my daughter is 17 months old and talks but its mainly babble is this normal?

User - posted on 03/11/2011

my daughter is almost 17 month and idk if she is talking enough like she says baby, mum, dada, apa, hi, move, love you, ange, no, mine,where is it! is that enough for her to be saying??? im just a first time mom and im curious i guess.

Diana - posted on 04/12/2010

My youngest son is the same way. He's 18 months now, and even though he babbles most of the time, I'm not worried. My oldest was the same way, so don't sweat it. My oldest learned a lot from repeating what we would say, watching Sesame Street/Disney Playhouse/Nick Jr., etc. We also read to them, so I know that helps. Kids develop at their own pace. It's when you really feel that their develop hasn't progressed any that you should contact your Pediatrician. Use your mommy instincts!

Sherrie-ann - posted on 04/11/2010

Please don't worry and use those milestone guidelines as a bible of your baby. Most mothers who wonder why there baby isn't speaking yet in a year wonder how they can get them to shut up. She's probably just taking it all in. I teach 5 year olds and some of them still can't enunciate as well as others but they are very bright. Some babies get teeth as early as 3 months and some not until after their first birthday.

My son spoke understandable words from the time he was two months old but he has CP and can't sit up straight. I think whatever he does whenever he does it is just perfect for him.

Courtney - posted on 04/09/2010

My Health nurse told me that its normal for an 18 month old to say between 5 and 10 words, my little man is 18 months and he does a lot of babbling :-)

Mari - posted on 04/09/2010

My son is 17.5 months old and only says about 7-8 words on a regular basis. I called EI and then decided I was crazy and didn't make an appt. He understands everything and follows commands and is also learning English and Spanish. I agree with what most of you are saying, they are going to be fine. There are still kids at 16-18 months not walking and that is normal too. I was so freaked out and ever since I haven't freaked out as much about it he has picked up a lot more vocabulary. Weird.

Dawn - posted on 04/09/2010

I was told by my ped. that my 17 month does NOT speak. He has made up his own language that I understand...I still think he says stuff, or at least trys....as long as you are confident..DON"T WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK!!!!

Danielle - posted on 04/09/2010

I had the same fear about my 17 mth old as my gran kept telling me he should be talking more at his age so i ended up ringing mothers help line and they said that at 12 months a child should be using up to 5 words regularly and at 2 years old about 10 words so at 17 months if they say between 5 to 10 words clearly then they are fine :-) hope that helps

Teresa - posted on 04/07/2010

My son who is almost 18 months old has been babbling since he was around 3 months old and has spoken 3 words clearly at 12 months. Now, he speaks at least 10 words although some words are not very clear. He can only say the first syllable of some words like ba (for ball or balloon) or va (for vacuum) or cu (for cup) or ca (for car). Recently he can say cat already. I've read a lot of baby books and consulted his pedia and she says he's alright. Some children do not start talking as late as 20 months. My son's cousin started talking at 2 years old but he was already fluent when he started speaking. Some children take a while at the undersands all but speaks little or none at all stage. Don't worry too much. Just keep talking to your baby and read books to her.

Stephanie - posted on 04/07/2010

Took Christopher until he was 16 months to say mama, said dada from like 3 months, and now that's all he says. He says mostly babble, but every once in awhile, something like banana will come out:) I think it's normal.

Tamie - posted on 04/07/2010

Yes this is normal my daughter is also 17 months and does the same thing. I asked her pediatrician and he said every child progresses at different rates. My oldest daughter already could talk at this age so I wondered if it was normal also.

Takia - posted on 04/07/2010

I've read not to set milestones for your children. meaning they will move at their own pace. not at the next baby speed. now my son which is 17 mths old is talking up a storm he says mommy daddy. he repeats whatever I say or whatever is said. he tells on ppl. he's awesome. now what i did to get him to this stage is wherever we go. I show him something says the name of it. Ex: you see the ball. and ask him "can u say ball". and he attempts to say ball. somethings he says i dnt understand. but i pay close attention to see if he will show me what he's trying to say.

