#asktheexpert my baby is talking less what to do ?

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Accepted Answer

It's not uncommon for a 17-month-old baby to have a limited vocabulary or to be talking less compared to other children their age. Language development varies greatly among children, and some may start talking later than others. However, there are several things you can do to encourage language development and support your baby's communication skills:

1. **Provide Opportunities for Communication:** Engage in frequent one-on-one interactions with your baby, such as talking, singing, and playing together. Encourage your baby to communicate through gestures, facial expressions, and sounds.

2. **Use Simple Language:** Speak to your baby using simple and clear language, and repeat key words or phrases to reinforce learning. Narrate your daily activities and describe objects and actions to help your baby understand the meaning of words.

3. **Read Together:** Read to your baby regularly and point out pictures in books while naming objects and describing what you see. Choose board books with colorful illustrations and simple texts that are age-appropriate.

4. **Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes:** Sing songs, nursery rhymes, and fingerplays with your baby to introduce new words and sounds in a fun and interactive way. Use exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to enhance engagement.

5. **Encourage Imitation:** Encourage your baby to imitate sounds, words, and actions by modeling speech and play behaviors. Offer praise and positive reinforcement when your baby attempts to communicate or vocalize.

6. **Play with Toys:** Provide your baby with toys that encourage language development, such as blocks, shape sorters, and pretend play sets. Use toys to teach new words, concepts, and actions while engaging in interactive play.

7. **Limit Screen Time:** Minimize your baby's exposure to electronic screens, including television, smartphones, and tablets, as excessive screen time can interfere with language development and social interaction.

8. **Seek Professional Guidance:** If you have concerns about your baby's speech and language development, consult with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for evaluation and guidance. Early intervention services may be recommended if there are significant delays or concerns about communication skills.

Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and it's important to be patient and supportive as your baby learns to communicate. Celebrate small milestones and progress along the way, and continue to provide a nurturing and language-rich environment to support your baby's development.