When should a child start to talk?

Question

My son is 14 months old and I am starting to be concerned that he doesn't talk. He says "mama" and "dada" but even then he doesn't really use them correctly. He makes lots of noises and babbles all the time. We work on words with him almost constantly but he just doesn't get it. Should I be concerned at this point?

Answer 1

children will talk when there ready too

Answer 2

I think he is probably OK, but go ahead and contact Early intervention. They will screen all aspects of his development and let you know if there is a problem. If he needs therapy they will arrange for you to get free services for him until he turns 3. It is a good idea to get them into EI as soon as you think there might be  a problem. I waited 6-9 months after I thought there was a problem with my son's speech. By the time he was tested he was a full 12 months behind in his expressive speech. He used ASL almost exclusivly for several months, then he started to talk. Now after 5.5 months in speech he is doing well, but still behind and often still hard to understand.

Answer 3

What are you expecting?  The Gettysburg Address?  He isn't even two years old yet he doesn't know the difference between male and female and he certainly doesn't realate mama and dada to them.  Of course he doesn't get it when you work on words almost constantly...he has no idea what the h**l you mean.  He is a Toddler not a mineature adult.  He has no concept of what you are doing.  Leave him alone and allow him to devlop the way children are supposed to devlop.

Answer 4

At 14 months old, a child should be consistently using approximately 10 words spontaneously. He should also be able to imitate new words easily, use true words within jargon, label/name objects in his environment independently.  

If he has difficulty retaining information (new words), recalling the information, and using new words introduced, you might also have to look into his processing of language.

Many people don't realize that language has two components. Of course, the expressive part is what is the most noticeable, but if a child cannot understand or process language then he will have a hard time producing the words needed to express his wants and needs.

Does he have a history of ear infections? Ear infections can cause fluid build-up in his ear, which ultimately might increase his chances of a temporary (but very treatable) form of hearing loss. If your son cannot HEAR the words, then he will also have difficulties producing them spontaneously.  

He is 14 months of age. If you live in the states, he may qualify  for speech therapy via the federal Early Intervention program. You can do an internet search of EI agencies in your area. They will then arrange to have your child evaluated, and if he qualifies, will also staff a speech therapist/pathologist do work with your child. These services are FREE until the child reaches 3 years of age.

**Keep in mind that although doctors are very knowledgeable, it is NOT within their scope of practice to determine whether or not  a child has a speech/language delay. Many doctors will tell parents of non-verbal children to 'wait' until they reach a certain age or that they do not need therapy. You have valid concerns; therefore, at this point, you are your child's best advocate.**

Answer 5

No... my son started talking and then stopped altogether until he was almost three. Now I can't shut him up.

Answer 6

well my son is almost three (2 year and 11 months.) and he is bilingual. so he says things in both English and spanish.. but he says like Sha for soda, soa, for sopa and other things he says them right.. my niece is the same age and speaks perfectly but she only speaks spanish... I dont know are you using another language at home... probably thats why . but my husbands brother is the same age as my son and he only says things like mama papa coka no aya... so yeah everyone is different...dont worry..

Answer 7

No, he sounds right on for his age.  If you want to help get him talking more, talk to him, a lot.  Play the sound games you hear him playing, with him, if he is saying babababa, grab a ball or bottle etc and say, "ba ba ball".  Have fun with the babbling, it becomes embarassing questions in Wal Mart all too soon.

Answer 8

Kids are all different, but don't buy into the nonsense that "boys don't do anything until they are 3". that is pure garbage.  I have a little boy that has been saying words since he was about 11 months old. He's 15 1/2 months old now and says things like mommy, daddy, momma, ouse (for Mouse, trying to call our cat by name), dog, out, cat, no, yeah/yes, that, what, I did, moo (for cow sound), me/mine, up.  I've had him evaluated at the pediatricians and I know this is not normal for kids his age to be this verbal. Most kids his age usually say between 2-6 words that are actual words not made up ones.  By the time they are 2 they are usually able to say quite a bit and by 3 usually are forming simple 2-3 word sentences for both GIRLS AND BOYS.  

I wouldn't worry unless your doctor is worrying about this, and if they have concerns about his speech ask if there is a place or professional they can refer you to if needed.  In the mean time, limit TV exposure and read to him when you can. Talk to him. When he is pointing to something he wants just tell him "oh, you'd like some milk" as you get it or "Let's play with the ball".  It will help him not only hear language but start to put labels and names to the things he knows and can't yet say.  It will come soon enough. Some kids also know more than they let on and are just quiet. My niece was like that until she was almost 4 and then we couldn't get her to be quiet. It sounds to me like your little one is right on target and will in no doubt be talking up a storm soon enough.

Answer 9

I don't have any kids but I remember my niece started talking when she was 13 months. just one or two words, (and they always say girls are faster) my cousin is a year and a half and he just started saying a couple words. I wouldn't worry all kids are different.  If you are really concerned though you could ask his Pediatrition.

My grandma said my mom didn't start talking until she was almost 3.

Answer 10

If you are concerned you can get in touch with your town's school district and ask for something called "Early Intervention."  Someone will meet with you and your son to evaluate him and if he needs it, set up a series of lessons for him.  Good luck!!

Answer 11

There's nothing to worry about. I was worried that my son couldn't hear or something because his words were so limited. All he ever said was "mama" and "daddy" and he just made weird sounds when trying to say other words. He's 2 years old now and, while his words are still limited, he's getting much better, he's stopped with the weird sounds at the end of his words, and he's catching up with his sister. Don't be concerned at all, it just takes a little longer for boys to talk.

Answer 12

Well everyone develops differently. Sometimes if children are exposed to more than one language they will either pick them up very soon or very late. My cousins are bilingual and one of them didn't start talking until he was 2, but he's 4 now and speaks a million miles a minute.

If thats not the case, I'm not sure exactly, you could call your pediatrician and see what he thinks, but I think everyone has their own time for everything.