My 19 month old isn't saying much

Angela - posted on 05/26/2010

Mine says nothing either and he'll be 2 years old in September. All he does is whine. He doesn't even acknowledge us. No eye contact and he doesn't respond when you call his name.

Josée - posted on 05/22/2010

i have 3 son my first start talkin a 2 1/2 my next is tree and it difficul but the last one is 19 months and he repet everythink around 25 words give him time

Candice - posted on 05/22/2010

My little girl is getting a Speech evaluation soon due to this problem. She had ear tubes place 8 months ago, and we just want to make sure that she is fine.
I am not wooried because she can retrieve items that I ask her to get for me . My mother in law says that she will talk when so wants to and then I will be wishing for the silence.

Amy - posted on 05/12/2010

This is the same with my dd as well. We did have her hearing tested just in case. Every child is different. We have just been working with saying, here is the _________ it is whatever color and really talking everything out. TRY not to worry I know it is hard when you hear and see other kids talking. I was a late talker so bet that my dd will be too.

Clare - posted on 05/12/2010

my son didn't say much when he was younger but he just started talking when he was ready. he is 3 now and doesn't stop talking. if you are really worried talk to your health visitor or doctor and request a hearing test. Even if he seems to understand everything you say there can still be a small problem (my nephew had this problem and it was easily fixed.) The main thing is not to worry.

Sonia N - posted on 05/11/2010

Neo is just like that, at this age is when babies begin to absorbe everything the hear. Begin with simple words, not big words and he will begin to say this words - his own way- of course. In addition let him watch Nick Jr. is like having a pre-school class room at home. We started like that with his oldest Nelson Antonio brother and he is just 3, and now he goes to daycare, but he learned how to count, letters, shapes, colors, and more important his vocabulary improved to a 100%. Any time he came out with a new word and he could have been not even looking at the TV you could hear him repeating and singing the songs and everything else. I hope this advise help you and your adorable baby, remember to keep the TV on Nick Jr. which used to be called "Noggin" in the past. Last, always remember to praise him any time you hear him repeating these new words. This will motive him to learn more. Please just give it a try. I know what they say about TV time. Believe me in some cases such as this one Television becomes a learning resource, and thanks God for that .

April - posted on 05/10/2010

My son just hit the 20 month mark and just like you, my husband was previously concerned that his vocabulary was so limited; just mama, papa, bird-bird, dog-dog, cat-cat and the occasional hello, bye bye. Recently he has started to repeat what we say to him and just the other day exclaimed "Wow" when my husband gave him a plate with a wide variety of fruits! If your son is doing well in other areas eg. his motor skills and is active and curious and lively and understands most of what you tell him to do, there should be nothing to worry about. He'll talk non-stop when he's ready, :-)

Lovette - posted on 05/10/2010

I wouldn't worry but you can schedule an appointment with his doctor. Does he interact with other children, if not join one of those mommy and me group. Who knows maybe he is just a quiet guy. Sooon you will want him to stop talking. Take gentle care

Jessica - posted on 05/10/2010

Jamie my daughteris 20months and she is not even saying mama. She said it for a week straight about 2 months ago and hasnt said it since. she says dada all the time amongst her other jibberish that only she can understand. Im sorry i cant help you much with your concern. My daughter has no problem understanding anything and (besides NO!)LOL And im even trying to teach her to be bilingual not that im spanish but i just thought it would be a good learning experience for the both of us. She surprises me all the time with the instructions i give her. I.E. Wipe your, feet brush off or have you brushed your teeth yet? If you get any info on your son please let me know, because I too am concerned. Good luck!

Angel - posted on 05/10/2010

My son does that exact things with pulling us to whatever he wants..its frustrating at times but we can only keep trying to say the word,,like door, drink, food, snack, ect

Angel - posted on 05/10/2010

My son also is not saying much...I try so hard but the words arent coming yet. A lot of things I dont understand but no real words except of course mama and dada...

Gudrun Helga - posted on 05/09/2010

I agree with Victoria, I think it is very individual... My son sais these different words... (In Icelandic ) mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, milk, juice, car, food, apple, glass, cheers, orange, cheese, butter, bread, porrige, train, telephone, peeing, pupu, (Names: Nonsi, Hanna, Birta, Ása, Dís, Bára, Pála, Edda,) (DVD: Lasytown, Villi, Masi, Söngvaborg, Strumpar) that is what I remember now... He is later than other children speaking in his class in kindergarden, but my nice was much later than this speaking. My son startet walking when he was 11 months old ( had been walking by holding on to something since he was 7 months old) while children that have startet talking much faster than him probably started walking at 15 months.... some children just keep quiet and listen until they open up like a volcano eruption and almost speak fluent. No worries... it will come ;)

