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Worried about my toddler

3 replies

toddlerbloos · 05/10/2022 13:47

My little boy is 2 this month and I can't stop myself worrying that he's not developing as well as he should be for his age. I've spoken to the health visitor and she said that she's seeing a lot of 'covid babies', babies born during lockdown that are maybe a little bit behind where you would normally expect to see them developmentally as they didn't get as much social contact during the very early months, but when I see other toddlers they do seem to be talking and interacting. My boy seems noticeably different to me and I'm sure some of the other mums notice it too.

He's definitely a happy baby, always smiling and has the cutest little giggle, but he seems to be in a world of his own. It's a struggle to get him to interact and he'd definitely ignore me all day if I didn't play with him. He still doesn't have any words, not even a proper mama or dada. He's been walking for around 6 months and is very active and seems happy, but he's always quiet, not noisy like other kids get when they're excited.

He likes watching Cbeebies but gets distracted, I'm sure that's pretty normal though. If his favourite shows are on he will start playing with the TV, trying to climb on it, licking it etc, but he does it all so quietly. I think it's the lack of noise that worries me the most, and I know that will sound like a dream for some but it's so noticeable!

He's like this with everyone, it's not just me. We give him lots of love and cuddles, lots of playtime just the two of us or with DH and grandparents.

Is this normal at 2? I don't want to bring it up again with the HV if it's just me overthinking, and I'm sure she'll say to give it time. Please put my mind at rest!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Felinewoman · 05/10/2022 19:37

Did he have a hearing test?

ComebackQueen · 05/10/2022 20:00

If his hearing test has come back normal, I wouldn’t be too concerned.

Does he go to any toddler groups? There might be free ones run by your local authority?

Not all toddlers are boisterous, he sounds like a content and happy baba based on how you’ve described him tbh.

skkyelark · 07/10/2022 21:16

The lack of interaction would bother me, and that's probably what I would highlight to the health visitor (and then the GP, if the health visitor didn't take me seriously. Dad also coming to the GP appointment can be another way to increase the odds they'll take you seriously). Even a quiet, calm toddler usually wants quite a lot of interaction with their primary caregivers – even at times when they're playing independently, they might look to you for praise, follow you from room to room, etc., and I don't think many would be able to play independently for anywhere near the whole day.

As PP said, hearing is usually the first thing to check, even if only to rule it out. In some places you can self-refer for a hearing test, so you might be able to get the ball rolling on that now, if you want.

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