My 20month old is not talking just babbling?

Question

HI, im starting to get a bit concerned, should i be? We just moved country 2 months ago and alot has been happening in our lifes. She has recently started Nursery full time. They speak a different language and only speak that to her. I speak english to her all the time as i dont know the language. Should i be concerend she is still babbling.

Answer 1

No need to be concerned just make sure you read to every night. Its not uncommon for toddlers not to talk until their 3

Answer 2

Hi,

My 20 month old daughter has been talking since a very young age, she was saying mama and daddy and nana since about 7 months, and now I can actually have a conversation with her, and its clear speach so other adults and kids can understand,

HOWEVER! She couldnt walk unassisted till she was 15 months and all my mates kids where walking, it just means shes taking her time learning new things before talking, obviously she feels she communicates well enough with you and your partner without the need to develop words at this time, all children do develop differently, and she also has the problem of being in a country where english is not the first language.

I would consider looking around for a nursary where there are english speaking nannys, it would make it alot easier for her, I know however young children are capable of learning 2 languages, this is why they now teach languages in most primary schools, but she needs to master her own one first.

I wish you luck, you obviously care very much for her, please just relax and it will come with time, your doing great just taking the time to worry!

Sammy

Answer 3

Mine too. I think maybe the fact that she's getting 2 languages might not help in the long run though, she won't know what to say. Could you find an English speaking Nursery?? Maybe worth a chat with the Nursery but she'll start when she's ready.....I'm hoping this for mine anyway!! Good luck.

Answer 4

After reading some of the answers I am a bit baffled. My kids all talked at a very young age and by 18 months were talking in sentences. I talked to them from the minute they were put in my arms after their birth. I talked to them the entire time they were awake,while shopping,and in the car. I never talked baby talk and when they started talking if they didn't pronounce the words correctly I'd say the word to them a few times and then wait till they said it again.But all kids are different and do things at different times. I imagine hearing English at home and another language at nursery school is confusing for her. But once she starts talking she will probably combine the two languages so then you'll probably be the one that is confused. but all in all learning two languages will be good for her!

Answer 5

My son is 30 months old and still babbling. And he has only been exposed to english. I talk to him every day. He has two older brothers who talk to him all the time. But still... I usually have no idea what he is talking about!!

He didn't even start talking until he was about... 2 and signing to him in ASL actually triggered his desire to communicate with us. I wouldn't be concerned about him not talking. Ask yourself a few questions:

1) Is he aware of what you tell him? If you tell him to get his blanket does he go get it? If you ask him if he's hungry does he answer? This shows that it isn't a hearing problem

2) When he needs something from you, does he try to tell you? Does he point to things that he wants? If you ask him where the birdies are does he point to the sky? This shows that he comprehends how communication works.

3) Does he still try to mimic the things that you say? If you ask him to say something does he atleast try to say it? This shows that he does want to learn how to talk.


If you are still concerned at his 2 year appointment ask his ped to do a CHAT to check for an autism spectrum disorder and to check for other possible delay disorders.

Answer 6

Don't worry, some children don't talk clearly until they are 3. As long as he understands what you say to him and continues to babble then you've got nothing to worry about. The nursery speaking a different language to him won't help either as he won't understand them.

Answer 7

I know a few adults that still do that, I wouldn't worry about it, some children start to talk early - some dont, she may be slightly confused by hearing two languages but children are very adaptable to things like that, you'll be surprised how she'll probably pick up both languages quite quickly.

Answer 8

Babies who are exposed to different languages often take a little longer to start to form words and sentances, but when they do, they are doing so in both languages! She'll be fine, just make sure to continue speaking English to her - it's clearer for her if each language is coming from a different source.

Answer 9

don't worry the babbling is normal at that age, young children are versitle at that age and she will become a fluent speaker in both languages i suggest u learn at least some basic words in the other language then use both languages try getting her to repeat small words

Answer 10

FIND A ENGLISH PRESCHOOL!!! My daughter is 27 months and she speaks very well but when she was 20 months she was still babbling alot. My nephew was still baby talking when he was 28 months old and he eventually grew outta it.

Answer 11

My daughter just turned 2 a couple days ago, she only says 3 or 4 words. I'm not concerned. Just make sure you try to teach her what you want to, and be patient. try to find a support worker to get this info from, and you could try a speech pathologist too. good luck.