Help with 20M old toddler learning words

[McNicola]

Hi all, has anyone got any advice or tips on helping a toddler learn words? My DS only has probably about 10 words (if that) and other kids seem to have way more than this. We read to him and talk at him constantly but he just doesn't seem to remember them. His understanding is excellent, so I'm not overly worried, but it would be great if he could learn a few more words as a lot of his frustrations at the moment seem to be around communication.

You could try pairing key words you think he might want to say or find useful with the makaton sign/baby sign – you do the sign at the same time as saying the word. Then he can potentially sign for what he wants until he can say it (or do both at the same time, but that can still help you work out whether 'buh' is bus or bird or banana).