't give it a second thought until yesterday when we were skyping my mum and she kept on saying 'what's all that squirming about haha' every time my DC did it. DC's always done it. When I googled a bit it up came a lot of stuff about the autistic spectrum, made me think how she's not used a word properly yet.

OP posts:

PoppyAmex · 18/07/2013 11:33

Who DD is turning 16 months tomorrow and the only thing she says is "mama" but I'm sure she doesn't connect the word to anything.

I know she understands a number of different sentences as she reacts appropriately, but she just shows no interest in communicating.

Her whole life was about being mobile/crawling/walking/climbing and now running and walking backwards She also doesn't point.

I spoke to a family member who is a Paediatrician and he laughed at me, as did my DM who was a Paediatric Psychiatrist for almost 40 years.

Original poster

Whothefuckfarted · 18/07/2013 11:38

That's reassuring poppy thanks. My DC has met the physical milestones she's meant too, she's not quite walking alone yet but it won't be long.

The red book just says at 1 year she should be making noises and respond to her name which she did at the time and still does. The next set of 'things your kids should do' is at 2.5 years so not really applicable yet.

OP posts:

iclaudius · 18/07/2013 11:42

No - do not worry
My kids are all slow talkers but oddly academic - please enjoy this time and try not to to worry
My baby is also 16 months and says nothing - he's a happy boy and has also only recently pointed
He doesn't walk either
He smiles and laughs a lot and if I'm honest with myself I think he'll be - akin to Einstein fine

Fakebook · 18/07/2013 11:46

I've been worrying about this too. DS is 18m and only says daddy and tatoo (thank you). He understands some commands and stuff but at the moment everything (including daddy) is called daddy and whenever I give him something he says tatoo. Dd was already using small sentences at this age.

meganorks · 18/07/2013 11:49

I wouldn't worry. Sounds normal to me. These babies all do things in their own time. Dd said 'row row row' to me one day c 10 months whilst pushing a book to me that had 'row your boat' in it. Wow I thought - she is already starting to talk. Then nothing (except muma, dada) for another 10-12 months. She clearly understood a lot as would respond to things we said but just didn't want to talk. Then while on holiday started trying to say words and just added more and more everyday. So 22 months when on holiday
Now nearly 2 and running commentary for everything!

PoppyAmex · 18/07/2013 11:51

I've been a lot more worried about pointing, must ask DM.

She has never pointed at anything, but then again neither do we Should we be modelling this?

When she wants something she stares at it and flaps her arms continuously.

Is pointing a huge milestone?

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