My 16 month old twins are not forming full words yet, should I be concerned? They say mama, dada and other small syllable words.

Kelley - posted on 05/26/2009

Don't worry every child develops differently, especially when it comes to talking....I have a 4 1/2 year old, and he said very little and then one day he was talking in full sentences, and of course being a special ed teacher. I read into every little thing! My daughter is pretty much a the same point a few words here and there. She is definitely trying to say more, but it all isn't very clear. If your twins understand what you are saying and are responding to your words...that is great! The talking will come! Hey my son won't stop talking and at one point I was worried!

Allison - posted on 05/26/2009

My 17 month old twins don't say alot of words that I understand but they talk to each other like they are carring on their own conversation. I know alot of people say they should be speaking so many words but I know they will get there in their own time. They do understand when I ask them to get me something.

Sanober - posted on 05/26/2009

My son, a 17 months old speaks 4-5 words. I thinks language development varies and one should not worry till the child is 3 and doesnt talk well..

Melissa - posted on 05/24/2009

My son is 17-months today and barely says words. I know he understands alot of words though. My older son was a delayed speaker...now at 12...he doesn't stop talking.

Bridget - posted on 05/22/2009

My son is the same. He says Mama, Dada and 'nana for banana, but that's it right now He does quite a bit of pointing and I know he understands a lot. If you ask him where the fan is, or a tree or Mickey Mouse or something, he will point to them. If you ask him to bring something to Mommy or Daddy, he will. He babbles and talks a lot, but no new words for the last couple of months. I am surprised he doesn't speak more because my daughter is going to be 3 next month and she quite literally does not stop talking from the time she wakes up until the time she goes to sleep.

Crystal - posted on 05/22/2009

girls definitely speak earlier and clearer than boys.... I have a 17month old and he knows words - just chooses when to say them... right now he loves saying Duck.... but Daddy hasn't been said in weeks. I did read an article the other day that said singing and talking with them while they watch themselves and you in a mirror helps them learn how to form their mouth to make certain sounds.

Cari - posted on 05/21/2009

My 17month old son is doing the same right now too. I've been told that as long as you see them understanding and having good cognition skills (Say "look up" and they do or "Shut the door" and they do) then they may just be a delayed speaker. Boys typically speak slower then girls. Binkie usually can also delay speach. Hope that helps!

Jen - posted on 05/21/2009

They should know about 5-10 words by 18 months. If they say mama and dada to the correct person then you can count them as words. When kids first start talking they will only use one and two syllable words. Encourage them with picture books to tell you what is on the page. My daughter loves the touch and feel books. There is only one object on a page so it's easier to teach a new word each day. All the words are simple and easy to pick up on (ball, cat, dog, car, baby, etc.). Always talk to them as if they were preschoolers, they understand more than you think. Good Luck.