How many words does your baby say?

April - posted on 03/03/2010

Both my husband & I talk to our son all the time but like yours, he has only said another 4-5 words besides mama & papa. He said "okay", "milk', "brother" & "prepare milk" just once and refused to repeat when we asked him to. Like your daughter, he is well developed in motor skills and can point to body parts when asked to. He also understands and performs "duties" like putting things back where he took them from, looking for objects, wearing & taking off his shoes and placing them on the shoe rack etc. Am I worried that other toddlers his age have vocabulary of 100+ words? Not really; he will catch up in time :-)

Tonya - posted on 03/03/2010

Our daughter says about 100+ words. She is advanced in that category, but only at home. If we are out and about, playdates, family's houses, she barely utters a word. Our pediatrician said the average 18 months old says about 15-20 words. I would just try talking to her as much as possible. About everything and anything. Talk about whatever you are doing, ask her questions even if she doesnt respond. So many times I would think she didnt understand or wasnt paying attention, then she would surprise me with a response. When she does say something- give her lots of praise. Easier said than done- but remember each child develops at their own pace. I have a friend whos daughter is the same age and she wont talk much, but she will sign. The doc said not to worry bc she is still communicating. Best Wishes.

Mushky-Yossi - posted on 03/03/2010

my daughter says about 20+ words, and they are everyday words, so she is actually talking a lot.

Katie - posted on 03/03/2010

My little one says anything... repeats everything we say and is getting into 3 word sentences like - doggy out there, I get it. She can say tummy hurt, Elmo please, can name every Sesame Street character... She can name her hair, eye, ear, nose, teeth, tongue, butt, toes, fingers, knee... Each child is different and as they always say you should not compare to others. I got some of those cards with words on them and the picture on the other side - we do not do it all the time, just once in a while. I would make sure to read a lot to her, ask her what she sees and so forth. Encourage her to repeat after you. My little one is trying to sing Twinkle Twinkle little star. I think she is pretty advanced for her age (I am biased though!)

Brandy - posted on 03/02/2010

except for the occasionaly mama and baba. My son does not say anything else. I think he will talk when he is ready to.. It worries me sometimes but he was a late walker and is now doing fine. it just depends on when they are ready I think... Keep hope though soon you wont want her to talk lol

Elizabeth - posted on 03/02/2010

My 17 mo daughter's vocab is about 30 words. But she understands what my husband and I say. She can ID several body parts. When we look at her picture books, I can ask her to point out something in particular, and she will point at the correct picture. We read a lot. I think reading to your child is very helpful.

But some of her words have been very surprising to us. She says "dinosaur." Out of the blue she started saying that one. One of her books has dinosaurs in it. She really took to them and now only wants to look at the dinosaurs in that book.

Another one was "dancing." I've said it to her when she dances to music, but she didn't start saying it until she got an Elmo Live. Elmo sings, "Dance with Elmo! Here we go!" It was only a few hours and she started saying, "dancing." Now anytime she dances, she says, "dancing."

One word she does not say is "mama." She says "dada" and "Missy" (our cat), but not "mama."

But, I wouldn't worry. All children are different. Some are very verbal. Some are not. As long as everything else is right on target, and your child shows an understanding of what you are saying and communicates to you, it's nothing to worry about.

Oh, and a friend who has twins the same age as my daughter asked a speech therapist about her boys' speech because they're only saying 2-3 words. Or so she thought. The speech therapist said it doesn't have to be an actual word. It doesn't even have to sound like the actual word. It's all about learning to communicate and comprehension skills. It just has to be the same term for the same thing. It could be as way off as "baba" for car. As long as "baba" is always the word for car. And animal sounds count. So, if your child is saying "meow," "woof," "moo," "baa," etc., those count as words.

Victoria - posted on 03/02/2010

Lucia is the same in saying B-words the most but I have caught her saying little half sentences when I'm not paying attention.Your baby may be doing the same.

