Hello,

So my son is almost 17months and the only word he sais are mama, dad and bad dog! He understand everything that is said to him. I can ask him to go get his sippy cup and he will or to go sit down in the living room and he will, but im not to sure when he should be able to say more than a couple words?? is this normal am i expecting to much at his age or am i not doing enough to teach him??? Any advice??

Thanks

Kathleen

I think it's normal for every baby to progress at his/her own rate.  My daughter is 17 months and says a few words, but not a whole lot either.  There is another baby at her babysitter's that is the same age and says a lot more.  If you're really concerned I would talk with the Dr at his 18 mo checkup, but I would think the fact that he understands what you say is pretty good for this age!

Hi Kathleen,

My daughter is 16 months, and I had the same question.  She only says dada, and sometimes mama, but only when she's upset.  She understands everything I say to her.  I could say put on your socks, and she would know exactly what to do.  I say where's your chin, and she points right to it.  She just won't say the words.  I wouldn't be too concerned.  I think Joann is right, and talk to your doctor if you're worried, but I'm sure he is fine, and he'll start talking when he's ready.  The words will probobly start flying out of his mouth, and then you'll wonder if he'll ever be quiet!  Good luck!

My daughter is 22 months and at 15 & 18 months still wasn't really talking. She was only saying dada and not much else. I waited until 18 months and had her evaluated through our birth to 3 program. Since then she has been getting speech therapy and is now saying about 50+ words in a matter of 3-4 months and now starting to put 2 & 3 word sentences together. I would say to wait until 18 months and see where your child is at.  I'm sure he is fine. As everyone says...they all develop at thier own pace. For me as a mother, is was my natural instinct to have Sienna evaluated, as Autism does run on her fathers side of the family. Fortunately after her last evaluation a couple weeks ago, they found she scored very high and is not autistic. Good luck to you and I wouldn't worry too much.