Worried about my daughters speech!!!

[kirdy]

My dd is 18 months and the only word she will say is daddy though she does not direct it towards him so think she just says it while babbling. She will not attempt to try say any words though I do try with her I read with her everyday to. I say words to her and ask her if she can say it and she will just cover her face and not say anything at all. My other two children were talking at 12 months so worried she is a bit behind. She does babble a lot but refuses to say actual words any advice?? Xxx

That sounds very much like DS1 - he babbled loads but didn't say anything other than Mummy until he was two. Now, six months later, he never shuts up!

We took him to a speech and language drop in at our local children's centre to get it checked out, and they said that as long as he can tell what things are (ie ask him to get the bear, he goes to the bear) it shouldn't be too much of a problem. If there's something like that near you I'd strongly recommend going along - they made me so much more relaxed about the whole thing, and gave me some tips on how to encourage him.

Will have to have a look into it thanks. She does understand me when I ask her to get things or do things. All she really says is 'uh' for everything!!! And when she wants to say yes to something she just bobs her whole body up and down it's quite cute but can't wait for her to say more x

There are 'baby signing' groups in some places: it is easier for a baby to use hands to communicate, than using voice, which is harder to control. Maybe try that?

Also try her making 'noises' for animals, vehicles, etc. Obviously, if 'proper' words don't start in six months or so, seek professional advice.