Talking - Omaha, NE

My son also had multiple ear infections and got tubes at 13 months. He also didn't say 2-5 words at 13 months. I was just starting to worry and then at about 16 months he went to bed and woke up with a vocab of 15. So don't worry yet. She will talk when she is ready!

I wouldn't worry about it. The things that you read aren't set in stone. My youngest didn't say much at all til she was 16 mo. and shotly after that it all came spilling outIt was like she was taking it all in and when she was ready she just let loose. Good luck.

I thought my daughter wasn't really talkative at around 12-13mos. too but once 15mos. hit she flew off the handle with vocabulary and hasn't been quiet since. Give it some time and patience!

I work in developmental pediatrics and my sister is a pediatric speech therapist. At 13 months she may have a few words (mama, dada, bye-bye, up, uh-oh, no). The key is does she have a variety of sounds when she "babbles" (or is she even babbling at all?) Certainly at 13 months no need to panic--continue to monitor, provide good modeling (use simple words phrases to point things out around the house, running errands, etc). Give her a couple more months. Kudo's to you for being aware, don't panic, continue to monitor. 15 to 18 months of age will be a better indicater. Good luck. Shoot me a message if you have further concerns! Also, does she seem to understand/follow "peek a boo" "so big" and similar types of games??? If so, that's a good sign, if not--try working on those to start with (from a standpoint of understanding language). Hope that helps!

Rachel,
Do not worry. Every child has their own timeline as to when they will do things. My little girl was not talking at 13mth either!!!
On the medical side, if you are really worried or your mommie intuition is telling you something is off....trust it! Take her into her ENT, have then check tube placement, have them perform a tempanogram (sp!!) to make sure there is no fluid and the ear drum is moving and if you are still not satisfied ask for a hearing test.
Shower that little girl with lots of love and talk to her all the time. Even though kids may not be able to verbalize yet they have alot of comprehension.
Good luck & let me know if you need any more help.

My daughter is also 13 months old right now. I was a little concerned because she wasn't really talking either. (She did say dada.) She also had continuous ear infections and had tubes put in back in August. In just the month since she had the tubes inserted, I now hear her saying "uh-oh", "tay"(for kitty) and "tee"(for teeth). I don't know if it's just a coincidence, if I'm listening better, or if it has to do with her ears being fluid free now.
Maybe your daughter is talking, but you can't understand her. My daughter is very hard to understand.
I've read that most kids have a language explosion at about 18 months, so I wouldn't worry too much unless she's still not talking at all at that point.

Many states have the public service of sending a speech therapist to your home to test whether or not your child's delay is cause for concern. I'd ask your pediatrician about such a program. My daughter was also a bit delayed - we waited until she was about 18 months before we did tubes. Within 2 weeks of having tubes put in, she was talking up a storm! I think ear infections definitely contribute to speech delay. Regard the 2-5 rule, if she makes sounds that always mean the same thing (ie "Da" means daddy or "Ba" means ball), that counts. Above all, relax and enjoy your baby girl . . . she'll get it when she's ready. :)

I had a lot of ear infections and tubs when I was an infant. My mom said I did not talk much till I was 2 and then I was a chatter box. I am not sure if I was ever tested (but 26 years ago not sure they did that). It might just take time for your daughter to get caught up... do not starting worrying just moniter her, read to her and make sure she responds to you when you talk (turns her head towards you, smiles, and so on).

Also call your daughtedrs doc and she what he/she says. They will also let you know what you can do to help her along as well as reassure you one way or another what to watch/listen for.

*edited* She might also have nickname for things so it may sound like garbble but really she has associated a word with an object/person (ball, ba ; bottle, ba ba... it really could be anything so watch her and see if she calls anything a 'pet' name).

If you are concerned about your daugter's speech being delayed, ask her pediatrician for a referral for the Birth to 3 program. They would be able to work with her on speech and letter sounds. You could also have her screened by the school speech therapist (it is usually free when you go). My husband and I did this for our son when he was 3. He went twice a week for a year and really picked up on the sounds. Both programs are really wonderful. Good luck.

