17m, no words

[crazymuseummumtobe]

My 17m DS hasn't said any words yet. He babbles, and has Ba, Ma and Da sounds. This week it's mainly high pitched screeching...

NHS website suggests toddlers should have 20 words by 18m. I'm starting to get a bit worried that he's got a delay of some kind.

He's walking, very healthy, no other issues. We talk to him constantly, lots of books too, labeling everything we see or use, etc.

Should I raise this with the HVs or not worry too much just yet? Thanks.

I'd say do raise it with Health VIsitor. I'd suggest that you push for a hearing test at first, the waiting lists can be very long so best to ask asap.

Some kids do just speak a bit later than others. My DS didn't speak until 3 yo and was diagnosed with a severe speech disorder at 4 years old, but most kids will just develop speech naturally, some take a bit longer.

I'd also suggest that you look at iCan website, they have a speech checker and good resources for parents. ican.org.uk/services-to-support-children/changing-the-conversation/

The other thing is to really look at how you speak to your DS (not that I think parents are to 'blame' for later speech, but some kids need a bit more of a push). Try to use very short sentences such as 'Look, red bus. Bus. Red bus. Big red bus.' YOu will feel silly at first, but it does help.

Instead of asking 'are you hungry would you like something to eat?' just say 'Food - mmmmmm - food'.

A good word I have found to start with is the word 'more'. When giving him food, keep on using the word 'more' and 'more food' every time you give him food, the sounds 'm' is quite easy to make so he will probably try to say at least 'mmmmm' then try 'mo'.

Anyway, sorry about the decertation. Let me know if you would like more tips.

Understanding is more important than words at this age. My DS was exactly the same, could say the odd clear word, but certainly not 20 at 18 months. Even as he approached 2 this year, he wasn't saying much. His understanding, however was great, he could follow instructions, look at what I pointed to, find body parts etc. Then literally a week after he turned two, he was saying new words everyday and now doesn't stop talking or asking questions. They all get there eventually in their own time.

I mentioned it at the health visitor appointment and she said unless I have a concern about his hearing or understanding, they aren't worried and wouldn't do much until he went to school.

Obviously praise him if he makes any sound - and every time he tries to say something. Give him time to answer.

THe other game to play with more is when you blow bubbles. So you blow bubbles, say 'pop' every time he pops them, wait a bit and say 'more' and 'more bubbles' (wait a few seconds there, it creates expectations and he might have a go at saying 'more') then blow some more bubbles.

It's about thinking about little games where you can create space for him to come up with his words.

Pffft. Really don't worry about it. None of mine had any words by that stage, I don't think. Now none of them will stop talking.

Walking at one, talking at two.

Mine didn't say anything, exploded into full sentences just after their second birthday. AND. HAVENT. STOPPED. SINCE.

@Curioushorse

Pffft. Really don't worry about it. None of mine had any words by that stage, I don't think. Now none of them will stop talking.

This.

Thanks @QwertyGirly. My sister is a speech therapist (though she's works in a slightly different area now), and said the same about short sentences, repeating words, and focusing on 'more' too. I have wondered about hearing... You can say his name 5 or 6 times and he'll not react... But if I say 'lunch' or 'Let's go in the buggy', he's right there! Is selective hearing a real thing?! 😂 I'll give the HVs a bell, thank you.

No harm in a quick chat with the health visitor, but just to reassure you, my DS2 was late to talk (he didn't really have many words until 2yo) and he's now a bright articulate 11yo.

My daughter didn’t speak a word until she turned three. By three three years and four months she was speaking completely fluently.
She was referred at two for hearing tests and speech therapy because she wasn’t speaking yet. (These proved to be utterly useless in our case). Definitely speak to your health visitor but don’t be frightened and convince yourself there is anything wrong x

Ahhh thanks, everyone - so can't replies so quickly! I think his understanding is there, maybe he just doesn't feel the need to articulate yet! After all, he gets exactly what he needs when he needs it, he's our main job!
Thanks, everyone.

Experienced a similar thing and it was tough because my niece is the same age and her language skills developed really quickly, she’s very chatty. The nursery my kid goes to called attention to it too at around 16 months as she was moving up into the next group but they were so great about it and really alleviated my worries, said that most kids are ‘either walkers or talkers’ and that the key is just constant repetition of words and using words properly (I.e. dog instead of doggie).

BUT, Trust your instincts and if you’re still worried see the HV, it certainly won’t do any harm :)

Does he point, wave or use other gestures?

DS1 was a very early talker. DS2 hardly spoke at 2 and developed a stutter at 3. It was hard to work out what was normal with DS2 because DS1 talked so early.

I'd say if there are still issues at two, then push to get them checked. With DS2, he had speach therapy but largely outgrew the stammer with little intervention. He's 6 now.

DS didn’t have any words when he turned two - we were a bit worried and he had his hearing tested bit was fine. At about 3 months past his second birthday he suddenly just could speak. It was nuts, he went from almost nothing to full sentences.

Oh and the selective hearing was a thing for us! The health visitor said that actually - told us to test his reaction to “would you like an ice cream” rather than “come here and clean your teeth” 🤔

My 16 month old doesn’t say anything, she rarely babbles and has never said mama or dada. I worry so much, especially as I spend so much time talking with her - narrating the day, using short sentences and repetitive words - nothing.
If she wants to go somewhere she grabs my hand and takes me there, she points at things or gestures to her mouth if she wants food/drink.

My eldest only said maybe 6 words before her second birthday and then she turned 2and boom everyday there were new words. She is 5 and talks for 13hours a day. Her baby brother has an amazing vocabulary for his age (not 2 yet) but that is what happens when you have lockdown with an elder sibling who talks constantly. 😂

I wouldn't worry too much.
My son is 23 months and is only just saying more words.

I do glance at milestones but I don't tend to live by them as I think all children are different.

I was a bit worried when he didn't say much but I thought to myself why? He's just a baby. He's saying more now and understood a lot at that age. It's almost like he was taking it all in before he said it. Now when he says something it's very clear and you can understand exactly what he is saying.