My baby doesnt 'talk'

[jerin]

My little one is 8 months - 6 months corrected - and doesnt 'talk'. He never went thru the coo coo phase. He makes noises from his throat but not often. About a month ago he started blowing thru his lips making a boo sound but now nothing again. Am I just worrying too early? I try to encourage him to talk - anyone any ideas or advice? By the way he has only just learnt to roll over and can only go from back to front so far. He has also just started sitting supporting himself for a few seconds. Is his development ok or should I be getting worried? He's my first and so not really sure.... Thanks a lot xx

Does he make eye contact? Do you play games like peek-a-boo? Communication at this age is about more than vocalising.

Can't remember when DS started babbling, but I think 6 months is pretty early.

He sounds fine to me. Some babies do make more noise than others. Does he startle to sudden noises? What about if a door slams, does he turn to where it is? Does he follow you with his eyes? Is he smiling?

All of those things are indicative of hearing and eyesight abilities. Obviously, if there was an issue with his hearing, he would be less inclined to make noises in response, but he should have had his newborn hearing screen.

WRT rolling, sounds like he is doing great. My 10 (9 months corrected) month old still only rolls if it suits her, and hasn't started crawling yet.

thanks - yeah he smiles, giggles, watches me all the time. he had his hearing checked in SCBU and didnt highlight any probs. We play peek a boo lots - he giggles.
HV got me real worried as he crosses his ankles/feet and can be a sign of cerebral palsy. I'm now watching every move thinking its not right. dont see his consultant for 2 weeks and thats just routine check

His communication skills sound fine

Sorry the HV has been worrying you - maybe ask your consultant about further checks for CP? No experience there I'm afraid.

Hi Jerin - my ds is also coming up to 8 months but is 6 months corrected and he still doesn't talk yet although loves blowing raspberries and making a really frustrated grrrr noise. I think babbling should occur between 6-9 months so it's still early days. I was worrying myself silly because up until two weeks ago he couldn't roll or lift up his head but all of sudden he's now rolling all over the place and trying to crawl, although can't sit yet! It sounds like your lo is fine. Has he had his developemental 6 month check yet? I think some babies just seem to take their own sweet time with developing - it's just because they were prem that we worry more about it.

When babies are prem ,they don't always catch up straight away. They may be the same age as another baby who was full term, but they won't be doing the same things. He will do everything, but just a little later

Thanks everyone. Feel much better now.

Beachbunni - my DS only started turning over a week ago and sat for a few seconds supporting himself with his arms last week. he only turns over and cant get back yet. I didnt know they have a 6 month check. HV said she'd do 8 month check in 2 months. But I asked her to check his hips and she said he has good muscle tone. It was just the comment about having his feet/ankles crossed.
Today he's been trying hard to copy me but no sounds come out - he does blow raspberries tho (or was a couple of weeks ago) and grrrs when he's annoyed!

Callum is 8 months now, 6.5 months corrected and he has only just started 'talking' and rolling too. He can sit for a few seconds, but I am not worried yet... sounds like your Ds is doing ok

He sounds bright as a button! I can't remember my (genius) dc attempting to copy what I was saying to them at 8 months old! Don't worry!

I'm not sure if the 6 month check is standard, I assumed it was just - although my ds had IUGR as well so maybe that's the reason he had the 3 and 6 month check with the hospital ped. God, don't listen to the HV. I can't remember the amounts of times mine's freaked me out and referred my ds to the doctor over things. The when I go to the doc he looks at me like I'm a silly, overprotective mummy who's wasting his time.