16 month old doesn't babble or say words yet

[Lunardreams]

My wee guy has rarely babbled however from November 2021 he stopped all together. He uses vowels - shouts 'eeeee' 'ooooh' but doesn't interact verbally. He's very clever and undetands a lot of things I say to him. Prefers to play alone, doesn't bring me toys or point to things either. Is he maybe too young still?

I wouldn’t be concerned about him not having words yet (they often all come at once). But I can see why you would expect more babbling at this point. He will be having a HV review soon. This is something you could discuss there or before, if it starting to worry you. All the best.

I've contacted the HV and she's on holiday but will see what she thinks once she's working again :)

Does he have social gestures? In particular pointing? Will he sign along to a favourite nursery rhyme? I would insist his hearing is checked which you should be able to get done through HV. Otherwise I wouldn't worry too much yet and revisit at 18MO and again at 2. A lot can happen in this time x

No, none of those yet. I don't have any concerns with his hearing as he seems able to understand me, if he's doing something dangerous and I say 'no' or 'mummy move' he stops the activity and does something else. Will for sure ask the health visitor re hearing though xx

Both of mine had about 20 words at 18 months, so I wouldn't worry yet unless there are other factors involved.