reassure me please - 13 month old not talking....

[lightfantastic]

OK, I know all kids develop at their own pace - and this being DS2 I should know just to chill out....

BUT, by 13 months DS1 was saying 'dada', 'mama', and a good handful of clear words. DS2, on the other hand, seems to have variations on 'dada' - eg 'dat' (meaning that), 'dare' (meaning there), 'dadadada' (meaning just about everything else).

He points and waves, feeds himself, and seems to understand basic instructions (apart from 'go back to sleep' at 3am of course ). He's a lively, happy little thing. But everything I've read says he should have a few words by now, and also making a variety of babbling sounds, which he doesn't really seem to, tbh (it's mainly the 'da's!) Should I be worrying, or should I chill the hell out?

Thanks in advance for responses....xxx

At 13 months non-verbal communication is what's important. Eg pointing, looking at you while he does it, sharing/giving/showing you things, checking your reaction to things, understanding basic things, copying actions of others. These are the indicators of normal development at this age, not number of words.

Doesn't sound to me that you've got anything to worry about.

'Should I be worrying, or should I chill the hell out?' - I suspect you know the answer to this

don*t worry yet, especially as you are quite sure that the hearing is fine.
my ds said his first words around 18months, never did babble. he is 4 now I difficult to shut up :o

Neither of my DCs were talking at 13 months. DD1 was 14 months and DD2 was 15 months. I think second children often do the physical things a bit earlier, and talking a bit later. Both my DDs now talk all the time!

Mine didn't either, just keep up with talking to him, especially with no TV/radio/background noise, as this perhaps has delayed my DS2.

I have a child with significant speech delay and autism. I tend not to join in with the ' never mind it will be fine' when there is a significant delay or other reason for concern. I am all about early intervention.

BUT 13 months is waaaaay too early to be worrying, especially as everything else communication wise is fine.

Keep chatting and communicating and I am almost certain it will just start to happen.

Nothing to worry about at this stage I am sure.

Thank you all so much for your kind and reassuring responses.

It's great to hear, and so interesting that siblings can be so different in terms of development. I'll definitely keep up the talking and reading to him (if I'm honest DS1 got a lot more of this..as there was simply more time!).

Sorry for short reply but typing on phone...any further thoughts much appreciated xxx

loads of 13 months olds don't have a lot of words, and as you said yours does actually have a couple even if they sound similar. some don't even have any. 13 months is very small still

oh don't compare children, that way leads to madness, lol

my son babbled loads at that age, my nephew didn't - his mum got sick of elderly aunties commenting on her son being 'behind'

my son has a speech disorder, hers learned to talk fine, lol

13 months is too young to be worried

@lightfantastic I realize this is a super old post but is there an update .

Nothing to worry about. He is actually a bit advanced for his age

Hi are you the original poster under a different name ? Xx

@Alice4417 , no.