When do they start talking ??

Norma-Jean - posted on 03/07/2010

First child, they tend to speak later because they don't have a sibling to converse with. You may have to look at what you are doing and change your behaviours to get words to start coming out.

Does your daughter just point when she wants something? or do you just know when she wants something and you get it for her? What you need to do is start asking her do you want (milk) (cookie) (juice) and so on and don't give it to her until she repeats the word. I bet right now she just nods and waits.

It's all about learned behaviour, on the parents part. Second children who don't talk are usually getting the same help from their older sibling. They talk for the younger one. Another thing you can try is getting together with other mom and kids in the same age group so your child can interact with other kids who are talking.

Be strong mom and just remember keeping repeating the word until she says it back. even if it doesn't come out clear the first time, it's a start.

Michelle - posted on 03/06/2010

go with your gut feeling. If you are worried about her speech, ask her doctor. My son was 18 mo, and not talking. everyone said not to worry. My gut said he should be talking.I live in il, so I called the child and famiy connection. they came to my house for free, talked with me and played with my son. It was determined he needed speech 2 times a week for an hour each. My ins. did not cover this so payment was on a sliding scale based on my income. He is 5 now and talks up a storm......I love it. It was great. Not only did they help my son talk, but they helped me become a better mom.

Katie - posted on 03/06/2010

my little boy was 2 before we got propper words from him sent to speach therapy and was taught sign language so then made the big desicion to sent him to play school and now talks for england thanks to school he still signs some times so dont worry they all do it in there own time

Julie - posted on 03/06/2010

It's important to realize that there is an acceptable range in which language development occurs, this is my professional opinion as a speech therapist that has worked in early intervention for a few years. While it is true that by the age of 2 professionals look for around 50 words... sometimes children that only have a few words around 18 months develop those 50 words and are formulating 2-3 word phrases by 24 months. When in doubt, mention your concerns with your doctor. In those early years it is FAR more important to share experiences with your toddler, explore with them and add a small amount of pertinent language to the experience, children learn best when they can attach meaning to a word and it means something to them from the start. Second, use lots of gestures or signs with words. This IS research based. Incorporating the visuals with the verbal help them understand it better, similar to the idea of telling them words that matter to them, that they seem interested in learning. Third, think outside of the "nouns", you know, ball, cat, cookie... these are great. BUT, you cannot build sentences with these words alone! That's why play is great! You can talk with them about actions you see, about colors of cars you see, (and other descriptive words for that matter.... big, little, etc etc....) Reading is great too... but it's all about experiencing life and adding language too... play has been so UNDERRATED these days.

Sofía - posted on 03/05/2010

My three children started speaking words very early (6 - 7 months) by 16 months old they spoke complete sentences.On the other hand they didn't start walking until they were 14 months old, I've been told that babies that develop speech skills early on will develop motor skills later, and vice versa. Could this be your child's case?

Veronica - posted on 03/05/2010

The doctors like for them to be able to say at least 50 words by age 2. It seems like my son started adding more and more words and short phrases from 18-24 months. Just keep talking and reading to her :)

Julie - posted on 03/05/2010

I'm wrapping up my degree in speech language pathology and my advice is, don't worry just yet. Your baby probably knows more then they say, and 18-24 months is the phase where language just pours out!!! It's a big developmental stage for language development. Talk WITH (not to) your baby, play with them and explore with them add a few words here and there... but listen to them, copy their vocalizations. Work on eye contact and joint attention between you and them enjoy stuff together. If you are still concerned about the age of 2, then you can mention your concerns to your doctor.

Meghan - posted on 03/05/2010

My son is 17 months tomorrow and says about 30 recognizable words and a whole bunch that even I can't figure out...and probably half of these words started about a month and a half ago. I agree with the other mom's, talk to her in an adult voice, point things out while in the store or on walks, and read and sing LOTS!! But don't stress or push it. Enjoy it now because as soon as she gets it, she isn't going to stop!! :)

September - posted on 03/05/2010

Our son is 16 months and can say 60-70 words clearly and is now starting to talk in short sentences, he said thank you mama the other night and it was just so adorable! I think that it really varies from child to child. I would just encourage you to read, sing, listen to music and spend lots of one on one time with her just chatting, also try to include her in your conversations. Before you know it she'll be talking up a storm :) Good luck!

Trindy - posted on 03/04/2010

Don't be in a hurry they will get there. Our son was a late talker, we didn't mind but daycare sent him to speech therepy and now he just talks non stop drives everyone nuts. But like the others say, don't baby talk her, use proper language.

Nicky - posted on 03/04/2010

They do it when they are ready. My advice is to talk to your baby as much as possible and talk to her in proper language not baby talk. The more she is exposed to it the more she will want to copy.

Abbie - posted on 03/04/2010

My son started about that age, I think he was saying 8-10 words by 18 months, once they figure it out it goes pretty fast. I don't remember exactly what words came first. Also babble is "talk". Encourage her to speak and do NOT baby talk her. that hinders speach.