Normal Speech Development

[MidwesternGal]

So I just flipped over a card with developmental milestones on it to the 6-month mark, even though my DS is only 5.5 (I figure, close enough, right?).

Anyway, it mentions that most babies begin imitating syllables (like "ma," "da," etc) even if they don't know what it means.

In fact, we just had a convo in my monthly thread where some parents mentioned their kids did this all ready.

But my DS isn't! Should I be worried? :confused: The sounds he does make include spitting/blowing raspberries noises, cooing, and a happy yell/screech, and a mad yell/screech. Not a single sound has ever come close to sounding like even a bit of speech. He doesn't do "babble" either--just coos or kind of yells.

Anyway, now I'm kind of freaking out about it. Should I worry? And if so, what should I do about it? His hearing seems to be fine.

[jay&erinn]

Don't worry. Not all babies develop at the same rate. 6 mo is average, meaning some babies will do it sooner and some later.

[maybebaby]

Boys are often slower with speech.

[IzzyJune2006]

DD has been slow making all the noises per the "schedule". I am not worried. She eventually made it there. It's the same as rolling over or teething. It just happens at different times.
Unless you have other concerns (perhaps related to hearing), I say just wait a few more weeks.

[jbenny75]

My DS didn't start babbling until 7-8 months. I was worried, too. He is now 9 months and while he babbles, he is just beginning to "converse" with us.

[polkadot]

I am just throwing in my 2 cents as an Early Interventionist who deal with children with disabilites anywhere from birth to five years old...all of the previous posters are correct. Each baby will develop at his/her own rate...please dont let one thing worry you. My own sister called me last week about my 5 month old nephew not rolling over...i said give it time...and guess what...he rolled over today...I would say to make sure you are speaking to him and make it a game to try and get him to imitate you making the sounds. He will come around..I am sure...if you have other concerns like someone said about hearing then call your doctor...other wise...keep on talking to him..:D

[emschwar]

Noah wasn't much of a babbler early on. And he almost never imitated us. Yet today, at almost 3, he talks better than many kids his age, and probably a year ahead in his language skills. I wouldn't worry about it. If it really bothers you, you can bring it up at your next WBV.

[MidwesternGal]

Thanks ladies! I guess I never realized how prevalent (sp?) all kinds of developmental problems are until I really started paying attention, so of course, now I freak out all the time.

I may bring it up at our 6 month WBV at the end of April.

[phart]

Seriously, try not to worry. Aiden hardly ever babbled, didn't speak his first word until nearly 18 months, barely had 25 words at 2 and now at 3+ talks all the live-long day. I'd often like to go back to the days when he couldn't talk;)

Maura is 1 and just started saying "ma", really. She's been saying "da" but not since 6 months.

[Mrs. M.]

Don't worry. My DD is seven months old and really only started babbling last week. Now she does it all the time, talks to her toys, too.