Super anxious about my 3 year olds speech

[Deeniyo]

My DD is 3 years old and I’m really worried about her speech. She can say a few very simple sentences which only I would understand. There are times when she will say something and it just sounds like babbling. She can say quite a few words but again not very clear and all ddd sounding so ball would be dall- ok is oday- Apple is daddle- 234 is doo dee dow. She was also slightly behind in her welcom check at age 2 and I’ve decided to contact Hv as I’m not sure if she needs further support with her speech. I’m in the process of getting another welcom check completed for her but I’m sure it’s will be the same as when she was 2 which is still that she’s behind. I’m doing a lot of things with her like play- repeating what she has said to me- trying to get her used to phonics which is proving difficult. She also goes daycare 3 afternoons a week and they keep saying she’ll get there but I feel like they’ve been saying for the past year. Just wondering if anyone’s gone through this with their child and if there’s been any improvements a few years down the line (just to ease my own anxieties)and if there’s anyone going through something similar. Just to add she has siblings whose speech was well advanced by the time they were 2 but I’m really struggling with my DD.

I had one whose speech was advanced and then I had DD who was the polar opposite.

I think you're right to seek some support.

Is she just 3 or nearer 3.5?

She will be turning 3 in about 2 weeks time.

If it's 'just' speech then with some patience things should start to pick up with or without help but are there any other concerns about play or understanding ? Sorry to ask but Speech is the icing on the developmental cake and you need to look at the cake first ! But speaking in simple sentences albeit not clear sounds good

Her play and understanding is right for her age and seems to be doing well in those areas. It is mainly speech, she is able to say certain simple sentences but a lot of is very D sounding and no use of other sounds m p b o v f are all the letters she can’t start words with so tends to be replaced with D. I am hoping that with a bit more time and patience she will get there but it’s also one of those where I would like to get the support in place now to prevent it affecting other development areas later down the line. But you are right that maybe not to push too much and be a little patient.

That all sounds very encouraging - maybe just model back the correct pronunication for now and make a game of it til her speech gets clearer. If you are still worried later you can ask for more help