#asktheexperts - baby is still drooling frequently. What is the cause and what can be done ? Also he speaks only few words but understand all things of what we say. How can we improve his speech?

Question

Accepted Answer

Frequent drooling and limited speech development are common concerns for many parents. Here’s an overview of both topics and how you can address them:

Frequent Drooling

Causes:

1. Teething: Drooling is often associated with teething, as babies produce more saliva to help ease the discomfort of emerging teeth.

2. Developmental Stage: At around 1 year, babies are still developing their oral motor skills, which can result in increased drooling.

3. Mouth Breathing: If a baby is congested or has nasal issues, they may breathe through their mouth, leading to more drooling.

What Can Be Done:

Teething Remedies: If teething is the cause, provide teething toys or cold washcloths for your baby to chew on. Consult your pediatrician for appropriate pain relief if needed.

Regular Wiping: Gently wipe your baby’s mouth to keep the area dry and prevent skin irritation.

Hydration: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated, as saliva production can increase with teething.

Consult a Doctor: If drooling seems excessive or is accompanied by other symptoms (like rash, fever, or difficulty swallowing), consult your pediatrician for evaluation.

Improving Speech Development

Encouraging Speech:

1. Talk to Your Baby: Engage your baby in conversation throughout the day. Describe what you’re doing, name objects, and ask questions to encourage interaction.

2. Read Together: Reading age-appropriate books aloud can help expose your baby to new words and sounds. Choose books with colorful pictures and simple text.

3. Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes: Singing can enhance language skills and make learning fun. Use hand gestures or actions to make it interactive.

4. Play Together: Playtime can be a great opportunity to encourage speech. Use toys that stimulate conversation, like dolls, animals, or cars, and narrate their actions.

5. Repeat Words: When your baby tries to say a word or makes sounds, repeat what they say and expand on it. For example, if they say "dog," you can respond with, "Yes, that's a big dog!"

6. Limit Screen Time: While some educational programs can be beneficial, interactive communication with caregivers is much more effective for speech development.

7. Be Patient: Every child develops at their own pace. If your baby understands language but speaks only a few words, that can be typical at this age.

When to Seek Help

If you have concerns about your baby's speech development (e.g., if they are not saying any words by 15-18 months or are not imitating sounds), it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for further evaluation and guidance.

Conclusion

Drooling is often a normal part of development, especially related to teething, and improving speech skills can be encouraged through interaction and engagement. Regular communication and engaging activities will support your baby’s speech development over time.