Annaka - posted on 04/07/2010

my 17 mth old is saying quite alot of words some dont sound like wot its ment to but u no wot ur child and sometimes u no wot they are sayin!! u do find that ya first seem not to say alot tho my eldest is nearly 7 n wen he was younger he seemed as tho he wasnt say any thing but really was wen i look bac but not as half as ma youngest!! is nothing to worry bout like alot av sed dnt worry till yer child is older!!! if u still feel worryed dont worry bout asking ur health vistor or doc wen u are next there

Allison - posted on 04/06/2010

I wouldn't worry too much. My son is nearly 18 months and he still babbles and nothing he "says" sounds like a word. Of course, his pediatrician said at his 15 month checkup that he should be saying 5-10 words. However, she also said he should have already had teeth (he didn't at 15 months). She wanted to have tests done on him, and I said no... that he chewed on his fingers all the time and I really thought we should wait. Wouldn't you know it, he now has two teeth. I am not concerned about my son's development. I find it funny that the "experts" say that every child develops differently and you shouldn't judge your baby based on someone else's child, yet if your child hasn't hit a milestones by their standards, something's wrong and let's test them six ways from Sunday.

Stephanie - posted on 04/06/2010

Don't be surprised and don't panic. It's easy to panic, but I worked with early childhood kids - and most of them truly had disorders or disabilities. Up until 18 months, our babies change so dramatically physically: growing, rolling, crawling, walking, marching, running, step-upping...the list goes on. At about 18 months, confident in their own mobility, most kids have what we consider a "language explosion!" Most doctors - good doctors - won't refer you to a specialist until after 2 or maybe even 3. If she is babbling, and able to communicate basic needs to you like wants or can point or what not, she gets communication - this is good. Imagine how frustrating it is for them to understand so much but have the ability to say so little! I would throw myself on the ground tantruming, too. If by two years of age you are still SERIOUSLY concerned, maybe look into a specialist. It won't hurt talking to your pediatrician about it at the next appointment, but they will most likely tell you to wait. And that is not bad advice! Good luck!

Stephanie - posted on 04/06/2010

I think there is a wide range to normal. My first son began talking by 12 months, my second son is hardly saying anything at 17 mos. The Dr. isn't concerned and said he is not surprised that he isn't talking yet. He said most boys talk a bit later...Talking at 12 months is the exception rather than the rule.

Brittany - posted on 04/06/2010

My son does the samee thing, every once in a while you can catch what he says. but barely ever. but he is VERY social. and babbles to everyonee! i think in time, she will eventually form all that babble into words & sentences.

Tiffany - posted on 04/05/2010

Please remember that not all children learn the same way. My husband and I saw an 18 month old the other day that was having full sentence conversations with people and my son is 17 months old and maybe has a vocabulary of 10-15 words. I teach 2 year olds so I know exactly what to expect. As a parent, I believe it is our job to know what our child/ren's strong points and weak points are. My son is very much a physical, motor learner. He loves anything that gets him moving but his language skills definitely need to be worked on. One of the teachers at the school that I work at and that he attends is working towards becoming a speech therapist and she works with him constantly on his speech. I dont expect my son to all of a sudden talk but consistency is key.

Candice - posted on 04/05/2010

My son is 17 months signs and talks. He has an extensive vocabulary (40-50 words) but don't compare your child to others, you know your child you have a hunch if something isn't right if your asking. I think you should see your doctor, there are a lot of things you can do in addition to speech therapy, but you need to work fast and be diligent.

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2010

My 17 month old is a very active talker/babbler and can sit for quite a while with her books, "reading" out loud to herself while turning the pages. I don't know how many words she has, maybe 25-30? But she didn't walk till 13 months. They concentrate on different things at different times. My grandmother told me a story about my dad, that she was very concerned because he did not speak for a very long time. She asked the pediatrician and he said "are you meeting all his needs? Good. Are you anticipating his needs? Maybe wait a bit and let him figure out that he needs to ask you for things". So she did and within a week or so he was speaking full sentences.

Ceterra - posted on 03/22/2010

I have known kids who didn't speak a word until they were almost three and then they started speaking like adults. Complete sentences like they had been speaking from they day they were born. If you really are worried go to a therapist, but it is my opinbion that we rush our kids to go as fast as the next one. My son is 17 months old too and I can't even count the number of words he can say (that is with full comprehension on both parts) but that won't make him any smarter than your daughter. DONT WORRY!!!!! Let God do his thing and you will be alright. (p.s. gracious RESHMA youre even scaring me!)

Tara - posted on 03/21/2010

Hi Felicia, my son will be 18 months April 2 and he only says a handful of words and really only just started. He has been saying dada, dad, daddy, this and that for a while now but only just started saying mom, dog and truck. It is good to see that the majority of these posts from other moms are encouraging and telling you that there is really nothing wrong here. If someone tells you that there is something wrong because your child is not saying exactly 20 words please do not listen!!! All babies are different in the way they do things. If she is showing that she understands things I would say that is the most important, the words will come. My friend has a 2 1/2 yr old who really doesn't talk much at all, she saw the doctor as she was concerned and the doctor said to not worry, some talk sooner then others. However I do feel if by that age and for sure by 3 they are not saying much I would seek a speech specialist to get ideas of what you can do to help it along and to make sure there are no delays as it is better to get it early.

I had to deal with some people's comments on the walking issue. My son isn't walking yet and yup he is going to be 1 1/2!! He can walk, he has done it but he doesn't care to I guess but with everything else he likes to take his time, he is very careful and very observant. I am not worried at all as he understands what I say to him and what I ask him, he babbles lots and he is doing things as he should be over time.

I know it is so hard when others around you have little ones that can do this and that and your little one just isn't there yet. My nephew is only 4 months older then my son and he says a lot of words and was walking at 9 months! It is tough I know but try not too worry!! and always when in doubt bring it up with your doctor. All the best :)

Sarah - posted on 03/21/2010

my son is also 17 months he says few words but they develope at their own rate im a mom of an 8 year old and i found the more i tried to get her to say words the more stubborn she was in talking so i left her, i chatted to her and then she started picking words up and hey presto there she went now i keep having to tell her to give her mouth a chance to catch up he he , but my son prob picking it up faster because of my eldest but im sure your daughter will soon be giving you a mouthful,

Corinna - posted on 03/21/2010

Mine is exactly the same, she knows what I'm telling her and will pick up or go and find things I ask her for but most of her talk is babble. We get a few mama and dada and a nan nan but then lot's of weird nonsense! I'm not in the slightest bit worried, I've yet to meet anyone who can't talk in my 37 years so as far as I'm concerned, she'll make sense to me when she's ready to. It's like the potty training debate, again when I feel she's ready - ever seen any grown up using one still or in nappies?!!
I might sound a bit laid back but so far it's given me a happy, smiley and very good little girl
x

Tiffany - posted on 03/20/2010

I am a preschool teacher with two degrees in education. My son is also 17 months old and babbles a lot too. The milestone check list states that they need to talk by 2 and if they dont, it MIGHT of an issue but is not always a sign. At 2 years old, they should have a vocabulary of 10-25 words. Usually full sentences are not used till between 2 and 3. Dont worry about it. The more you stress about it, the more your daughter will feel it. Just make it a point to sound out the words and the more you talk to her, the more she will talk back.

Christina - posted on 03/20/2010

My daughter is also 17 months and only says a select few words when she wants to.. Before she was a yr she said mama dada all the time and then just quit talking and I brought it up to our Ped and he refered us to Early On program and so far it has helped quite a bit.. When we first notice she quit talking everytime we would talk to her we would say the word and also do the sign language to it and she has picked that up with saying the word and Early On gives Kudos to that.. They just say whatever works for that child.. Best of luck it isnt that bad early intervention is the BEST!!! and I have to agree with other post "us moms have to stick together"

Kendra - posted on 03/20/2010

my child is the same way...asked the dr about it and he said that the 10-20 words that a child is "suppose" to be saying can be grunts/babbles that only the parents and close caregivers can understand - not necessarily spoken in clear English. i didn't talk until i was 3 yrs old...so i'm not all that concerned!!!!

Donna - posted on 03/20/2010

my daughter was like that and she is 17 months she would point at everything she wanted so we just started telling her what it was and in one month she has gone from pointed to a big voc... sometimes u cant understand her... just point things out and tell her what it is it might take a while.... all kids are diffrent so dont really go by oh that kids talking but mine aint is there something wrong

Christina - posted on 03/19/2010

way normal my daughter says about 10-15 words but hard to count because its so rare she is 17months old as well.But the understanding is the main thing you should concern yourself with and the talking comes later.

Kara - posted on 03/19/2010

Every child is different.. My son is 16 and a half months old and ive been told by his child care centre that he is advanced for his age... He cleary understands everything you say to him and if you ask him to get something (ect hair brush) he can.. He can say prob around 20 or more words and can name things in books or on the street. Such as: point out cars, bus train ect...

Krystal - posted on 03/19/2010

I don't think so. My son is 17 months old and just says a few words clearly. I can tell he wants to learn more and have seen him trying to have a conversation so I'm not worried. I just try to talk to him and point at things in books or around the house and sound out what they are so he can 'practice'.