Jo - posted on 03/02/2010

Blimey, my child must be behind going by what everyone is saying! Mine mimics the pattern of speech having whole babbling conversations with his toys, making appropriate intonnations in his 'speech' sounds, but the only recognisable english his speaks is Ben-Ben which is to do with our pet called Benson. So my little one says one recognisable word - Ben! I'm not worried, he's such a bright little button and the sounds he is making will turn into words really soon. Good luck with your daughter.

Elizabeth - posted on 03/02/2010

My son says a ton of words. It is so funny he began talking so much quicker than his sister did. He can even sing the Happy Birthday song.

Misty - posted on 03/02/2010

My baby says a lot of words, some that are absolutely clear some that are not. She understands everything you say to her, and will repeat most things. She has also been using the "Your Baby Can Read" program. I don't know that she can read the words just yet but I firmly believe that is where her understanding comes from. The more we talk to her the better she does.

Colleen - posted on 03/02/2010

Don't worry its normal. My son says Momma, Daddy, brabra (his term for brother), kitty, doggie, hi, bye, wow, un-uh, Debbie (the babysitter sounds like Daddy you have to listen carefully), and more (sounds like MO) of course he has his own language.When he gets in the car after school he will say "BraBra!" and then jabber on and on and we have no clue what he is saying but I have my 6 year just speak back to him like you understand and say things like "Really? Then what happened?" or "Who told you that?" "What did she do then?" he LOVES the interest and interaction! When you hear her say something and you find yourself saying "Did she just say . . . .?" trust it she said it - start repeating it and she will say it more often! One day soon she will let it all out!

Robin - posted on 03/01/2010

My 17 month old Hayden can say roughly 15-20 words clearly and correctly. However he will jabber on in his own language a mile a minute, talking with his hands and we talk back like we know what he's saying. He really likes it that we "have conversation". We encourage his talking by taking him around the house and just showing him things and letting him touch it as we say the word "light, fishies, shoes, elmo, blanket, juice, apple, bath...." We've also taught him "all done" and "all clean". He knows a few animal sounds. But I think it's all just about exposure and repitition. He did just start to walk recently though and is still pretty "toddler-e" which I think is kinda late. Everything comes at different times for all kids.

Nikki - posted on 03/01/2010

All children learn differently and progress differently. My daughter is 17 months and can say many words and tell you the meaning of them. She is starting to say 3-4 word sentences and sings the basic children songs- twinkle twinkle, apples and bananas, ring around te rosey, and some ABC's. She has always been advanced (or so I think because I am mom) with her speech. She was saying 3-5 words since she was 6 months. If you are concerned, maybe try sign language.

Jessica - posted on 03/01/2010

My daughter is almost a year and a half also. She says mom and ba, which she pretty much says for everything! She seems to understand everything you say to her and will follow instructions, but I am still waiting for her to really say anything. I really think that there should not be any concern until after 2. Hang in there, it will come! PS, I have an older child that did not say anything until 18 months and then he started speaking in sentences immediately!

Rebecca - posted on 03/01/2010

My daughter says Dada and very seldom says Mama. She does say "socks" or her version which sounds more like "oss" every time we put her shoes and socks on, as well as Baba which means diaper every time I change her, but not much else at all. She will have a conversation with my mom on the phone in jibberish... she'll just go on and on and my mom will talk to her using real words as if she's having a real conversation. Its like my daughter gets the idea of conversing, she just doesn't have the words yet.

