#asktheexpert What shout I do for late speech of my baby boy

A. If your baby boy has delayed speech, early intervention is important. The approach depends on his age and current communication skills. ✅ First, Check These Speech Milestones ✔️ By 12 months: Says “mama,” “dada,” and simple words. ✔️ By 18 months: Can say at least 10-20 words. ✔️ By 2 years: Uses two-word phrases (e.g., “want milk”). ✔️ By 3 years: Can form small sentences and is understood by others. If your child is behind these milestones, here’s how you can help: 🗣️ 1️⃣ Encourage Speech Development 🔹 Talk More: Describe daily activities ("Now we wear shoes," "Let’s eat apple"). 🔹 Ask Simple Questions: “What is this?” (pointing at objects). 🔹 Use Gestures: Show expressions, point, and encourage responses. 🔹 Read Books Daily: Picture books with simple words help a lot. 🔹 Sing Nursery Rhymes: Repetitive songs improve speech naturally. 🔹 Limit Screen Time: Too much TV/mobile reduces verbal interaction. 🎲 2️⃣ Activities to Boost Speech ✔️ Play with Sounds: Imitate animal sounds (“Moo,” “Baa”) to encourage him to copy. ✔️ Name Objects: While playing, say “ball,” “car,” “apple” and encourage repetition. ✔️ Blowing & Bubble Play: Strengthens mouth muscles needed for speech. ✔️ Use Flashcards: Show pictures and say the names slowly. 🚨 3️⃣ When to See a Speech Therapist? 🔸 By 2 years – If he says fewer than 50 words or doesn’t combine two words. 🔸 By 3 years – If he’s not making sentences or people outside family can’t understand him. 🔸 If he doesn’t respond to his name, avoids eye contact, or only points instead of talking. A pediatrician or speech therapist can help check hearing, tongue movement, or developmental delays if needed. Let me know your child's exact age and speech level, and I can guide you better! 😊