No Words Yet?

patchen30 · December 2012

My DS turned 14 months on the 24th. He's very verbal - he makes noises all the time and has complicated babbling, etc. and has been doing this for months. He doesn't have a single word yet though. Mama/Dada are more like Ma-ma-ma-ma-my and Da-da-da-da and aren't necessarily directed at us.

My SIL who's a speech pathologist got in my head saying she thought babies were supposed to have 1 word by 12 months and he should be saying single words VERY soon. She also said it's not too soon for him to be able to identify things in pictures (i.e. we look at a book w/ a picture of a dog, I say "where's the dog", he should be able to point it out). He's not doing this yet either.

Thoughts?

patchen30 · December 2012

Thanks!

CMonkey515 · December 2012

SuperDeDuper:
T is the same way...no words yet. Yesterday, however, I asked her if she wanted a snack and she very loudly said "sna!" and I was so excited. DH heard it too so I wasn't making it up. She wouldn't do it again and I don't know if it was a fluke or what, but it made me happy.

Also, T doesn't point out things on photos or anything yet, but there are a few things I can tell her to go get (a book, her hippo, her sippy) and she will get them, or I can give her something and tell her to "bring it to daddy" and she will most of the time.

All that to say, you're not alone.

Pretty much all this. DS has repeated back words to us like duck, cup, or car. He's only done it once or twice though, and you can't get him to say it again. He also can follow quite a few directions or will point to certain things if you ask where they are. He doesn't really say anything though. He "talks" constantly, but I can't recognize any actual words. He also has a few made up words that he says all of the time but for the life of me I can't figure out what he means by them because he uses them in all different situations. I'm not worried yet. He'll start talking when he's ready.

Nita2603 · December 2012

Alastair does the exact same: complicated babbles all the time, mamama and dadada but it is not directed at us.
He doesn't really point out things either but mostly because he is so busy that he barely to never sits when we try and read to him.
He does follow basic 'commands' like can I have that...., bring me the...., can I have a kiss, stop and let go and sit down. So I know he has the capacity. I am sure he will start soon and then not stop til he is 30.

And yes, average is one word with purpose by 12 months. But so is putting to blocks over each other. Alastair builds towers his own height with up to 7 blocks and does not say any words. Trade off, I guess.

Runnergirl2242 · December 2012

Peeking my head in from lurking....I was scared at 14 months because he didn't say as many words as much younger babies at his daycare. All the sudden at 15 months he is saying quite a few words. He went from not even saying mama to saying football. I think they are all on a different schedule. Not all babies are textbook. Mine certainly isn't.

kagl08 · December 2012

lisajay09:
It's definitley early for pointing. I wouldn't worry about that. And as for speaking...understanding language is most important now. Speech and "talking" will come. There really is no need for concern until 2 1/2. If they aren't saying words, stringing words and communicating by that age, then evaluation would be recommended. Just went through this with DS. Now he's talking up a storm. Some just start later. Doesn't mean there's a problem. Try not to worry.

All of this! We thought we'd have a problem with my DD. She didn't even say "mama" until closer to 18 months, stubborn is what she was (and is!!). She was saying maybe 5 words at 2. Then overnight, quite literally, she started talking up a storm. Now at almost 2.5 she doesn't shut up. She is talking in full sentences, can express her feelings (kinda), tells me if something hurts. I was so worried about her, but now I realized it was for nothing. Some LOs just don't talk until later. My DD is so smart. Her issue with talking was she didn't want to do it until she perfected it. She's a perfectionist. A little stinker is what she is. Had me all worried for nothing!

stardust317 · December 2012

I'm a speech pathologist and I would not be super concerned yet. Boys tend to develop speech/language skills at a slower rate than girls.

Typically babies do have 12 words by 12 months, but other things you want to look for are following simple commands such as bring me your cup, he should understand no, he should make a variety of sounds and imitate sounds, and he should understand no.

If he's meeting these milestones with the exception of the words, then give him more time. If you still have concerns, talk about it with your pedi.

scarlettoctober · December 2012

My DS isn't using words yet, either. His developmentalist wants to start baby signing and speech therapy with him as he should be able to use several words with purpose at this age.

Want a personalized experience?

No Words Yet?

Re: No Words Yet?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards