Speech

[SleepThief84]

Hi all,

What is the age roughly when I should be expecting DD to speak? She's almost 17 months and doesn't says anything except Mumma and very occasionally Dadda and yes. She babbles quite a bit but nothing clear. She copies noises (I say 'errr, dirty' when I've changed her nappy and she says 'errrr' and pokes out her tongue) but not words.

I am quite certain that she understands everything I say to her, she follows simple instructions (pass dolly to Mummy, have a drink please, would you like some lunch, sit down please, let's read a story - she goes to get a book etc), she shakes her head for no, waves, blows kisses. She also can show you all her own and our facial features when asked and can pick out lots of animals on her books and familiar people in photos. She's obsessed with books, we read together lots and I've always narrated our days so I talk constantly to her and try to leave space for her to reply.

Mostly she just points and makes a 'uh' noise at whatever she wants. When she does this I say 'Would you like the bricks? You would? Here you are then' so I'm trying to help her to learn. I've been having a Google but not found much. Most babies her age seem to have a good range of words by now. I'm a SAHM so I have plenty of time to spend helping her and her whole day is one on one time.

Should I be concerned?

I wouldn't worry if she's understanding as it suggests that her hearing is goid. My dd was similar at that age. her speech exploded just after she was 2. She's nearly 3 now and her speech is off the charts.

There's definitely nothing wrong with her hearing. She hears OHs key in the front door through two closed doors and runs off to meet him!

Lol, I definitely would worry yet. Do you have a 2 year development review as that can be good to discuss the huge ranges of 'normal' with your health visitor

DS is almost 18 months and his vocabulary has exploded in the last month or so. Before then he was very similar to how you describe your DD. Now it's literally new words every single day. Some of my friends' babies of a similar age are way more advanced than him and have been chatting away since 13/14 months and are now stringing basic sentences together (DS definitely isn't doing that yet), others aren't saying much at all, so all sounds very normal.

DS turned two last month and I would say since about 18 months his speech has just exploded. Prior to that he had a few words (mummy, daddy, ball, dog etc) but wasn't really talking. Now you can't shut him up and he speaks in 4-5 word sentences.

I would say your child sounds totally normal.

My son is almost 2 and words have increased dramatically in the last month or two. Until then I was worried like you but I needn't have bothered. Understanding is there the rest will come.

'Talking point' is a good website with info on ages and stages. I can't work out links on my phone but it should come up if you google it. It is linked to the charity 'I can'

No, I wouldn't worry at all she sounds absolutely fine.

I'm reading these and feel a bit reassured. My son is 20 months and has gone back the way and using grunts and points instead of talking. I'm doing all the right things like not asking yes/no questions. He totally understands what I am saying. I'm just worried he's behind.