talking at 17 1/2 months

Erin - posted on 04/22/2011

My son is 18 months old and he two has words he uses everyday... but he only usese them once... he hasn't said full senctence yet like...I want my mum... he just says mum...it think that children all develope at there own paste and that just like walking they will talk when ready... my son Is very bright... but not yet talking... if you have concerns maybe take him to a speech therphy (Spelt wrong). or doctor... Some I think its normarl... just don't worry... believe me once they start talking they will not stop... Thats what my mum said about me... so just let him go at his own paste.

TK - posted on 07/13/2010

My little girl is almost 18 1/2 months old now. She says very little words on a regular basis. She burbles and garbles and all that other stuff a lot though. It is sometimes frustrating that she won't repeat words that we say just the sounds she finds odd/funny. I'm not really worried because I know from experience that it doesn't seem like they are going to do something (crawling, walking etc) and then they do it. She is smaller for her age but is very on the go and climbing everything. She loves trying to figure things out (like trying to get into the cupboards which she has figured out unfortunately).

By the way please try not to reply to a post that you don't like. It makes the whole thread negative and I don't think any one wants that. If a post really bothers you then flag it so that the admin or myself can look at it. I don't like negative posts either but in the case of the one here which you guys don't seem to like I don't think is that bad. She just stated her opinion in and she only did it once. The real problems occur when they repeat negative things and or an argue starts. But we are all entitled to an opinion.

Jenna - posted on 07/12/2010

My daughter is 19mos and talks constantly. She will repeat anything you say and keep it in her vocab and repeat it when necessary, even in sentences. My Nephew who was born just over a month before her is doing the same thing your little one . He has a certain amount of words that he uses daily and some words that he will repeat but rarely use. You don't seem to "worried" about it just curious! And this is a perfect example of every child, girl or boy is completely different.

Sharyn - posted on 07/01/2010

My daughter is 19 months old and she and i have conversations all the time, Me in english and her in baby babble, but she loves it, and expresses with her hands and arms and her head when she talks .... god only knows what she's saying but i like to make her feel like shes being paid attention to and it encourages her to talk to us.

Lyndsey - posted on 06/25/2010

My son does the same thing. I think they know words and what they want to say, but they are so busy doing other things that talking isn't really what they are worried about. It's good that they talk at all :) and soon they will not shut up!

Susan - posted on 06/09/2010

Aiden's daily list is almost the same (including Anna...his big sister!) Add to the Oh Geez! and Please. He has said a lot of other things, but it seems like a lot of his words go in ebbs and flows....he will say something over and over again for a few weeks and then stop using a word. He does however ALWAYS get his point across. If he wants a drink, he will bring you his diaper bag, if he wants to go outside, he will take you by the hand and walk to the door. If he wants a snack, he will lead you to the cabinet where they are kept. I'm not worried, because he's number four, and all the other ones learned how to form sentences just fine, so I know he will too!

Kelli - posted on 06/08/2010

I wouldn't worry, my 17 month old twins hardly say anything!! Maybe 1 or 2 words and that's it!

Lisa - posted on 06/08/2010

Angel, I'm no expert but my daughter is the same age (12/14/08) and is exactly the same way as was my first daughter (now age 3) ... perfectly normal. Absolutely nothing to worry about... Soon enough you will miss these "quiet" times (now I can't keep my 3 year old quiet! She talks constantly!) :)
~ Lisa

Jeanne - posted on 06/07/2010

My twin boys (12.07.08) will often learn a word, saying it only once or twice to sound it out, and then not repeat it again for weeks. I've read that at @ 18 months, babies can learn up to ten words a day. That's a lot to process. And in the case of my sons, I think they get a little self-conscious spouting out words they don't think they've mastered. In fact, I catch them practicing new words in their rooms while they're going to sleep at night. It could be that your little one is just not ready to show off his vocabulary yet. But from your list of words, it sounds like he's right on track.