Deb - posted on 03/19/2010

I spend a lot of time with two year olds... It is normal at 16 months to not have a huge vocabulary. If they are late bloomers in the speech department, often they will store it up and start speaking in full sentences. If your child is prone to ear infections, though, make sure you find out if there's a need for tubes. The lack of hearing can really slow the speech process down. Oh, and, if you hear a word but then stop hearing it for a while, don't worry about that either. It just means there's a rapid growth in vocabulary going on and you'll start hearing all the new words WITH the old words before you know it.

Reshma - posted on 03/19/2010

Hey Heather,
Yeah, the regional center for Santa Clara county- which is the San Andreas Regional Center will only cover the services if my health insurance does not. This was not the case before- previously everything was covered and the parents did not have to worry about dealing with insurance companies. Even through my insurance, there is a cap on the number of sessions- its a maximum of 20 sessions per calender year- I have to figure out whether the Regional Center will cover the sessions after that?

Becky - posted on 03/19/2010

Hi Felicia - my son doesn't say a lot either, but I'm not worried. He understands stuff like "go upstairs" and "go downstairs" and "time to eat" and he says a lot of stuff, but I think I just don't understand what he is saying. Don't let other people freak you out and go with your gut because you know her better than anyone else. My son does stuff like helping me filling the humidifier water container - I loosen it and he pulls it off and then he shows me where to put it back in his room and turns it on. Or when he goes downstairs he shows me to close the gate and won't go downstairs until the upstairs gate is closed. Or if I say "close the door" he'll shut the door of whatever is nearest to him. So I'm not worried. People also told me that he should see a PT (or whatever) because he wasn't walking at 12 months.

It's like learning a new language, would you go from saying nothing to, hola, como estas, yo tengo hambre overnight? Probably not. Don't sweat it, I guess, is what I'm saying.

Kirsty - posted on 03/19/2010

after reading all this I started to get worried, my daughter can only say mumma and dadda, though she's recently learnt to say all gone when shes finished her brekafast, but other than that she hardly says anything. people alwasy say 'isn't she speaking yet?' and i say no and they say she's behind etc etc but to be honest i'm not to worried. theylll learn in their own time as long as they understand you i think the speech will come. thats what the health visitor said the other day so just ahve to wait and see. i think people want their kids to grow up too quickly. let them be a baby while they still can and if that means babbling for longer than deemed 'normal' then i say who cares !!

Kat - posted on 03/19/2010

I would not worry yet. There are a many things to consider. For 1 boys develop speech slower than girls. 2, just because they don't say the words doesn't mean they don't understand what's going on. Some kids are just quiet & observant, just as some adults are. My daughter babbles constantly, all day, even in her sleep. But only a few words are understandable and really only by me. She can say over 25 words I'd say, but sometimes she regresses for a few days. My friends son doesn't hardly speak at all. He goes to Kindy once or twice a week. My friend was very worried about his speech development as he is over 2 & has an older brother to copy off. The Kindy teacher said he is actually extremely intelligent & has a very very good understanding of words, instructions & what is going on around him. He's just simply quiet & an observer. Everything that they say your child could be doing at this age is an average - that means there are as many kids not doing it as there are as many kids doing it.
Remember what it was like waiting for them to roll over, crawl, lift their head, walk or any milestone, one day they were not doing it the next day they were. It can all happen that quickly.

Joyce - posted on 03/18/2010

My son is 17 months old and has a vocabulary of about 7 words. All other communication is babble. I wouldn't worry until they are 2.

Meg - posted on 03/18/2010

I was worried about this as well, so I asked my pediatrician, she said that with every action that you do with your child you should tell them, such as, when you pick them up, say "up", or when you go to the table to eat, say "eat". At first it was a little frustrating, cause you want your child to be the best they can be, but I tell you, within a week he was picking up on the words. Repetition is the key. I started this at 15 months and he is 17 months now and has 25 more words other than mama and dada in his vocabulary.

Heather - posted on 03/18/2010

Hi Reshma,
So the Regional Center Regional Center is no longer a free service? Both my pediatrician and speech pathologist said it was. The speech center said to call Regional as soon as she's 18 months, but until then we will be going to therapy at the speech center. My daughter tested at a 50% delay. I know what you mean about the insurance, there was only 1 in our network too! We couldn't go to the one we we're referred to because we would have paid $1000 for the evaluation alone! We start therapy next week...hope it goes well!