Gemma - posted on 03/01/2010

My 17 month old is still just babbling in his own language and hasn't said anything we understand as yet. He understands us perfectly though. He was walking at 10 months though and he's growing up in a bilingual home, which may both be elements to him not being ready to deal with language yet.
I'm not concerned at this point. Apparently Albert Einstein didn't talk until he was 3 years old and he did OK. :)

Cindi - posted on 03/01/2010

My son says about 20 words at almost 18 months

Brittany - posted on 02/28/2010

Up until about a few weeks ago my son would only really say Mama, hi, and bye. I had been worried too, especially since his cousin of the same age was talking up a storm. Then all of a sudden one day he just started picking up words. In one day he went from saying the above words to saying nice, Elmo, tickle, Daddy....a whole bunch of new things. He has a new word almost everyday now. All babies progress at different rates, I wouldn't worry about it too much yet; but if it's something that's really concerning you just talk to your ped. That should help ease your worries. =) Good luck, I hope this helps!

Hayley - posted on 02/28/2010

My son zane is 17 months and he has a range of words like, mine, up there, where tynecia (his older sister) nan pa, pop. but having said this my eldest only had a few words at this age it really comes down to the child they will learn at there own rate i wouldn't be too concerned.

Tonya - posted on 02/28/2010

I have 17 month old twin daughters and I must say they are chatter boxes. I am not sure of a number of words that they are able to say, but at this point they are forming short phrases and sentences. They make requests, call the names of about 10 family members, greet people, say please and thank you at the appropriate times, ask for help, name articles of clothes, body parts, foods and some animals, sing nursery rhymes, coordinate animal sounds with specific animals, count to about 5 and sing the abc song and the list goes on and on. All I have to say is once they start, they don't stop! LOL We also watch a sign language DVD several times a week, and they can communicate using basic signs. Every child develops differently and I wouldn't worry too much about it. At this age, most toddlers should be able to follow simple one or two step instructions, which demonstrates understanding of language. I always tell parents to communicate with their toddlers as if they were little adults. Don't "dumb down" conversations with them. Explain things, describe the environment, verbalize your actions when doing the household chores and ask them questions. If they don't respond, model giving the appropriate response. Read frequently and act excited about words.

Brandy - posted on 02/28/2010

My son doesn't say mama or dada. He only says Hi and thank you.

Elaine - posted on 02/28/2010

My daughter started speaking quite early and uses more than a 150 words at 17 months. I taught her sign language and I believe this has helped enormously as she has understood to communicate at a very early stage. At 7 months she was already using 2 or 3 signs...I will not hesitate to teach signing to my other children...

Ashley - posted on 02/27/2010

My oldest son didn't start saying much of anything until he was 2-ish. Just mama. Now, at 9, he's in the 'gifted' classes. Now, my 17 month old son has yet to say anything other than dada, baba (bottle) and hot. He won't even say mama. I think he mocks me sometimes when I tell him 'say mama' over and over and he laughs and yells 'dada'! haha. He does know the meanings of everything though. I saw, 'bathtime' or 'betime' and he starts upstairs. I say 'eat' he goes to his high chair. And we are NOWHERE near starting to potty train! But I'm not worried, they all develop differently. They pick it up when you least expect it. So, my opinion is, no worries! Just enjoy the semi-quiet. When they start talking, they don't stop and then they learn to talk back!

Tara - posted on 02/27/2010

I work with toddlers with speech delays, does she understand simple commands? Can she ID her body parts? Will she look for named people in a room? If she's understanding things I wouldn't yet worry about her expressive language.

To help kids this age learn new words: TALK alot :) model what you wan t them to say for example your child grunts and hits the fridge you say "cup, I want cup, cup" then give them the cup

Name things in pictures, books, etc

sing simple songs like row, row row your boat

encourage them to look at your face when you talk

practice animal, environmental and silly sounds

help them become more aware of thier mouths/tounges by blowing raspberries, clicking thier tounge etc.

Chelsey - posted on 02/27/2010

2 words to everyone who is worried that their child is not saying enough words DON'T WORRY my son does not speak at all but he understands most of what we tell him. My uncle did not speak a word until 3 years old and he is a very successful business man now. Just because a text book or a doctor says things should be a certain way does not mean that its right.

Ann Marie - posted on 02/27/2010

Bret says a lot of words and puts words together but he has 3 older brothers at home which I think helps. Plus I'm a big talker. There was a time when he wanted to just point to what he wanted and I would always tell him what it was and encourage him to "say" even if I got babble he received what he wanted if not he did not receive it. Seemed to work for me. Also giving him a phone was a good way to teach him new words...hello,Aunt___,gramma,pa-pa and so on. I do agree that they all develop differently I have twins and one was very vocal while the other wasn't.

Audrey - posted on 02/27/2010

For the longest time my daughter only said dada. Then I got her into a sitter's that has a couple of kids and now she has started saying mama, and a few other words that are not exact, but i understand what she is trying to say! Environment plays a huge role in all of it, if they are around other small kids talking I think that helps alot!

Maz - posted on 02/27/2010

Isaac is 17months now and words have always been his strength, with over 270 words now, we have been writting them all down since he was 9mths. He repeats everything, its hysterical as he doesn't always know what he is saying. But most of friends same age at about 25-50ish I would say. Really doesn't matter as they all catch up.

Kiersten - posted on 02/27/2010

My son (who is 4 now) did not talk til he was over 2. I was pressured to get him a speech therapist by his pediatrician. We ended up not using a therapist and it was the best thing we did. Kids are going to talk only when they are ready to. My son now speaks better than most of the kids in his prschool class (and he talks all of the time). My daughter says about 10 words and is trying to say more.

Sarah - posted on 02/27/2010

My 18 month old can repeat almost anything you say to her, but I don't count words as "In her vocabulary" until she knows what they mean. She knows several words and can make small sentences, but still babbles a lot.

Risky - posted on 02/26/2010

my son is almost 18 months he used to say mum mumm a lot and now he doesn't, he only just started saying dad dad dad, and he can say door if he wants to go outside but yeah they are all different if by 2 ther is still nothing i'd be worred

Sabrina - posted on 02/26/2010

My Son Says seven words in total.

Johanna - posted on 02/26/2010

Does she point and have her own way of identifying items? If so than she is developing her own way of communication. All children are different, and develop at there own pace. Just make that you speak to her clearly -no baby talk-

And to answer your question, my son talks.. a little word here and a little word there. He mostly pulls at my finger and takes me in the direction that leads to what he wants.

Layla - posted on 02/26/2010

My son is about the same, however, I just had a baby 4 weeks ago and his pediatrician said with all the change he could digress. I was really getting concerned, but she also said as long as he understands what we're saying right now to him (which he is) then a speech therapist wouldn't even see him until he was 2. So, I'm just continuing to say words over and over to him and hope that one day the light bulb comes on. He does have his own language which is also a good sign.

I would ask your pediatrician just to make sure, but if she understands what you say to her, she may just be on her own speech time table.

Justina - posted on 02/25/2010

MY SON JUSTIN SAYS 5 WORDS BESIDES MAMA AND DADA WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD METHOD TO TEACH HIM MORE WORDS OR SENTENCES

Heather - posted on 02/25/2010

I would not worry! I have heard that they don't really start talking till they are two and even then its not normal speak its their sentences. My daughter really started with real sentences at two and has not stopped since. My 17 month old son can say mommy, thank you, daddy, bye guys, i love you, what, mine and stop. it is true they all develop at different rates, if they are understanding you and can follow directions they are well on their way just give them time.

Rachel - posted on 02/25/2010

My 18 month old says several words, and can put them together in a short sentence. We have read to him everyday since he was born, sometimes 20 books in one day that he picks himself. I am lucky enough to have a job where I can work from home and be with him. I really think that has helped him with his speech and other developments. I would agree with what the others said that if you have a concern, then ask your doctor.

Adrienne - posted on 02/25/2010

My daughter Alyvia Grace is 17 months old and says 5-7 words. I am nervous about this as well. I have spoken with her pediatrician and he said to give her until she is 20 months old and that is when I should worrying.

