POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy12 months agoA. It's common for children to start saying their first words, like "mama" or "papa," around 12 to 18 months of age. However, there is a wide range of normal when it comes to language development, and some children may take a little longer to begin speaking.
### What to Look For:
1. **Understanding**: Does your daughter seem to understand simple commands or words, even if she isn’t speaking yet? This is a good sign of healthy language development.
2. **Babbling and Sounds**: If she is making sounds, babbling, or pointing to things to express her needs, she may be in the early stages of developing language.
3. **Interaction**: If she responds to her name, makes eye contact, and engages with people around her, these are positive indicators of communication development.
### Encouraging Speech:
- **Talk to her often**: Narrate what you’re doing, name objects, and engage her in conversation.
- **Read to her**: Reading books with pictures and talking about them can help build her vocabulary.
- **Use simple words**: Repeat words like "mama," "papa," or names of familiar objects during playtime.
### When to Be Concerned:
If by 18 months she still isn’t using any words, or if you notice a lack of understanding or responsiveness to sounds, it may be a good idea to consult a pediatrician. They might recommend a hearing test or an evaluation by a speech therapist.
For now, continue providing a language-rich environment, and remember that every child develops at their own pace.
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