Baby Language Skills and Development
My daughter is almost a year old and still isn't talking. Should I be worried?
Probably not, although if you are concerned, you should discuss it with your baby's doctor. Children reach developmental milestones at different ages, so there can be a wide range of "normal" baby language development. In general, most children are saying one to five words by the age of 15 months. If your daughter is making no sounds, you may want to have her hearing checked.
In terms of communication and language skills, look for verbal and nonverbal responses. At a few months of age, an infant will smile in response to a familiar face or voice. Then the infant begins to babble, making lots of sounds, but no true words. Next come the repetitive consonant sounds. After age 7 months, the infant will hesitate or stop when hearing a "no" command. By 12 months, the infant may be following simple commands and continue repetitive sounds. Usually "mama" or "dada" will follow.
If this progression of verbal and nonverbal skills is not occurring, talk to your baby's doctor. As a parent, you can encourage the development of language skills by talking to your infant, singing songs and reading stories.
In terms of communication and language skills, look for verbal and nonverbal responses. At a few months of age, an infant will smile in response to a familiar face or voice. Then the infant begins to babble, making lots of sounds, but no true words. Next come the repetitive consonant sounds. After age 7 months, the infant will hesitate or stop when hearing a "no" command. By 12 months, the infant may be following simple commands and continue repetitive sounds. Usually "mama" or "dada" will follow.
If this progression of verbal and nonverbal skills is not occurring, talk to your baby's doctor. As a parent, you can encourage the development of language skills by talking to your infant, singing songs and reading stories.
Answered by
Dr. Seema Csukas
report abuse
Submit!