Reshma - posted on 03/18/2010

Hey Heather. I'm in the same boat as you. I took my 16 month old to the Early Intervention Center as directed by the pediatrician. The cut-off for qualifying for services is 33% and my kid scored a 37% on his expressive communication skills- he just scraped into the program. I've been directed to see a speech therapist for him. Anyway, this used to be a free service till Dec 2009, it no longer is, I have to use my health insurance. There is no problem in that, except for the fact the because it was a free service till so recently, a lot of the agencies did not bother to hook up with any health insurance, as a result, I only have one speech therapist that is in my insurance network. No one has worked with him before and people at the regional center have not worked with him either. It sucks that the free service is no longer available.

Robin - posted on 03/18/2010

my 17 month old still isnt saying alot either. mama & dada, jake ( our puppy), hi, haha (teasing me when her daddy gets her hugs and kisses). i was alittle worried but i"m glad 2 see shes not alone. thanks

Heather - posted on 03/18/2010

I have to say I wish more people posted about this. Sometimes it feels like your kid is the only one with an issue. We moms need to stick together. It can be scary!

Shelly - posted on 03/18/2010

ok i just read Heather's post, about how 17 month olds should be speaking 15 words, now im worried!

Shelly - posted on 03/18/2010

My son is 17 months, and doesnt say very much either, maybe one or two words. You are not alone, he doesnt even say mama yet.

Heather - posted on 03/18/2010

Also, my daughter babbles all the time and has her own language, but not that I can understand.

Heather - posted on 03/18/2010

My daughter is 16 months and says mama and hi, but only sometimes. At her 15 month check-up, her doc said she is speech delayed and referred me to a speech pathologist for an evaluation. We went last week and she tested at a 9 month old speech level. Most kids at her age have at least 15 words that they say on a regular basis. She will have speech therapy 2x a week. I was very upset at first, but early intervention is key. The state of CA has free assistance through the Regional Center, but they wont evaluate until 18 months.
I am a stay-at-home mom and spend lots of time reading books and playing games. So even with all my efforts, she has the delay, but she did test high on non-verbal skills. The speech delay has nothing to do with their intelligence.
I would talk to your child's doc and they will let you know if there is a problem. Good luck!

Andrea - posted on 03/18/2010

I wouldn't worry too much about it at this point. Just keep reading those books to her and talk normally to her (don't babble back too much) and she'll get there. If it's a real problem, your ped should let you know- you can always ask them if you're concerned. My little guy is coming up on 17 months and has 10-20 words, but it's things like 'go-go' or he says car, but it sounds like 'cah' and he say bye-bye, but it's 'bah-bah-bah-bah-bah...' But he also has two older sisters to 'help' him want to get his two cents in :) but he mostly does a lot of babbling and I think it's supper cute. They're 'babbling' to us, but often they have something to say and as they get older, those words come out. Enjoy this stage with her and help her with her words by repeating what certain objects are to her. She'll get it soon :)

Amy - posted on 03/17/2010

i have also looked it up and a baby of 18 months should only be using a handfull of words inwhich my daughter does you don't need to see a speech therapist she will be fine my daughter says the basics like mum dadda nanna ali(our dog) done don't (unfortunately) no, ta, but still alot of babble but she says words that might not mean anything to anyone but i can understand them so by the tim they are 2 they should be talkin more the best way is to read books and really sound words out to them and also when you are giving them food or drinks tell them what it is even if you repeat it a couple of times that is how my daughter picks words up............all the best

Reshma - posted on 03/17/2010

I'm surprised your pediatrician has not referred you to a speech therapist or an early intervention center. Toddlers at 18 months are supposed to have a "vocabulary" of 20 words.

Denise - posted on 03/16/2010

My little girl is 17 months now and she doesnt say much either. She use to say baby all the time but now that her baby sister has been here 3 1/2months, she doesnt say it much anymore. Im going to try not to worry much till she hits 2 years.

Monica - posted on 03/16/2010

yeah. but u can look it up, by 2 yrs they should have something like 10-20 word vocab?? maybe more, i'm not sure. But even if they don't say it right, if you know what it means, it still counts!

my son was late speaking (so ppl said) but he's fine now, and don't worry!!

my daughter is 16 months and all she freakin' says is MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

even dad is mmmmooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. LOL.

oh and she says spongebob and patrick. but it sounds nothing like it.

don't worry, but after 2 if she's still not saying much, ask ur pediatrician!!! or ask him asap if you're really worried!!! :)