Rebecca - posted on 06/07/2010

My son can say a lot of words but prefers to use his own made up language. He won't talk in front of people he doesn't know well, just jabber. He uses small senteces at home and at Nana and Papa's. He surprises us all the time. Lucas was born 12-13-08. I won't hear a word he has said before for a while and he is always coming out with new ones. Our son's sound a lot alike lol. He is ahead in all the things he can do but he is small for his age. He does funny things like spin in circles and walk around with his eyes closed lol. He climbs on everything and wants to know how everything works, and knows the uses for most things. Very smart little boy. They are just so much fun watching them learn and grow. I love being a Mommy!!!

Elsie - posted on 06/07/2010

My son says the same basic words, i also taught him to meow like a cat, he says her name, priscilla, but it sounds like pisilla LOL he says woof woof and he's obsessed with saying hi lately which is cute and scary when he says it to every single person he sees or car that goes by, because.. they're strangers but, it so cute =) It's always interesting to see how other babies are developing, but i saw a comment that was so true, it's fun to teach them, but remember they don't go back, soon you're going to want to put him on mute! hehehe have fun with it though, a way to get him to say more words is trying to get him to say the names of items he wants, say the name a few times when you reach for it, eventually start saying what? what do you want? this? what's this? like that, try it maybe it will work for you! ♥

Shontel - posted on 06/07/2010

Wow, my daughters birthday is the same day and she acts the same exact way right now. I used to think my mind was playing tricks on me when she would say something to me because one day she would say it and then the next day she wouldn't but my mother and grandmother put those thoughts to rest when they experienced the same thing with her. She jabbers all day long and always has a response to whatever you say to her whether you understand her or not. I just think its a stage that they are in... or maybe I just know how to talk baby or something. IDK. Its cute though.

Erin - posted on 06/05/2010

Definitely! I don't have time to go down the list but G mimicked us and said "uh oh" ( i still think I hallucinated) sometime LAST summer and then I didn't hear it again for at least 6 months. He used to say "shoe" about 50 times a day and hasn't said it in probably 5 months, not a single time. I think when they're learning to speak they get very focused on learning the new words, using the ones that they want or need to, and they just file away the ones they're already comfortable with and don't think they have a use for. It's definitely frustrating, but i've seen the same pattern in my friend's children before I had G. It sounds like he's doing fabulous!

Michelle - posted on 06/04/2010

May daughter Aaralyn says about the same as you listed in the original post. She does the same thing as your little one, says a word once or twice then drops it:o) I'm not worried about it:o) In fact today all she would say was "Chelsea" which is our dogs name and "Jaxson" which is the name of a little boy in my home daycare. Everytime I wanted her to say anything else she would just look at me with the adorable yet evil smirk and shake her head! Gotta love children:o)

Shawnali - posted on 06/04/2010

My son (12/25/08) has spoken a few words but why bother his 3 year old brother (05/02/07) gets him whatever he points too. The only words he constantly uses are mommom, dad, brother, Sasha our dog, and of course Mine which I am sure he learned from older brother. Im not pushing the talking my 3 year old never shuts up, so I will enjoy the few words while it lasts.

Tara - posted on 06/03/2010

My daughter (12/15/08) has a very large vocabulary. When she was 9-11 months she would say words like hello, aubrey (her name), ducky and other words.... after a couple times of using those words she completely stopped. I felt like she got lazy when talking, she wouldn't pronounce the words properly anymore. She still deals with this with some of her words so I wouldn't worry. I think they will do it when they want to, not when we want them to. Frustrating! :)

Celeste - posted on 06/03/2010

My daughter... same birthday... only says a few words. She started walking and climbing very early. They say when they do one thing early that other things get pushed back... All kids are different. :)

Emily - posted on 06/03/2010

The funniest part is when people post something relatively insulting and spell words wrong like "uppity". If you're going to (try to) put us down, at least spellcheck!
Anyway, you all have far more advanced children! Ha ha, I'm totally kidding and I am soooooooo not worried about my baby, but she was born 12-10-08 and still doesn't speak words too much. She talks ALL the time, but only says Kitty, Daddy, and Mama in English. She tries Hi sometimes, but I don't think she likes the way the H feels on her mouth. We're trying to get her to say Please next (HA!). I'm completely not worried - she's the sweetest little thing and I'm going to miss her language when she starts talking ours. We should probably make her use her "words" more, but her own words are so much cuter than ours :)

Laura - posted on 06/03/2010

Evelyn does this same thing. She has a vocabulary of about 35 words (we write every new word as she says it), but she only uses "no," "toes," "cup," "baby," "dad," "mom," "cookie," and a couple of others on a daily basis. WTE says this is normal, and my ped agrees, so we aren't worried. New words just probably get boring for your little one.

