Are you unsure whether your child understands what you say? Do you worry about how their language skills are developing? Many parents ask me questions about their 15 to 20 month olds, so here are four FAQs about early language and what you can do to help your little one.
1. How Early Should My Child Be Talking?
This is by far the most common question I hear from both new and experienced parents. New parents want to know whether their child’s communication is “normal,” while experienced parents often compare a second or third child to an early talking first child. So what is the answer? There is no exact one.
Research shows that first words such as “mama,” “dada,” or “mo” typically appear around 12 months of age. However, the range is wide. Some children say a first word as early as 10 months, and others as late as 16 months. Just as some children walk earlier than others, language does not follow a cookie-cutter schedule. By 12 to 18 months, though, your child should be using a variety of single words and reaching out to request items or interact with you.
For age-by-age skills, see our guides to speech and language milestones at every age and how much your two-year-old should be talking. No list is exhaustive, and missing one skill on time does not mean there is a delay. Still, if you feel there is a language concern, consider an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is key.
2. My Child Is 16 Months Old and Not Talking. What Should I Do?
Don’t fret, because kids develop language across a large range. I often recommend that parents of children 15 to 16 months see a speech-language pathologist if the child is not producing any true words. A true word is a word or word approximation that is consistently used for the same thing.
Typically, I make some communication suggestions for parents to practice at home. Then I have these children return for a full language evaluation at 18 to 20 months if they are still not communicating verbally. Usually, parents report that they make huge progress in the meantime.
Communication Suggestions to Try at Home
First, withhold very familiar objects or toys until your child labels them to request. This encourages your child to use words more often than gestures. Be warned, they will likely scream and cry, so just wait it out. Another trick is to put the toy they want on a high shelf and wait until they use a vocalization, such as “mo” for “more.”
Second, use exclamatory words like BOOM, WOW, UH-OH, and OOPS. Third, build routines. Routines encourage spontaneous vocalization, and my favorite is with bubbles or any ball toy. The parent says, “Ready, set…” and waits. Eventually, the child understands that they are to say “GO!” Repeat the routine until the child says “go” every time.
3. I Don’t Think My Child Understands Me. Are They Being Stubborn?
Start by breaking directions into simple one-part steps. For example, instead of “Go get your shoes and put them on,” say “Go get your shoes.” When your child brings the shoes, give the next instruction: “Put your shoes on.” Eye contact and gestures also help children who are still learning language begin to understand more complex words.
Sometimes children really are stubborn. If your child understands simple directions, and always understands them when it benefits them or earns a reward, they are likely just being stubborn. On the other hand, if you find yourself constantly repeating one-step directions, a language disorder or delay may be present. If you are not sure, schedule a language screening with a speech-language pathologist.
4. What Is the Best Way to Talk to My Baby or Toddler?
For children younger than two, I recommend speech often called “Motherese” or “simple speech.” It is best described as a sing-song voice with intonation that moves up and down dramatically. This is a good thing, because the change in intonation helps a child hear the differences between words. Simple speech should always be grammatically correct, though. It is more helpful to say “the baby is so tired” than “baby so tired.”
Once a child can hear the difference between words, “complex” speech helps them learn what the words mean. Around age 2, children begin to learn meaning in earnest. An example is, “It is time to brush your teeth and put your pajamas on so you are ready for bed!” Children learn this naturally by listening to and watching adults. When a child has a language disorder, however, learning the differences between words and their meanings is disrupted. If you have concerns, please take your child to a speech-language pathologist.
Respond to Your Baby’s Babbling as Real Words
The way you respond to your baby matters. University of Iowa and Indiana University researchers followed 12 mothers and their 8-month-old babies for six months. They compared two kinds of responses. Some mothers tried to understand and respond to the babbling, and others often redirected the baby’s attention elsewhere, such as to a toy. The findings were published in the journal Infancy, and the University of Iowa shared a summary of the study.
Babies whose mothers responded to their babbling produced more syllable-like sounds, and they directed more of their babbling toward their mothers. At 15 months, these children also used more words and gestures. For instance, if your baby says “ma-ma-ma,” you might respond, “Yes! I am mama. Mama!” The researchers noted that more research with more families is needed, but the takeaway is simple: treat your baby’s sounds like real words.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be worried about my baby’s language?
If your child has no true words at 15 to 16 months, or is not using sounds, gestures, or words to communicate, schedule an evaluation. Early support makes a real difference, and a screening can also give you peace of mind.
Should I use baby talk with my baby?
A sing-song voice is helpful, and it is the “simple speech” described above. Keep your grammar correct, though, and say complete phrases like “the baby is so tired.” That way, your child hears how words fit together.
Can signs help my baby communicate before talking?
Yes, simple signs can give babies a way to share wants and needs while speech develops. Say the word every time you sign. Our guide to baby sign language lists six signs to start with.
How ETLC Can Help
If you have questions about your child’s early language, our speech-language pathologists are here to help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about early intervention at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Baby Sign Language
- What Is Early Intervention and When Should My Child Be Evaluated?
- Toddler Talk: 7 Tips to Increase Language Development
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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