Are you amazed at how quickly your 21-month-old baby is growing and learning? You may have noticed that your baby has started to understand more words and phrases. This is an exciting time for parents, as it is a sign that their child is developing a strong foundation for language skills.
The ability to understand language is known as receptive language. Receptive language is the foundation for expressive language, which is the ability to communicate through speech. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about a 21-month-old baby’s language development.
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21-Month-Old Baby Language Milestones
At 21 months old, your baby should be reaching the following language milestones:
- Understands simple commands, such as “come here” or “give me the ball”
- Can identify and point to body parts when asked
- Uses 10-20 words consistently
- Combines two words, such as “bye-bye daddy” or “more juice”
- Uses a variety of consonant sounds, such as p, b, m, t, d, n, and h
It is important to note that every baby progresses at their own pace. If your baby is not meeting all of these milestones, don’t worry. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s language development, speak with your pediatrician.
Factors That Affect Language Development
There are several factors that can affect a baby’s language development. These include:
- Genetics – Language skills may be partially inherited from parents
- Environment – Babies who are exposed to a language-rich environment will typically develop language skills faster
- Health – Hearing problems or other health issues may have an impact on language development
Parents can help support their baby’s language development by:
- Talking to their baby often, using simple words and phrases
- Reading to their baby every day
- Singing songs and nursery rhymes
- Playing games that involve language, such as peek-a-boo or naming objects in a room
How to Help Your Baby Learn Language
There are several things you can do to help your 21-month-old baby learn language:
- Use simple words and phrases – Babies learn best when they hear simple, clear language.
- Repeat words often – Repetition helps babies learn and remember words.
- Talk about what you’re doing – Narrating your actions can help your baby learn new words.
- Encourage your baby to talk – Respond to your baby’s attempts to communicate and encourage them to keep trying.
- Read to your baby – Reading helps your baby learn new words and improves their language skills.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your baby’s language development, speak with your pediatrician. With a little bit of patience and support, your baby will continue to develop strong language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my 21-month-old baby is not meeting language milestones?
If your baby is not meeting language milestones, it is important to speak with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist who can help determine if there are any underlying issues that may be affecting your baby’s language development.
Is it normal for my 21-month-old baby to only use a few words?
Yes, it is normal for a 21-month-old baby to only use a few words. It is important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. If your baby is using fewer words than expected, continue to talk to them and encourage them to communicate.
Can I use baby talk with my 21-month-old?
While it is okay to use baby talk occasionally, it is important to use clear, simple language when speaking to your baby. Babies learn best when they hear simple, clear language.
How much should I be talking to my 21-month-old?
You should be talking to your 21-month-old often throughout the day. Narrate your activities and engage your baby in conversation. Reading to your baby every day is also a great way to improve their language skills.
What kind of books should I be reading to my 21-month-old?
You should be reading age-appropriate books to your 21-month-old. Look for books with simple words and colorful pictures. Board books or books with touch and feel elements are also great for this age group.