POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy9 months agoA. At 18 months, it's common for toddlers to be speaking only a few words or a few sounds. Each child develops speech at their own pace, but some general guidelines can help:
1. Speech Development Milestones:
By 12 months: Your baby may start saying a few words like "mama" or "dada."
By 18 months: Some children might have a vocabulary of 5–10 words. Others may not yet speak many words but can still understand more than they can say.
By 2 years: Most children have a vocabulary of 50–100 words and start to combine two words into short phrases (e.g., "more milk").
2. Factors Affecting Speech Development:
Hearing: Ensure your child can hear well, as hearing issues can affect speech development.
Environment: Children who are exposed to more verbal interactions tend to develop language skills faster. Talking, reading, and singing to your child helps.
Bilingualism: If your child is exposed to more than one language, it can sometimes take a bit longer to start talking as they process both languages.
3. What to Watch For:
If your child is not using any words by 18 months or showing no interest in communication (such as pointing, babbling, or trying to imitate sounds), it could be worth discussing with your pediatrician.
If your child isn’t following simple instructions (like “come here” or “give me the toy”), it might be an indicator of delayed language skills.
If you have concerns about your daughter’s speech development, it's always a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. Early intervention, when necessary, can make a significant difference.
Sources:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Milestones of speech and language development.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Developmental milestones for speech.
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