Talking

My son is 20 months old now, and he was about at that stage you're describing just 2 months ago at his 18-month check-up. The doctor was not concerned. Now he is really picking up words and starting to repeat more of what he hears. Some kids just take a bit longer than others. I've heard a history of ear infections can delay kids a bit too. I wouldn't be worried yet!

GopherGirl is a discussion follower. She lives in the West Valley with her husband and two boys, ages 4 and 2.

He sounds about right. Between now and 2-2.5, his vocabulary will explode, but he'll still be difficult to understand, especially in the beginning. It's so amazing to watch them learn language. One day their frustrated because they can't find the words, the next they're talking in sentences.

Early interventionists typically like to see an 18 month old have 8 words, in addition to mama and dada. If they child doesn't have 8 at 18 months old, it's not necessarily indicative of a problem, however. It sounds like your baby is right on track - a lot can happen in a couple months. I wouldn't be concerned, just keeping singing, reading, talking, playing, and having fun!

Allison
Mom to Talia (10/03) and Trip (3/07)

My 15 month old says 8 words too and yesterday i asked her doctor if this is normal and he said at this stage he is more focused on what she is comprehending than what she is saying. Kidding around of course I said...oh, she's a genius ... and we both laughed.

example: When she is asked to get the ball does she go and get the ball. Said he will be more focused on her words at her 18 month appointment.

I would not worry about it too much. Some of the words my daughter has been saying for a few months now and honestly....if she didn't point to the object when she says the word...i may not even know what she's saying. example: tee = tree yight = light

The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.
~ Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)

I agree! My son is now 19 months and is talking up a storm! My friend's son is the same age, but isn't saying a lot of words yet. However, he had a full set of teeth months before my son did. They all do everything at their own pace, and it will all even out in the end. Your son sounds like he's right on track, I wouldn't worry a bit.

Hobbymommy, 38, is a discussion leader from Mesa. She is a happy stay-at-home mommy to a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

I agree with the other post, this sounds totally normal and fine. Just a word of caution for you....my daughter has Aspherger's (a type of Autism) and she developed totally normal in the beginning, but around 2 regressed completely so watch for that. If by 2.5 / 3 yrs the vocabulary isn't flowing, get him in to the doctor ASAP.

"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."

Every child reaches milestones at their own rate. My son at 16 months wasn't saying much of anything. I was concerned at first and asked my ped about IE, but he informed me that between 18mos and 2 years they really pick up quite a bit. He's now 21 mos and he talks constantly...LOL.

As another mommy once told me...we spend the first two years trying to get them to walk and talk, and the next 16 trying to get them to sit down and shut up. :-)

Good luck and if it's something you are really concerned about don't be shy about asking you ped for his/her opinion, that's what they get paid the big bucks!

It is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not.

He sounds absolutely brilliant! He is communicating which is a miracle to behold. All children are dependent on their developing physiology which determines the pathways and connectivity to words. I do believe we can help this process along. Early language development helps the child express needs, wants, and feelings earlier and this is a great hedge against seemingly irrational "tantrums."

http://www.multilingualdevelopment.net/2007/04/15/activities-to-encourag...

Jan Katzen-Luchenta
Nutritional therapist - www.iluminahealing.com - Montessori educator - www.nutritionforlearning.com