my 16 month baby is speaking few words only, from what age she will start speaking

A. It's common for 16-month-olds to have a limited vocabulary, as language development varies widely among children. Here’s a general timeline and some tips for encouraging speech development: ### **Typical Language Development Timeline** - **12-15 Months**: Many children start to say a few words and understand simple commands. - **16-18 Months**: Vocabulary usually expands to 10-20 words. Some children might combine words into simple phrases. - **18-24 Months**: Vocabulary growth accelerates, and children typically start forming two-word phrases and sentences. - **2 Years**: Most children have a vocabulary of 50-100 words and use simple sentences. ### **Encouraging Speech Development** 1. **Talk to Your Child**: Engage in conversations with your child throughout the day. Describe what you’re doing, name objects, and ask simple questions. 2. **Read Together**: Read books regularly and point out and name pictures. Encourage your child to mimic words and phrases. 3. **Sing Songs and Rhymes**: Songs and nursery rhymes with repetitive phrases help with language learning. 4. **Encourage Imitation**: Play games that involve imitating sounds, words, and actions. 5. **Limit Screen Time**: Engage in face-to-face interactions rather than screen time, which is less interactive and can delay speech development. 6. **Provide Opportunities for Social Interaction**: Playdates or group activities with other children can encourage verbal communication. ### **When to Seek Professional Help** - **Limited Vocabulary**: If your child has fewer than 10 words by 18 months or is not using simple phrases by 24 months. - **Difficulty Understanding**: If there are concerns about understanding and following simple instructions. - **Hearing Issues**: If you suspect your child might have hearing problems, as this can impact speech development. ### **Conclusion** Each child develops language skills at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, discussing them with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist can provide additional guidance and support.