My son is also 13.5 months and is not really talking. We think we catch him saying dada and mama sometimes and I think he's said kitty a few times. Part of it may be that I'm not deciphering his babbling. One thing I read is that kids with older siblings tend to babble in sentences (like their own little language) and eventually the words they learn start showing up in the middle of the babbling. I think this might be my son...he babbles a blue streak! If your daughter is doing a lot of babbling, she may be on the verge of getting some words out. A friend also recently pointed out that maybe my son doesn't talk because I can anticipate his needs and know what he wants when he wants it, so he doesn't really have to talk (I stay home with him). He also does the baby sign language and that helps a lot. It's funny though- in the last couple of weeks he's increased the number of signs he'll use. I have another friend that works in daycare and she said that it seems like the babies/toddlers she has worked with fall into two catergories-physical and vocal. So, if she is more of a physical baby, it could just be that she is focusing her energy on those kind of developments and the rest will come later. Ultimately, her lack of talking may be just a normal difference in development and not related to the tubes. One of my friend's son has tubes as well, but he is talking up a storm- he'll be two soon, but I think he's been at it for a while now. The tubes didn't seem to hold him up any. If you're really worried, ask the doctor-it certainly never hurts. Good luck!

At 13 months I wouldn't worry yet. If by 18 months she still isn't saying anything I would talk to her doctor about it. You can also call Early Intervention for a free evaluation. If she qualifies, they offer therapy in your home for free. My oldest son is going through it right now and they're great.

My second son is 19 months and is just now starting to say about 2 or 3 words. He didn't say anything at all until just recently...and it's more like "da" for dog, etc.
I did mention it to the dr. at the 18 month check up, and though he gave me a recommendation for an evaluation, I'm holding off on it. My son understands and comprehends everything we say to him and follows simple commands. I personally think he's just a late talker. I have been told by many people (including the dr) that for second children, it can take up to age 2 or 3 before they really start to talk, especially if the older child is a talker (which in my case, my oldest never shuts up!). I think it all depends on the situation. I think at age 13 months there is nothing to be worried about. It's a bit young I think to expect them to speak..they are still learning things around them. I'd wait until they are closer to 2.

My granddaughter is a select mute. She refuses to speak and she is almost four now. She was born blue and had to be ventalated to get her breathing. At two she was only saying Mama and Papa. She never had the ear infections but they put tubes in to help her hearing. It amplfied sound so now loud noices bother her. She was taught sign language so she had a way to communicate by EDI, early development interaction. Our family doctor became concerned because she was't talking at two years old. She was sent to a brain specialist to see if she had any brain damage from birth. She was fine but he did say that she was highly intelligent and that her problem was the muscles to the tongue and vocal cords were damaged. He said she knew what she wanted to say but couldn't get her tongue to form the words so she chose to remain mute. He said she would speak one day on her own or she would stay with the sign language or possibly mix the two. She is just now starting to talk, not whole phrases but a string of words here and there like (Mama frog got at Walmart.) The doctor was right. She is starting to talk but she is mixing the two. She is more comfortable with the sign language. Your little girl is still young and like the other mothers have said, children speak when they are ready. Read to her, show her things and repeat the names because she is at the stage where they retain alot of information. If she still isn't talking than speak with your doctor and they can have her seen by someone who works with children with delayed speech habits.

I would not start stessing out about it. She is only 13 months old and every child develops differently. Now if she was going on 2yrs and does not say a single word, then start talking to your doctor. My youngest is 13 months and she says ma'ma all the time and will some times say puppy, kitty, and da'da, but she does have 2 older siblings. She could just be lazy at the moment. Just keep working with her and like I said, do NOT stress out about it yet. She is still very young. She will come around.

If she had several ear infections I would suggest taking her in to an audiologist to have her hearing checked. Many school districts offer audiologist services at no fee so you may want to check with your school district. Her delay in talking could very well be due to the ear infections. As you said, it may be nothing and she just may be a late talker.

Hi R.,
No need to worry. I have 18 month old twins (one boy and one girl) and they both only say a handful of words (they are developing normally and have met all their milestones). I have lots of friends who have kids around our ages and they all learn at a different pace. I know a few 2 year olds, that are developing normally and do not say more than 15-20 words. I also know a 15 month old who has a huge vocabulary. Everyone is different. My only suggestion would be to have her hearing tested again (if she hasnt after having the tubes put in her ears). My son had tubes put in his ears and needs to go back in October to retest his hearing again. Before long, you probably wont be able to keep her quiet (especially when youre on the phone, etc). Take care.

B.

I would not worry too much. All babies are different, and yours has had a couple hurdles to overcome. No big deal, though. She'll only be stronger for it. But since her speaking development has been minorly held up, I would highly suggest starting to sign with her. That way you can start communicating with each other. It will ease a lot of frustration for both of you. Don't worry. This is not a preemptive measure of her being hard of hearing or anything like that. If you just spend a small amount of time googling the topic, you'll discover it's incredibly easy and beneficial, such as an increased vocabulary of not only signed words, but spoken words as well. Also, toddlers who sign have fewer tantrums. And eight year olds who signed as babies have higher IQs. I've been signing only three signs with my 3 1/2 month old daughter for about a month. Just this morning she started mimicking "change diaper." We're a couple months from full communication, but I'm excited for the benefits it will bring our family. Good luck with everything!

13 months is pretty young for talking. I would reevaluate in another couple of months.

My neighbor has an 18 month old that hasn't spoken a word yet. Her doctor said that if he hadn't by the 18 month visit that she was going to have his hearing checked-- he also had tubes put in earlier in his life. I think I would work w/ your daughter, and around the 18 month mark--which was what her doctor suggested, then test.

I know at my daughter's 12 month visit her doctor asked how many words she could say. Did your doctor ask at the 12 month visit? If not, I would contact him/her and ask what time frame is acceptable to them.

R. i wouldn't worry too much, my daughter had many ear infections and also had tubes. I was worried because she didn't start talking until around 14 months. Not sure how long your daughter has had the tubes in. If only for a short while. You got to remember shes been hearing things muffled for a while, it will take a little time for her to repeat sounds. At least that is what the doctor told me when i asked the same question. If it's been a while with the tubes you may want to think about having a hearing test done to make sure she can hear you talk to her. I hope this helps. Good luck! And no your not a lone!

If you are worried you could always have her evaluated in the birth to three program. This is a federal service and really helpful. My son was involved with this and their support was great. They will come into your home so you don't even have to leave the house. I really found this resource helpful. good Luck!

I really think you need to give your daughter a chance. 13 months is still SO young!!!! Plus, your version of talking is likely very different from her version of talking. The main thing is does she use her voice right now? Does she have a variety of sounds she's making with her tongue and her lips? My son is 20 months and is just now really "talking" so that it makes sense to us. I actually don't know many 13-month-olds that truly "talk" yet. Please don't put too much pressure on your daughter.

Hi,
My now, 4 year old daughter was in the same boat...she had her hearing tested it was fine, but had numerous ear infections and tubes put in when she was 13 months old. She did some babbling and few words and I think it really wasn't until between 18 months and 2 years she gradually talked more and now I can't get her to stop and has a big vocabulary..so I wouldn't panic but if you need some help I would check with a specialist

Don't worry, kids will talk when they are ready. My 15 month old isn't a big talker either. She says "ma" and an occasional "daddy" "uh oh" but that's about it. Some just don't want to. You might want to have her hearing checked to make sure she can hear fine before you really start worring. Good luck and have a super day:-)

I would think your child would be saying at least Dada and Mama.

I would guess that her ear infections have a lot to do with her not talking yet. If you are really worried, talk with your doctor about it. I worried for a while when my DD was younger that wasn't saying words too. However my mom and sister both told me that she was saying words and I just wasn't hearing them! Sure enough, after I really listened, I realized that some of her babbling meant stuff!

