#asktheexperts My daughter is 1 year 3 months old but she has not started speaking words like mama or papa. is it normal?

A. 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.