#asktheexperts my baby not started speaking

A. It’s natural to feel concerned if your baby hasn’t started speaking yet, but speech development varies widely among children. At 17 months, some babies may only be saying a few words or none at all. There are several things you can try to encourage language development, but it’s also worth considering whether there are any other developmental concerns. Here’s some guidance to help support your child’s speech progress. First, create a language-rich environment at home. Talk to your baby throughout the day, narrating your activities, and try using simple language to describe what’s happening. Reading books together, singing songs, and pointing out objects around the house are all ways to build familiarity with words. Babies often pick up language best through repetition, so hearing common words and phrases frequently can help them learn at their own pace. Encourage engagement in conversation-like exchanges. Even if your baby isn’t forming words, respond to any sounds or gestures they make, as this can help them learn conversational cues. Babies often begin to pick up words once they feel confident in back-and-forth interaction, even through sounds and expressions. Praising any effort they make to communicate, whether it’s babbling or gestures, can boost their confidence to keep trying. Finally, if you still feel concerned, or if your baby has other developmental delays (like trouble with eye contact or responding to their name), consider discussing it with a pediatrician. Early intervention with a speech therapist can provide effective support if needed, but often children simply need more time, as every child develops at their own unique pace.