Source: bing.comAs a new parent, you might be wondering when your baby will start talking. Babies develop at their own pace, but generally, you can expect your little one to start saying their first words around 18 months. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 18 month old baby speech development.
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Speech Development Milestones for 18 Month Old Babies
At 18 months old, most babies can say a few words and may be starting to put two words together to form simple sentences. Some of the milestones you can expect your baby to hit include:
- Saying “mama” and “dada” correctly
- Using at least six other words regularly
- Pointing to objects when you name them
- Understand simple commands, like “come here”
- Imitating animal sounds or other sounds they hear
It’s important to keep in mind that every child is different and will hit these milestones at their own pace. While some babies may be saying many more words and even small phrases, others may be slower to develop their speech.
How to Encourage Language Development in Your 18-Month-Old
As a parent, there are many things you can do to encourage your baby’s language development. Here are some tips:
- Talk to your baby often, even if they can’t respond yet. Narrate your day, talk about what you’re doing, and describe the things around you.
- Read books together every day. Choose books with simple, repetitive language and point out the words as you read them.
- Sing songs and recite nursery rhymes. These can help your baby learn rhythm and new words.
- Encourage your baby to imitate you. Make silly sounds and faces and see if your baby will copy you.
- Play simple games that involve language, like naming body parts, identifying colors, or finding objects around the house.
By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you can help support your baby’s language development and set them up for success in the future.
When to Be Concerned About Speech Delays
While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs that your baby may be experiencing speech delays. These can include:
- Not saying any words by 18 months
- Not following simple commands or understanding basic requests
- Not making eye contact or responding to their name
- Not pointing to objects or using gestures to communicate
- Showing a lack of interest in communicating or interacting with others
If you’re concerned about your baby’s speech development, talk to their pediatrician. They may recommend a hearing test or refer you to a speech therapist who can help identify any issues and create a plan to support your baby’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions About 18 Month Old Baby Speech Development
Here are some common questions parents have about 18 month old baby speech development:
- What if my 18 month old isn’t saying any words? While every child develops at their own pace, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your baby’s speech development. They may recommend further testing or therapy.
- How many words should my 18 month old be saying? By 18 months old, most babies can say at least six words regularly. However, every child develops at their own pace.
- What should I do if I’m concerned about my baby’s speech development? Talk to your pediatrician, who can recommend further testing or therapy if necessary.
- How can I encourage my baby’s language development? Talk to your baby often, read books together, sing songs, and play simple games that involve language.
- What are some signs of speech delays in 18 month olds? Not saying any words, not following simple commands or understanding basic requests, not making eye contact, and showing a lack of interest in communicating or interacting with others.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. By supporting your baby’s language development and keeping an eye out for any potential issues, you can help set them up for success in the future.
Related video of 18 Month Old Baby Speech Development: Milestones and Tips
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