I wasn't too worried about DS only saying one word - 'dada.' Yep, that's the only word he will say, although he does babble quite a bit.
But I'm reading all these articles and posts on speech delay associated with ear infections - DS is now on his third. Any chance the two really are linked? Is one word for a 12 month old behind, or does it matter if he's babbling?
Our pedi recommended coming in again in six weeks to get his ears checked again, and to talk about seeing an ENT for the ears, if needed. Thoughts?
ETA: Sorry if this has been posted before, I'm not a regular around these parts anymore!
Re: speech and ear infections
DS only says dada and he's never had an ear infection. They're still young!
My niece had so many ear infections her first year and a half that she had tubes put in and she is one of the most verbal babies I've ever seen!
DS doesn't even say 'dada' intentionally to DH, and he's only had one ear infection. I'm not worried - the range of when babies start speaking is huge. As long as he babbles I wouldn't worry, but certainly talk to your pedi about your concerns when you take him back in. He or she should be able to give you a better idea of whether you need to be concerned or not.
FWIW, my brothers (twins) didn't talk until well past a year, much closer to 18 months. They were both very verbal kids with no speech issues or anything and are totally fine as adults now. I think it just takes some kids a little longer than others. And, at least anecdotally, it seems to take boys a little longer some of the time.
DS has had a fair share of ear infections but has a pretty decent vocabulary.
We have an appt with the ENT today.
Not looking forward to the possibility of tubes.