Heather - posted on 02/25/2010

MINE, TOO.. mama, dada, and baba. dada is just about everyone except me. mama is me. and baba is everything including her brother (Benny) and the dog. The only thing she does other than that is sa Ba for sheep and oo for Cows ;)

Elisa - posted on 02/25/2010

My son can say 20 + words plus he will repeat anything i say also.

Geraldine - posted on 02/25/2010

Same here Diana. My 17 m.o. son says the same. I am not too worried about it as he mumbles other little phrases and can have a full blown conversation with you in baby language and we just speak back to him the way we do to our 8 yr old son. He understands everything we say to him, like when it's bed time, to change his nappy, does he want a drink or when it's bath time. Don't worry, one of these days they will come out with a long sentence that will leave us stuck to the spot....happy days to come..:)

Joanna - posted on 02/24/2010

My daughter 16 months has said a few words but now has stopped saying them. I guess she figures we understand her well enough without words. She has however never dropped the word "stop' and says it to me often but usually for no reason at all. I'm not too worried about it and neither is my pediatrian. She says if she's still not saying all the words she used to and more by age 2 she should be evaluated. but not to worry for now. hope we all helped!

Alicia Martinez Home - posted on 02/24/2010

In language there is a HUGE range of normal at this stage in development. Children experience the language explosion at different ages and it does not reflect their future intelligence. Some are quiet, some are expressive, and some like to talk. My daughter, at 17 months likes to say Weee, Wow, Yay!, Uh-oh, Oh no, No, Hi, Up, Bye, baba, mama, dada and daddy, Wasat (Whats that), fish, apple, this (for whats this?), Aubrey (sister's name), bapa (for backpack), She also does all of the animal sounds and sings songs to the tune but with words that make no sense. Usually if they can get a point across to you without needing words, they may choose not to say them.

Nicola - posted on 02/24/2010

My son is almost 17 months old and says about 20 words clearly and many words that I can understand but others probably wouldn't know what he is saying! He is in a daycare class and there are other babies that say a lot more than him and some that say a lot less. They're all different, I think as long as they understand what you're saying all is good.

Chatty - posted on 02/24/2010

My daughter, Roxanne ( yes that's her spaghetti stained face! LOL! ) is a freakin PAROT! She copies everything I say ( I would trade you places for a day?? ).......If I was you I wouldn't worry as long as she hears you and can understand and follow simple directions? Speech problems are often a direct result of a hearing problem! Talk to ur doc if ur concerned! Good luck!

Andrea - posted on 02/24/2010

My daughter, 17 months, is being raised bi-lingual(German & Croatian) and is understanding both plus English. She "speaks" like a waterfall...but not much that makes sense. She can say 15-20 words, in German and Croatian, that are clear and that can be understood.

Holly - posted on 02/16/2010

My daughter says a good 4dz words maybe more. And has good manners. Please Thank you and Excuse me. And she tries really hard to put sentences together. But we live with my best friend who has a 4 yr old 2 yr old and my son is almost 5!!!

Christina - posted on 02/16/2010

for a while there my son said hardly anything maybe 6 words now he is nonstop talking some of it is hard to understand or just noises but he can clearly say about 30 words and phrases it sounds crazy but it seems like it literally happened over nite any who like most have said all kids do there own thing on there own time so dont worry to much and if you are really concerned ask your doctor but if your child seems to understand what you say and says a few things then i'd take it easy

Kristy - posted on 02/15/2010

To all parents, we tried the program "your baby can read" and it does work quite well. That is where her young development started. She understands extremely well when talked to ( and not baby talk) and talks full sentences, plus as posted above has a huge vocab, knows some letters and all colors, animals, sounds and can recognize some words. It is a good program.

Kristy - posted on 02/15/2010

My daughter says over 150 words at 16 months. We have been told that she is advanced in this. However all babies develop at their pace and will talk when ready! Do not be concerned. Reading to them with simple picture books and sesame street does wonders.