Victoria - posted on 05/09/2010

First of all I would question anyone who says that a 19 month old needs to have 10 words...I believe they say it should be between 3 and 50 words but development varies widely. My son is 19 months and only says dada and calls me something between mama and baba. His speech is delayed and we know that. He was evaluated by Early Intervention when he was 12 months and has been getting speech therapy since then. He is babbling alot more than he used to. But from what I hear is that toddlers do develop so differently. I heard some don't talk till 3. They say Einstein didn't talk till 3 so who knows. But I did get my son's hearing checked and nothing was wrong. I guess he isn't ready to talk but he still has a therapist so we shall see. Maybe call early intervention for an evaluation or see a developmental pediatrician. Good luck.

Lori - posted on 05/08/2010

When my son was that age, he had a similar pattern. Only 3 to 4 words, however...by the time he was 2...we couldn't shut him up. We worried for nothing. My daughter is the opposite. She is 19 months old and she has a fairly good vocab. She says about 20 words, BUT...she has her big brother to mimic. I think that is the big difference. I really wouldn't worry. I am sure he is just fine. When he wants something, don't give it to him until you have made him try to repeat it. This may help.

Anna - posted on 05/08/2010

My 19 month old has a greater range of words than 10 and is putting together 2 and 3 word sentences (I love you, I get it, up please, come on, thank you). However, I have a friend whose son didn't say much until he was almost 3 /12. She had all the tests done as well as the hearing test and all was normal. When he did start to speak however it was in full paragraphs! The doctor said that he obviously didn't have much to say before this!! I would have his hearing checked to make sure all is well there. If everything is fine then just remember that every child develops at a different rate. In the meantime, stay on top of it and enjoy the silence!

Sonja - posted on 05/08/2010

I say "no" because I was getting a little concerned as well. I went through the paranoia with my 10 year old at this age and he's fine. It will come so I'm not going to worry about it. He says other things, but for a while all I heard was "uh-oh". Last week he started saying "mine". Is he in daycare?

Jennifer - posted on 05/07/2010

My 19 month old doesn't say much either and the pedi says that it could be that my 3 yr old is talking for him, so we started doing flash cards and more one on one time together and hes starting to pick some up! He uses a binky and i think that was causing problems so we have cut back on that to only bed time and then to no binky!

Risky - posted on 05/07/2010

aww my son used to say, Nan, Bub, shoe, door, and now all i hear is dad like he has forgotton to say the rest we been looking at books with him and doing picture cards to help him along

Sandi - posted on 05/07/2010

Not at all! It takes time. Just keep trying small simple words and don't give up!

Leanne - posted on 05/07/2010

My daughter is the same to.She is 20 months old and she doesn't say much.She say's mum,dad,what's that and go.
I'm not worried as i know all children and babies are different.She will say more when she is ready.I'm not going to rush her as i'm sure when she is older i will be telling her to be quiet most of the time anyway :)

Gemma - posted on 05/07/2010

My 19 month old little boy isn't talking either, but understands everything. Don't worry. There's no standard. I'd only be worried if he got to 2.5/3 years and still wasn't talking.

Flossi - posted on 05/07/2010

She has seen a specialist in our area and they said she is fine. I am not worried about her I just dont think she has anything to say. She is starting to talk more and more everyday

Michelle - posted on 05/07/2010

I have twins and they have perfect hearing they just wont speak. my ped told me that its ok that they dont talk yet but to sign them up for a speech therapist because it could take a few months to get in there. The fact they dont talk is just because they dont want to but later on it could affect their learning. so its better to put your foot in the door now, before it becomes an issue

Alicia - posted on 05/06/2010

My son was the same he was hardly even saying Mum or Dad that much then when he was 19 and a half months all of a sudden he started saying plane nana Mum Dad meow shoe nappy dog car no yay all in about two weeks it was incredible I felt the same everyone told me this buit I still worried and also boys usualy talk much later than girls.

Debbie - posted on 05/06/2010

It's interesting to discover that about 90% of the responses on here are related to little boys vs. girls (there is a reason we are so articulate!) My 19 mo old son has had the same words mama, dada, ball and dog since right before his first birthday. Like another Mom above, he has stopped saying Mama and Daddy and signs 5-6 words. I do stay at home and he is my first, so I think SAH kids learn slower because they don't hear the constant chatter of older siblings or fellow day-care students. I am anxious for him to speak, but not officially worried about it yet. I know the wheels are turning he can hear jets and the garbage trucks from miles away. His doctor agrees with the consensus above that 2 years is an important milestone, that he should have 10-20 words that he is saying and a few compound words: "more food" "read please" "go park". If we're still not there, then I will call in an expert. Good luck!

