Here’s the thing - a “word” is not necessarily a word as we think of it. If your child can sign, it’s a word. If it’s an animal sound that they use consistently and correctly for an animal (ie. baa for sheep), then it’s a word. If it’s a sound that they use consistently for an object, then it’s a word. “Ba” for bottle, or “uh” for up is a word, if they use it consistently for that meaning.

I would get him/ her evaluated. Just in case

If your child has ANY exposure to another language, their brain sometimes needs extra time. But the benefits to a multilingual childhood far outweigh a delay.

My DD is similar. 16 months and no clear words, though we have occasionally heard some sounds that could be words (3 different words max, but not at all clear). She hears mostly English at home but also hears two other languages, particularly when visiting or video chatting with her grandparents. Thanks PP for the recommendation to check out the Speech Sisters Instagram. Will be trying these strategies and absolutely discussing with ped during 18 month appointment.

I’d take the wait and see approach. If it’s the same for the 18 month appointment, bring it up and ask if they can do a tympanigram during the visit. I would also schedule a hearing test with an ent who has an audiology booth to check hearing.

You can self refer to early intervention services but technically the kid’s not delayed yet. Do that at 18 months if still no words.

A lot can happen in a month.

Is there more than one language spoken around the baby? That can lengthen the time before identifiable words are spoken, but then the child may be able to eventually speak both languages.

I really like Speech Sisters on instragram for ideas on helping to encourage speech. They have a lot of content on identifying delays as well.

My 24 month old was doing that at 17 months, and is still babbling up a storm, but no words.
It’s frustrating OP. Try and focus on the other communication your kiddo is showing. Is there eye contact? Pointing? Showing you things or grabbing your hand and pulling you to something? Imitation of funny sounds? Imitation of movements?

Talk to your pediatrician at the 18 month appointment. One of the screening questions at my child’s 15m appointment was if she was saying 3-5 words. My 15 month old is not but is signing some words and responds to commands. The doctor just said to talk to her more and if still behind at 18m then would consider referral to early intervention screening at that point. She since has one clear word.

My 17 month old boy did that- had a word explosion at 19 months right after we put ear tubes in. He’s now 26 months and totally on track.

My first child was special need, and he did not babble or did not had first single word till almost 3 year old. He talks a lot now with a speech disorder.

My 17 months old has been babbling for months with no single words. He may say some ma, ge, bu, ka, Ar, etc a bunch of different sounds, and sings to herself, but I cannot recognize or identify any words that have meaning. I think I saw it one time he tried to sing twinkle twinkle little star with hands in the air with similar melodies. He understands what NO means, and he pushes it away or move his head away when it comes to NO. He responds to all the sounds & loves to dance when music is on. Is that considered “within normal range”for his speech development? Or could be just a little bit delay that I can sit back & watch for now?