Lynn - posted on 06/02/2010

i don't think most of the people on here are worried. All of you need to chill and relax and stop jumping all over each other. They are here just to chat and have a support system. That is all nothing more and nothing less. Isn't that what this site is about? I am sure they are aware that all children develop and grow differently. I have 4 they were all at different ages for everything. If you don't tlike what people put on here then maybe you should just not come to the site anymore. .... or just keep your negative opinions to yourself. For some this might be there only source of information and they don't need people like any of you making them feel like they are over reacting. So just stop the petty nonsense and let them put what they want to!!!

Kimberly - posted on 06/01/2010

My daughter born 12-22-2008 has far fewer words and she is speech therapy for her feeding issues and her therapist has no problems with her vocabulary.
1.Mama
2.Dada
3.Nana
4.Ball
5.More
6.Yea
7.Uh Huh
8.Nuh Uh
9.Bye Bye
10.Hi
That is all that she says and they are all pretty consistant except ball that one you really have to work for and it is only if she wants to. As long as you know that they can talk then you should not worry. They will talk when they are ready and it seems to me that your little is doing quite well and it very far ahead of the game. Let him plateau where he is and focus on something else like maybe gross motor or fine motor. My daughters therapist is working with her on following simple directions like push and putting stuff in and taking stuff out.

Daisy - posted on 06/01/2010

My son is a super chatter but I don't understand half of what he is saying though I like to believe it means something hahaha... I think babies try things on and then take a break and go back to them my son seems to do that one day he will say something all day and then dad gets home and boom gone I feel so silly trying to get my boy to tell his dad what he told me... Then days or even weeks will go past and out it will pop again.. My son did that with walking too. He started walking at 12 months then stopped for about a month maybe more then one day just started walking again it was the strangest thing... And I know some day his babbling will become lots and lots and lots of whys so for now I will stick with the, what's that, n that questions hahaha

Melissa - posted on 06/01/2010

I have two very bright, very verbal nephews (now 10 and 12). Neither one said much until they were nearly two. They all have their own timeline for sure, but it is fun to hear other people's experiences! ;-)

Alice - posted on 06/01/2010

My 17.5 month old has much less words than that! Maybe 5 that he uses regularly like mum, dad, Nan, yes, No and sometimes ta. He babbles a lot tho and asks for things by pointing at them and making grunting noises and tells u he doesn't want something by pushing it away or saying no. I'm not worried yet as I've been working with kids for over 15 yrs and know how different they all are and that at some point when they're ready, their language just takes off and then u can't stop them! Enjoy each stage as it comes!

Sarah - posted on 06/01/2010

My daughter is also 17 months old and has a very similar list of words. My friends without children tease us that she has a few "real" words and then a list of what they call "Mommy and Daddy words" - translation all those words that only her dad, babysitter and I really understand :). Just as you've mentioned she will occasionally come out with a new word or short phrase that we don't hear again. Our favourite was when we called her Grandpa on his birthday and got the answering machine - I prompted her her try saying "happy birthday Grandpa" and we now have a perfect recording of the "happy birthday" much to all of our surprise! She hasn't said it since but at least we now know she know the words.
A friend of ours has a daughter three months older than ours who has been speaking in short sentences since 15 months. She told me that her daughter did the same thing (saying a word once, then not again for ages) and then one day the sentences came together and she hasn't stopped since. It's neat to see how different they all develop so differently, I'm sure we'll all be hearing lots of stories before we know it (that we can fully understand that is)!! Enjoy :)

Melissa - posted on 06/01/2010

We have absolutely experienced this with our daughter. She has maybe about 25, 30 words (Dec 29, 2008) and sometimes says a phrase or new word that we don't hear again for weeks! About 3 months ago, when she only had a couple words, she said, on video, clear as a bell, "good morning." Has never happened again! "I love you" also has been said once, not to be repeated...and there are others. She does seem to have "all done," "all gone," "more mama more," and "yes elmo" down pat. "Yes Elmo" means "go to your computer and play the elmo's ducks song for me right now!"