Glenys - posted on 05/06/2010

my sons the same, kids develop in their own time, dont panic, it all comes in time, as he has just now only learnt to walk on his own, so im sure the talking will be around the corner, einstein didnt talk till he was four, so give it all time

Debbie - posted on 05/06/2010

I think all kids develop at different rates but there is no harm in having the birth to 3 program in your area come out and do a free speech eval. I think that the most important thing to do is read to your child..I read to my son all the time and he is 19 mos and knows quite a few words and several phrases like night night, bye bye, thank you, want juice etc. Good luck, also, remember to look at him and say things clearly and label everything.

Erica - posted on 05/06/2010

My 19 month old just starting saying other words so I wouldn't worry quite yet. Just repeat stuff to her like chair chair chair. Thats what I did and she started picking up words. She says stuff from mom and dad to cheese and airbane (airplane). Make sure you listen to what she or he says you could be suprised at what they are saying

Flossi - posted on 05/06/2010

I just went thru that with my daughter, she had to have a hearing test and see early on child development. She hears fine and passed the test from early on, I was not worried because I have a 2 1/2 year old as well and they call it second baby syndrome because the older sibling is talking for them. I don't think I would worry to much he will talk when he is ready, u could try not given him say a cup unless he tries to say cup (not to the point that it would hurt him) I also give her things and tell her what they are, she has really taken off with words since. I wish u luck

Lisa - posted on 05/05/2010

You know, two weeks ago I was saying how my son is verbally behind...and suddenly every day he is saying new words. Don't stress on it. Your son will talk when he's ready. From only saying 5 or 6 words a couple weeks ago, today he said "I want ba-ba" Yesterday, he pointed at the chalk he put on my pants and said "purple"....I was worried for nothing, and that does nobody any good. Just let them develop as they are ready.

Carly - posted on 05/05/2010

My son is 19 months old and doesn't say much, lets see, he says puppy, doggie, kit kat (kitty), Thank you, uh oh, no, momma, dadda. I know thats more than your little one but i wouldn't be worried. He JUST started talking a lot. I used to worry but i was told that its because he is an only child.

Sarah - posted on 05/05/2010

hey mine 19month old has a few more words than that but my older one keeps trying to say things for him so i think that might b a reason,

Erika - posted on 05/04/2010

My son doesn't really talk either. He says about 10 words. I understood from Babycenter that he should be saying about 50, so I'm going to get him evaluated, just in case there is something wrong. He's a very smart boy, he just doesn't talk. So I'd get your boy checked out. Better safe than sorry!

Jennifer - posted on 05/04/2010

has she had any stressful events lately. my daughter is the same way, but my husband has been diagnosed with hlh which is a non cancerous leukemia. since them i have been coming and going between hospital and home. thats when she stop trying to say so much.

Cheena - posted on 05/04/2010

I feel your pain... No matter how many Baby Brainworks videos I throw his way, my 19mo still hasn't said more than everyone's name (i.e. daddy, momma, nene, papai, dede). The dog gets more props from my son because at least he is saying Brock Samson or just Brock. There was a brief shining moment of hope when he uttered his first Cape Verdean sentence ("I don't want it"), but then... nothing. So, my mom assures me boys don't do the whole speech thing early. She swears my male cousins all took their sweet time, now you can't get a word in edgewise. Ha

Jenny - posted on 05/04/2010

I wouldn't worry too much, but definitely see a doctor within the next few months if it continues. My daughter is also 19 months, and only saying Mama and Dada, nana, and baba. Mama and Dada seem to be the only things that she is associating with something/one. Someone has noticed that when she's playing she moves her mouth like she's trying to form the words. It could be like everything else she does and is just practicing in some way before doing it very well her first try. I'm taking her to the doctor soon if she doesn't start saying more words.

Telida - posted on 05/03/2010

u should definately b worried... get him evaluated, the sooner the better if something is wrong but continue to talk to him,,,,sum babies just advance more than other, my son is also 19 mos and he says "i dont know"

Andi - posted on 05/03/2010

My son only says a few words. Other than that he squeals like a monkey to tell me what he wants and sadly I understand him. I tell him to use his words but he still squeeks. I stay home with him all the time and I talk to him all the time (and not in that baby talk). I don't think you have anything to be worried about yet as long as they are understanding you. Like if you ask them to go get their cup or toy and they can bring it back to you. I'm not a doctor though. I know the last doctors appointment that I took him to they asked me if he could stack 5 blocks. I really couldn't tell one way or another if he could since we didn't have blocks or anything for him to stack. I believe that all of those things they ask if your child can do or not is just a baseline. I got my son blocks and taught him to stack them, he did it once and never did it again, he'd much rather knock them down. Just like when babies are just beginning to talk, they'll say momma one day and you try to get them to say it again and they just decide that they don't want to. My son said momma a couple times when he was first starting to talk around 10ish months old and he hasn't said it since.

