When did your child really start talking?

[lovinlife4]

My youngest is almost 2 (late July) and rarely says actual words. Just babbles a lot. We tell him things like bus, dog, eyes and only on occasion does he repeat them. My other 2 didn't really get rolling until 2 or a little after but they would atleast try repeating. Should I be concerned?

[Betty]

My son did not talk until he was three. He went to early childhood, classes in the public school for kids who had development issues. We found out there that there was a problem with the way his tongue was attached to his mouth, but he was too old to have that fixed, so he did speech therapy for 5 years. I would have the doctor check out your child.
betty

[HSmomto4]

I've had two of mine that didn't talk till they were 3. No problems.

[lyngraphics]

My daughter listens to my 4 year old son talk and she mimics him and us... she is 23 months (2 in July as well) and just now started to combine words together. (Pick up, brush teeth, dog go, etc.) and she mimics songs very well. How old are your other 2 kids? Is your 2 year old socializing with any other toddlers and kids a few years older?
I wouldn't be too concerned at this point, but you could talk to the doctor at the 2 year old checkup if you are worried...

[BeNotAfraid]

My daughter talked in fluent sentences when she was 18 months old. My son turned two in May and he just in the last few weeks started talking. The doctor was a bit concerned because he was only saying a handful of words at his 2 year checkup (very basic and very rarely). Two weeks later he went from 0 to 360 :) He started combining words and now at 25 months he is talking in sentences and singing, counting to 10, saying ABCs. It's worth a mention to your doctor, but if there aren't any other issues (suspected hearing issues, loss of previously acquired skills, doesn't understand simple direct commands) I wouldn't worry.

[ZeldaCA]

My son was well into his third year before he began talking. The doctors were so worried about this that they took him in and had his hearing tested. It was fine.

And one day, a few months later, we were driving down the street, my son in his car seat in back, and he pointed at McDonald's as we drove past and said, loudly -

"Mommy! Peoples get burgers!"

I was so shocked to hear him speak I almost drove off the road!

[Witness4Jesus]

Aahh, Well, my dd started full sentences at one year old. However, my son only spoke like 9-18 words at two! I wouldn't worry about it at this point. Our ped said that he only had to have said it once not repeat.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_your-24-month-olds-language-and-cognitive-development-asking_1273382.bc

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a list of language and cognitive skill "milestones" that most children reach by their second birthday. Your 2-year-old should be able to:
• Point to an object that you name

• Recognize the names of familiar people, objects, and body parts

• Use short phrases and two- to four-word sentences

• Follow simple instructions

• Repeat words she overhears

• Find objects even when you hide them under two or three blankets

• Sort objects by shape or color

• Play make-believe

If your child isn't able to do these things, talk to her healthcare provider.

• See all our articles on toddler development.

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[icebear]

i think mine was around 2 when things really made sense... i have a nephew who didn't speak untill he was almost 5, but when he finally started it was full sentences like he had been speaking all along.


i'd probably not worry too much, go ahead and check that everything physical is ok- tongue, ears, throat etc.

my daughter is slightly tongue tied, so is her dad- only a little more than her, but you can't really tell much.

[Biblenuggetlady]

Sometimes the youngest children are slower to talk, because sibblings will talk for them, or tell you what the youngest is "trying to say" so they don't get a chance to practice. Boys are also slower than girls in starting to talk. (surprise... :lol2) However, don't let that be the excuse if it continues much past 2 1/2 as there may be a developmental issue, and that sooner it's addressed the better. Trust your gut. More than likely he'll take off in the next 6 mos, but do keep tabs on it and tell his siblings to let him say things if they are speaking for him. :)

[lovinlife4]

Sometimes the youngest children are slower to talk, because sibblings will talk for them, or tell you what the youngest is "trying to say" so they don't get a chance to practice. Boys are also slower than girls in starting to talk. (surprise... :lol2) However, don't let that be the excuse if it continues much past 2 1/2 as there may be a developmental issue, and that sooner it's addressed the better. Trust your gut. More than likely he'll take off in the next 6 mos, but do keep tabs on it and tell his siblings to let him say things if they are speaking for him. :)

He's very bright and follows commands. But yes, I do agree with the fact that Zach and Ashley speak for him. Or he'll say a word such as fish and then not repeat it again for 2 weeks. I do think that if he's still not talking much by 2 and 1/2 I will for sure say something to the doc. It's just a concern as no parent wants to think something may be wrong. Maybe some prayers?:)