Lindsey - posted on 06/01/2010

yeah...relax. they are just testing out all the words...why continue to say one when there is a whole world of words to say?

Danielle - posted on 06/01/2010

My 17 mo old also has a long list of words he uses regularly & some we've only heard 1x or 2x. Just the other day, he called my sister's name and I had no idea he could say it! My daughters (now 9 & 7) were both the same way and there were (still are) plenty of time I wish they would be quiet for a few minutes. My 6 year old son, on the other hand, barely spoke because my daughters would speak for him. He also has a speech disorder & would only speak to a few people until about 4 1/2. Now after 3+ years of speech therapy he speaks to everyone & anyone (even though he's still difficult to understand) and I sometimes have trouble remembering when we were praying that he would talk more!

Every child is different & they all do things at their own pace. I know it's difficult not to want to compare our kids to where they 'should be', but just trust your instincts that he's doing fine! Because I also firmly believe that we moms (& dads) usually have a much better idea of if & when something is wrong than anybody else.

Jenn - posted on 06/01/2010

my son is 17 months and doesnt say more than 5 words and they're names, but my daughter did what ur son is doing and before i knew it, she is now 33 months and talking up a storm. i think they only use words when they need to, if ur worried u could ask his pediatrician. i did and he assured me that even my quiet 17 month old now is normal. hope all is well.

Michelle - posted on 06/01/2010

He's doing really good! My son has said a small list too but only hear and there and many only once. I am not sure he knows what they all mean or it he just says them when he hears them. You will be surprised what he will start saying by the time he's 2 :)

Shelby - posted on 05/31/2010

My daughter has a list of 20 words she can say (that we can understand they are words) but only regularly says "hi" "mama" "dad" and "what's that?" She babbles constantly but most of it we can't really get what words she is trying to say. My daycare lady helps and distinguishes some of the words for us.

Natasha - posted on 05/31/2010

I am merely stating my own opinion like the rest of you....sorry for not seeing this as a poblem. I am a straight talking mother who would like to reassure another mother her son's developement is normal without having to compare.

However just as an example of how differnet children are I would like to point out my son started saying "i did it", "where is it", "there it is", "there she is" by 14 months but didnt walk untill he was 16 and a half months old.....the neighbours little boy was walking at 10 months....

Sorry if I offended anyone x

Lynn - posted on 05/31/2010

Wow Heather that is pretty harsh to say....... some parents more then others are just curious as to the devlopment of there child...who are you to judge like that? I am sure they are all aware that each and every child is a different and special gift in there own way.I am sure they are just being curious as to where there child is compared to others It is a natural thing to do. If you feel your child excels so quickly then you don't need to bother with this site. It is really a support system for concerned parents and parents that want to bond and share with each other. That doesn't sound like you. Sad you are so negative, I hope you don't display that to your child or children.

Toni - posted on 05/30/2010

I agree. I don't understand why some feel it necessary to be rude when Mom's are coming onto this site for help, comfort, reassurance or support. We all are different in our thinking and parenting, it's good to have insight from other experienced Moms especially when it's your first child and all is new.

Hilary - posted on 05/30/2010

My son is almost 18 months. He has a list of words he says, and uses the same thing every day! It isn't quite as long and I am super excited for him to learn more. I have a great time learning along with him, and I think its harmless to wonder why he doesn't always use the same words.

Christi - posted on 05/30/2010

he has a very good vocabulary for that age. my son does the same thing. he knows certain words, but rarely uses them. he'll talk about it all when he wants to and when he wants too, you get an earfull, lol.

Louise - posted on 05/29/2010

all our kids are amazing and special and grow at different rates, why is everyone so worried? if Angel wants to talk about her amazing little ones accomplishments then why shouldn't she!!

Beccie - posted on 05/29/2010

Hi. Just ignore the rude posts on here. It is only natural to want to make sure your child is not 'behind the norm' ! My child too at 18 months next week has a very long list of words, but only choses to use a select few regularly. I even spoke to my health visitor because at 12 months he would say loads, even saying (clearly) 'what you doing' and 'up there' etc. Then by 14 months he was only really using up to 10 different words and wasnt putting 2 words together any more. She said not to worry, they tend to focus on one thing at a time, and he had just learnt how to climb properly (onto my coffee table etc lol !) which was probably why. It has only been in the last month that he has suddenly gone mad on talking and will repeat any word me or his dad say. I would worry too much, but if you do then it wouldnt hurt to speak to your health visitor etc when you next see them xx

Natasha - posted on 05/29/2010

personally I have a very long list of words I have used over my 30 years but I really don't need to use them everyday......maybe your child is a normal human being lol......like Sarah said he is just a baby and everyday is a new development I mean it must be very hard work realises new things all the time.

Just chill a little and give him a tickle x

Angel - posted on 05/27/2010

I love how they're all so different...
Jennifer--I am sorry to hear about your lil one, but it's really cool that you're strong and she seems to be very lively and strong as well.

Jennifer - posted on 05/27/2010

i understand where you come from and i agree rude people instead of posting to this post go 2 a different one wow!



As to the subject....my 17 month old suffered from torticolis (stiffened neck muscles) and since 6 months has been involved in therapy (physical,developmental, and now speech) its not that she is behind she actually is at the right levels i just let the lady come because i see it as that is her living and if she teaches my daughter in the process its great but the funny part of all of this is that they all come at diff times throughout the week for at least an hr and have YET to hear my bebe talk!! LoL but soon as the leave...mama..dadda...eat! it is so funny but she doesnt have a large vocabulary as you listed but hey she is getting there and yea we are all unique so we learn at our own speeds!

Angel - posted on 05/26/2010

For those who replied and joined the conversation thank you. For those who replied with somewhat rude and inapproriate answers...why reply? It's not that we're worried they're behind or that our lil ones aren't good enough--some of us don't have friends or anyone else around to talk to that have babies the same age as ours. Sometimes we as mothers just like to hear how other babies are developing. They are all unique but it's noce to hear the stories as well as share them. ♥ I was simply just seeing what other mothers are experiencing when it comes to this. Just simple harmless chat. Afterall, isnt that why were here?

Heather - posted on 05/26/2010

Why are parents so upidy about words? They will talk when they are ready. My son says tons of words constantly but posts like this are ridiculous Im sorry. Some parents may feel tat their child isnt good enough, or they may be behind in their talking just because they dont measure up to other babies. Just let babies devlop in their own ways or ask their doctors if you are concerned.

Amanda - posted on 05/26/2010

haha! my son's everyday words are the same as what's on your list! add kitty, hello, rats (you know, instead of "darn!" say "rats!") tickle, eat and bite (bite and eat were his first words!) he says "take bite" now too.
in my experience, girls say more than boys do at this age. guess it's really not as important to boys to say words, but if you think about it, girls are usually more talkative than boys no matter what age they are!
also, i have found out that he says "water" when he's thirsty. i thought it was just a noise he was making but when i realized that giving him his water bottle (it's a no-spill cup with a straw because he LOVES to drink from straws) will make him stop saying it, it dawned on me that he was saying "water." we're trying to get him to say more things like "my mama" and "bad dada" and other stuff. he will repeat up to like 3 or 4 words at a time. also we have him counting to 5 and singing the ABC's. he has about 5 kids songs that he can sing the tune to and there's a cd i always listen to because he dances to it, that he will "sing" along with. (basically makes noises that sound like the words, but he can keep up with the tune pretty flawlessly.

Natalie - posted on 05/26/2010

My daughter has used a few words once or twice and then hasn't said them since. I think they just don't feel the need to use them yet. Lily can say about ten or so words right now very well, and babbles constantly!

Sarah - posted on 05/26/2010

Relax for gods sake! He is only 17 months, just a baby & he will say what he wants when he wants! believe me in a few months time he wont stop talking & yl b wishing 4 some peace & quiet! x