Talking, communication skills at 17 months?

buzzbee24 · August 2013

DS is approaching 17 months old. I know all kids start talking in their own good time but I am curious as to what's average of a 17 month old. DS says mamma, daddy, bye,bye, mailman ( I know.... of all things right?) good, bad, hot, kitty, ice and maybe a few other random words. His receptive language is fantastic! I can pretty much name any object and he will go get it or point it out. He also understands basic things like "clean up" Bring me -- please?" "where is your toy---?" and can point out body parts when asked. I guess my question is if the receptive language is there and he seems to understand everything I say, colors and even numbers (up to five) then how long before the great language explosion? I read to him 3 times a day, he's very social, responds to his name. Is it out of my hands and he will start talking more when he wants to? Is there more I should be doing to encourage him? Should I be worried? FTM here, so I really don't know what to expect or more importantly what my expectations should be at this point. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated. TIA

BTW, he's a really active child, Running, climbing, exploring everything. I wouldn't say hyper at all. Very agreeable child few tantrums but definitely a physical little guy.

oliversmommy32912 · August 2013

It sounds like he's right on track to me. O is almost 17 months too and while he says about 20 words he definitely doesn't know colors or counting yet. 8 of those words he has picked up in the last 2 weeks. I hear they have a big explosion at 18 months but some kids don't really start going until closer to age 2. I don't think you have anything to worry about at all.

aeh72 · August 2013

oliversmommy32912 said:

It sounds like he's right on track to me. O is almost 17 months too and while he says about 20 words he definitely doesn't know colors or counting yet. 8 of those words he has picked up in the last 2 weeks. I hear they have a big explosion at 18 months but some kids don't really start going until closer to age 2. I don't think you have anything to worry about at all.

This is us also for our just turned 17 month old. He's had a good 10 words for a while but recently, it seems like he's learning a new word almost daily. I think he's starting to be curious about counting because when I count something out, he tries to do the same thing and makes sounds imitiating how I'm counting but I'm sure if he's just trying to repeat the words - one, two, three, etc. - or if he actually understands that I'm counting. I'm guessing he's just trying to imitate the words.

He's also starting to put words together (besides "oh no" which has been a favorite for a while!). He says "thank you" at appropriate times, is now saying "Hi Daddy" (as opposed to just yelling Daddy when he sees him), and supposedly at daycare he said "I got boo boo" in reference to his skinned knee. He hasn't repeated that for us yet, though!

I think it sounds like all of our 17 months old are right on track. I can't wait to see what comes next!