R.,

Hi! I totally understand how you feel. My daughter didn't say a whole lot at this age. She just turned 2 now. I stressed and stressed about it too. Every child is different. They really are. I know it's hard to not compare, but every child does things at different times. My daughter is saying a lot of words now. It just came out of nowhere. Just keep talking with her and telling her what things are. They are retaining words, even though they aren't saying them yet. Hang in there! :)

Don't worry about it! I hear this all the time from people. She'll be fine. Some kids start talking at 1 yr and some later like 2 yrs. Mine only said maybe 5 words until he was about 2. Now he's 26-months and all of a sudden he is repeating EVERYTHING we say. One day she'll surprise you and just start saying everything! Don't worry. She's fine.

My pediatrician says not to worry until 15 months--which gives you some time still. However, if you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician about it.

J.

Have her hearing checked than put her in a day care. you won't be able to shut her up. Children frequently don't talk because they don't have to because the parents are trained to anticipate their needs.

Is she babbling? Making sounds? Can she mimic sounds you make or make animal sounds? Vowels come first oo, ahh then adding consonants such as mama, baba. After that comes a complete word where the beginning sounds different from the end. mommy, daddy, etc. Look for the beginning process in speech. Also watch to see if your child responds to hearing their name or if you tell her no. Understanding language comes before speaking as well. Simple commands such as come here, look, etc. that get a response will show you if she is understanding and hearing the language. Don't freak out that your child isn't talking until they are almost 2. That is completely normal.

talk to your doctor. if there are no concerns, remember that the most important thing to do with a child is read and talk to them.

movies and videos have been shown to NOT help vocabulary at all, so remember that too.

otherwise, dont worry. chances are shes just pretty shy. my sons 22 month old friend is still a really quiet kid. but he does have his moments.
so i wouldnt worry too much, just talk and read to her a lot! even if it seems stupid to you to be telling her, like, things you are going to be doing, or telling her about things as you do them... "we are going to wash dishes, see the sink is filling up with water? and the soap bubbles? isnt that neat?" stuff like that.... it really makes a difference even if you feel silly doing it!

Don't worry about her not saying much. Kids do things on their own time. My mom said I didn't talk for 2 or 3 years and my grandfather had to coax me into talking. My kids all were different, the first one talked at 6 months, the second at 8 months and my youngest was 2 before he could say a lot without switching the order of the word... Tunnel became untel and Jarrod was arjud. I really was worried about his hearing also until I realized that he could be at the back of the house and hear me open the cookie jar at which he would run out saying "me too"! He really started talking around 2 and half or 3. His daughter started saying words once in a while but didn't really start talking a lot until this past month or so. She always used actions to show what she wanted. Now she repeats everything she hears.

I am sure they will test your daughters hearing if you request it at a child development center, if you are concerned.

I also suggest calling Birth to Three. I found them friendly and supportive.
K.

This is a tough one. Your best bet would be to get an evaluation from your pediatrician. Reasons why she's not responding are wide and varied from she's a late bloomer, to a possible hearing problem.

I know simple tests like calling her name and seeing if she responds or looks at you or just ignores you can help you decide if you should seek a professional evaluation for things like autism, speech or hearing issues, etc. But that's just a rudimentary test. I say go with your gut, and see the doc.

My daughter, now almost 2 1/2, didn't began saying words until about 18 months. I was not worried at all because she always understood what I was saying. I did use sign language with her so that our communication would not be one sided which help out greatly. That was my experience--I hoped it helped:)

Hi R., I'm no expert and can only speak from my own experience and my friends. The tubes could be part of it if her hearing was muffled before, but usually that goes away (a friend had this happen). My daughter was slower to talk, she's a little over two and says a lot, but much of it is still unintelligable. My Dr. said as long as she babbles (ie tries to talk) and can hear o.k., she should be fine. hope this helps.