No babbling = speech delay?

beth5511 · March 2011

Hi - I'm new here and have a question about my DD. She just turned 8 months and still isn't babbling with consonants (she will make vowel sounds such as aaahhhhhh, and occasionally use single consonants - ba, da, mmmmmmm). More concerning to me though, is that she's very quiet. If you talk/babble to her she'll look right at you, but won't make any sounds back. When she makes noise it's on her terms - not in response to another person. Initially I was worried about autism, but she doesn't really have any other red-flags. She smiles, makes great eye contact, tracks people and objects, recently started clapping (which I love), follows a point (not pointing yet - but I think she's still a little young for that) and enjoys being held/cuddled. She responds to her name most of the time, unless she's really into something/distracted by something - then she won't respond. She also doesn't seem to have any sensory issues and is a great eater. She does have stranger anxiety (but I've heard that's OK with babies her age). She also arm flaps when she's excited or upset - I'm not sure if this is normal or not.
Physically, she's hit all her milestones on time or early - rolled both ways by 5 months, sat by 6, she's now crawling well, can get into a sitting position from her stomach and pulling up to stand. Her fine motor is also rather strong - she loves to feed herself and is pretty good with the pincer grasp. So I don't know what to think... I'm getting worried about the lack of vocalizations/babbling - but I'm also wondering if she's just a baby that is working on her physical skills first, and once she masters them the talking will come. I'm considering calling EI - but wonder if it's too early. Has anyone used them for their babies? What would they do to help an 8-month old? I'd really appreciate any thoughts/info, as I'm getting pretty worried about her. Thanks in advance.

runnergirl2008 · March 2011

At 10 months my DS wasn't making a sound except to cry. Nothing. He also has hypotonia and a few other issues so the pedi and I were on the look out for any other possible delays. At 10 months I was referred to a developmental pedi for a general assessment and I called EI and got him set up.

Some kids talk later than others. Some have massive word/sound explosions all at once. If you are concerned I would see your pedi and go from there.

haleybeth81 · March 2011

DD#2 was delayed in making sounds but is on track now. She is getting into EI for feeding issues (they think that's why she was delayed in speech as well). It never hurts to talk to the pedi and get her checked out by a speech therapist or EI. All they had us do for speech was to make the sounds at her while she watched us though.

emberlee3 · March 2011

My DS did not babble until he was 9 months old. No vowel sounds or anything. All he did was make this weird gurgling sound, which I think was because of his reflux. When his reflux started to get better, the gurgling stopped, and he started babbling. Now, at 19 months, he is average to above-average for speech. All his social/emotional milestones were otherwise on track as an infant, so my pediatrician was not concerned.

Assembly_Reqd · March 2011

The first thing you should do is get her hearing checked. Even though she may be responding to some sounds, she could be missing some too if she has issues with hearing. This should be the first step before getting EI involved. Good Luck.

elli2010 · March 2011

DS2 had his EI evaluation done at 8 months of age but he was delayed physically (not sitting yet). They asked me about his babbling (he wasn't yet, cooing yes but not babbling) but they weren't concerned because his cries had different tones and sounds to them. I did have his hearing checked because he failed his hearing test at the eval, but passed with the audiologist. I agree with PP, start with a hearing test (your pedi should be able to set that up) and definitely talk to your pediatrician about your concerns and see what they have to say. Good Luck!

charlies-angel · March 2011

I think I would wait until your 9 month appointment with the pedi and see what they say. Right around 9 months is when DD really took off with babbling. DD receives PT for gross motor delays and it was at the 9 month appointment where the pedi went over a checklist and we discussed the EI process. You may be surprised and she may start really babbling in the next month. Good luck!

lujain · March 2011

My daughter combined a vowel and a consonant for the first time a week before she turned 14 months. One day she said "de." Before that she mostly said "aaa." She is 19 months now and does have a severe speech delay.

futrkingsley · March 2011

DS was not very vocal as an infant. He rarely cried, didn't respond well when spoken to, didn't respond well to his own name, made eye contact, but didn't point or gesture "on time". He didn't babble that much. We went through a few phases of testing out sounds but once tested, he dropped the sounds.

He had delayed speech and delayed expressive communication (pointing, etc.). He started EI when he was 19 months old.

I started talking with my pedi about my concern when DS was about your daughter's age. Our conversations were always insightful and gave me tools I need to monitor his progress and try to help him along. When he failed to make adequate progress over time his pedi fully supported my call to EI.

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No babbling = speech delay?

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