Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are very aware and concerned about their child's development. One of the most grieved about concern is the development of speech. If you find that your child's gurgles are not developing into "mama" and "dada" within a short period of time, this will cause anxiety for most.

Your child is two years old and is still not talking. She says a few words but in comparison to her siblings and other children her age she is way behind. You will probably try to explain it away various excuses, hoping the child will catch up. Some children are early walkers some are early talkers, so you will tell yourself there is nothing to worry about. Unless there are other areas of slowness in the child's development parents will hesitate to seek medical advice.

If this is becoming a worry you should contact your family doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a speech therapist. A speech therapist is a health professional trained to evaluate and treat people who have speech, language voice or swallowing disorders that will effect their ability to communicate.

The speech therapist will evaluate your child with special speech and language test; this can also include a hearing test as hearing difficulties can affect speech. Depending on the results the therapist may suggest activities you and your child can do at home to improve speech and language development. This can include reading to the child more regularly, speaking in short clear sentences, making it easy for your child to imitate you.

Make sure you use correct pronunciation and grammar. The therapist may also recommend group therapy or refer you to another professional for further evaluation such as an audiologist (hearing specialist) or development psychologist.

Speech development warning signs

About 10% of all children have some difficulty learning language. Experts encourage parents to make sure that the child hearing is not impaired, also that his speech development falls within the normal range. Learn some signs that could indicate speech issues in your baby.

If you notice that your baby doesn't startle at loud sounds, this could be an indication of hearing problems, which in itself will affect speech also.

If your baby's eyes don't follow you around when your talking this could be another sign of hearing problems. A baby is naturally curious about speech and will generally follow you around the room with his eyes if you're talking or singing. A baby will begin to imitate sounds between 4 to 6 months. If your child is not doing this, it could be he can't hear any sounds to imitate. Get him checked out by your GP.

The typical 18-month-old baby will have a vocabulary of about 50 words. If your child were not uttering any words at this stage it would be considered unusual.Most children start using 2 word combinations by 18 to 22 months. If your child were not putting two words together by the age of two and half, this would be a red flag for language delay.

In some cases the problem has a social or environmental cause, such as the lack of communication and stimulation in the home. Parents can help develop their children's environmental skills by doing various tasks such as:Read books and sing songs to your child on a daily basis beginning at infancy.

Introduce a wide vocabulary by giving everything its specific name.Speak directly and clearly to your child giving him time to respond.Avoid finishing the child's sentences.

Speech Facts

There is great variation in the onset of expressive language. Children generally understand ("receptive speech") far more than they can articulate themselves ("expressive language").

Girls general develop the ability to communicate earlier than boys.Language can develop smoothly and continuously, or in spurts and jumps.Because language development varies, it's important not to compare your child's language and speech development to other children's language and speech development.

Speech and language problems can certainly create serious social, emotional and academic challenges for children, but the good news is that it is treatable. The help of a health care professional and love and support of a family can ensure that your child will never be lost for words.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for parents and consumers on purchasing a variety of baby products which includes baby crib bedding, strollers, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More

Make Your Own Baby Food - The Easy Way!

Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you... Read More

Baby Safety Checklist - Protecting Your Baby

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Hostess Gifts

Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More

Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu

There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of... Read More

Should Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed?

Should baby sleep in her own cot or... Read More

Protecting Your Baby and Toddler from the Sun

Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More

Brainy Babies: Is it Genes, Diet, or Playing the Right Baby Games that Tip the Scales?

As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More

Best Baby Shower Invitation Ideas

The best baby shower invitation ideas help everyone to have... Read More

How To Deal With Toddler Temper Tantrums

It's one of the few things your child can do... Read More

New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby

When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food,... Read More

When Not To Begin Potty Training

Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More

Tough Time Deciding on a Name for Your Baby?

The conversation went something like this:"Hey honey, when we get... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More

Baby Pool Floats ? Teach Babies To Swim With Fun and Safety

There is nothing more fun than getting your baby used... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

Planning the Perfect Baby Shower

One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

Potty Training Readiness Signals - Is Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?

So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More

Baby Crib Advice and Tips

Congratulations! You have just learned that you are having a... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child... Read More

Baby Dangers New Parents Need to Know About

This Spring many new parents will welcome new additions into... Read More

Baby Strollers Tips and Advice

You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle... Read More

How to Save Money on Wedding and Baby Shower Favors

Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting... Read More

Baby Room Decor Tips & Hints

When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More

When Should Your Baby Wear Shoes?

There is actually a bit of controversy about this question.... Read More