Son not speaking yet

[Passthebrownsauce]

My youngest son is 21 months old and is still not speaking yet - should I be worried? When is the latest that a child starts saying their first words? We are a bi-lingual household.

My two were the same. They walked at 9 months
so early walkers but late talkers. Both never really started talking until they were 2 years old. They caught up and get ‘exceeding’ for communication at school with all other subjects. Babies develop at different rates. I wouldn’t worry at all at this stage.

Does he say mama or dada? A couple of words or animal sounds are enough.
Do you stick carefully to one person one language? Otherwise it can be difficult for bilingual kids.
Don’t let people tell you that bilingual kids talk later, it has been found to be incorrect. You just have to count all the words across all the languages. For example, if he knows dog and chien, that counts for two words, not one.

Do you talk to the baby? Does the baby communicate back - in gurgles or any sounds?

How is his understanding? My son is also 21 mo and has about 10 words. However he follows instructions, identifies animals and colours, and can comminicate that way so there's no concern.

Apparently bilingual children tend to start speaking later, too. So if he understands things then I wouldn't worry. If he doesn't, then probably contact your HV for advice

Thanks for your replies 😊
I do understand that babies develop at different rates, but just wondering at what stage should I begin to worry? He has zero words, just noises! He does understand what I say to him though, he points to things to comunicate what he wants and he looks at me when I speak to him, and is now beginning to get into books. My older son began speaking earlier and by 21 months was saying mamma, car, ball, bus, more, animal noises etc.