Celeste - posted on 05/03/2010

My son is exactly the same way.. Our pediatrician referred us to a developmental Ped. He said that my son is on line on everything else motor skills.. Only delayed on the speech part. We have an appt with the audiologist to have his hearing check, but he is now going to be having a speech therapist come to our home to help.. I guess it doesnt hurt to have someone elso help. We do not feel as if anything is wrong with him just living up his baby role. LOL! We are not to worried.

Kirsi - posted on 05/02/2010

I wouldn't worry, if child does understand you! If asked to come to eat, child does and so on... Children do learn things at their own speed. You can always support learning with reading books, singing and playing. Keep it playful! We have to use sign language with our baby who has down syndrome, I don't think it would be harmful to use with "normal" children. :)

Billie - posted on 05/02/2010

don't worry about what other people say, he will talk when he is ready...my son is 19mths and not saying much either...they do things on their own time!

Angela - posted on 05/02/2010

Don't worry too much. I was told not too worry until about 2 years old. Some kids just don't have much to say. My son just started blurting out words one day and he has been learning more almost everyday.

Erica - posted on 05/02/2010

My son who is also 19 months has about 8 words and qualified for speech therapy. How is his comprehension, can you say things and will he understand? I see no problem in getting speech therapy because the extra help can't hurt! My other 4 kids were talking up a storm by this point! My oldest son has Aspergers and wasn't talking at all but started full sentences at 3.

Enid - posted on 05/02/2010

Leslie,my daughter is the same age,is around so many kids who r very talkative,n she has barely spoken even 3 words.she understands all the commands.so i think its a matter of personality.she just seems not to want to speak.but she is sociable and has good expressions.so need to worry.

Leslie - posted on 05/01/2010

(I must admit i didn't read all the posts so sorry if this info is repeated.) I am a speech pathologist and a mommy and my daughter is about the same. I secretly figured she would excell with speech development given my profession! kids learn from other kids so it is important for stay home moms to try to get into some programs with other kids. often the first recommendation for "late talkers" is to enroll them in daycare. my daughter recently graduated from the infant room to the toddlers and she is learning more and more "words" all the time plus a few signs to help bridge the gap and relieve some frustration. keep an eye on comprehension of spoken language.....if your child doesn't seem to understand some simple commands/requests at this age it might be good to have him/her checked. they should understand a lot more words than they can say.

KIM - posted on 04/30/2010

My 19 month only says 2 words that are understandable. (mama and baba)But with a lot of talking, naming of objects and describing items and routines, while signing it, he now has over 65 signs and is using 2-3 sign combos! (ex- more, eat, please. or help,down, please.) I have called and spoken with the early intervention team and they do feel that he needs some speech services. But he also has eating and swallowing issues as well as mild hearing loss from the 28 ear infections that he has had. (half of which occurred with tubes in his ears. the damage was done before the tubes.)
There is absolutely no harm in contacting the appropriate people and having your child evaluated. If they need services, then you caught it early and can help them, if they don't need services, then you have put your mind at ease and all is well!

Laura - posted on 04/30/2010

Same thing here. Pacifier is one of our problems. My mom is a speech therapist and I took some speech classes before deciding to be a teacher. I talk non stop to him and give him attention all day and bring him around other kids who talk, and still very few words and hard to understand sometimes. Doctor said not to worry till 2 and boys are always later. Just talk to him a lot and read and label things in books. I find he imitates when I label things in books. He can point to almost all the things I say so he understands, just won't say them!

Renee - posted on 04/30/2010

hey chick honestly dont worry my own little girl talks like no mans land, but my partners son who is nearing 3 doesnt say much at all, apparently all his uncles and dad were all like this, it will happen in his own time. its a good idea to have his ears checked because sometimes that could be the reason. but honestly dont panic! it will come soon and then you'll be telling him to be quiet lol trust me i know! xx

Cynthia - posted on 04/29/2010

Definantly nothing to be worried about my daughter is the same. See how many people are in the same boat? I'm pretty sure we aren't all sitting here with kids that are on track with everything but all have speach problems. I think it has a lot to do with us knowing what our kids want and not making them tell us. They don't have to use speach to communicate because their whole lives they have been unable and have gotten their points accross pretty well. Maybe if he wasn't understanding things you were telling him I might be more concerned but a child who is slow to talk is no big deal.

SABRINA - posted on 04/29/2010

My 19 month old is the same. I wouldnt worry. All babies are different.