My son is going to 2 year on coming April. But still speak very less .. only mama papa

What to do ? Should wait for more time or consult doctor

Question

My son is going to 2 year on coming April. But still speak very less .. only mama papa

What to do ? Should wait for more time or consult doctor

Accepted Answer

It's natural to be concerned about your child's speech development, especially as they approach two years old. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones to keep an eye on.

Speech Milestones for 2-Year-Olds:

At 2 years old, most children typically have a vocabulary of around 50 words and start combining two to three words into simple sentences.

They may also be able to follow simple instructions like "come here" or "give me the ball."

What You Can Do:

1. Encourage Communication:

Talk to him often: Narrate your day or describe what you're doing ("Now I'm putting on your shoes. Let's go outside!").

Read to him daily: Choose simple picture books and talk about the images. Ask him questions even if he can't answer yet.

2. Limit Screen Time:

Excessive screen time can sometimes hinder language development. Encourage more face-to-face interaction, play, and communication.

3. Expand on His Words:

When he says "mama" or "papa," try to expand on it: "Yes, mama is here," or "Papa is going to work now." This helps him learn more words and concepts.

4. Create a Stimulating Environment:

Play together, sing songs, and engage in activities like playing with toys that encourage naming things, like dolls, animals, or cars.

When to Consider Seeing a Doctor:

If your child doesn't seem to understand simple commands or appears to have difficulty hearing.

If there's no progress in speech after several months (for example, still only using "mama" and "papa" without adding other words or sounds).

If your child has difficulty with social interaction (like not making eye contact, not responding to their name).

Consulting a Pediatrician or Speech Therapist:

If you're concerned, it can be helpful to consult your pediatrician. They may evaluate your child's speech and hearing and recommend a referral to a speech therapist if needed. Early intervention is beneficial for language development, but every child is different, so don't panic if your child is on a different timeline than others.

In the meantime, keep supporting his communication and be patient as he continues to grow and develop.