Should I worry about my 17 month old's speech

[brimfullofasha]

Ds is 17 months. He says very few words 'mama', 'Dada', 'no' and his name. He does seems to understand some of what we say and will sometimes follow simple instructions (eg if we ask him to bring a book and point at them, he will pick one up) but if we mentioned something more abstract (eg asking him
to bring shoes when he can't see them) he wouldn't respond.

Most of the babies we know have much better speech and understanding than him.

I think his hearing is fine. Should I be worried?

I think this is quite young to be concerned. If you are still concerned at 2/ 2.5 I would ask about a referral. But 17 months is still very young and I would not worry.

I remember going on holiday with friends whose children were the same age when DS was 21m. Both their daughters were talking in almost full sentences whereas DS was only saying the odd word and even picked up a bit of his own sign language. He could understand everything we were saying but couldn't speak. He eventually got there and I know a lot of people say it's lazy boys and from what I've seen they could be right as language wise they do seem to lag behind.

Only began starting a list of words at 18 months. It soon snowballed.

My DD is 18mo and can say Mummy, Daddy and ear. I wouldn't worry. I think my son was similar and he's a chatterbox now at 3.8.

Thank you all. That's put my mind at rest! I only started worrying when u got an NHS e mail that said he should

..... Be saying 10 recognisable words.

My two only said their first words at 19m and they never shut up now.

Don't worry until at least his birthday. Anecdotally that seems like the time the late talkers suddenly let rip.