When do babies start talking?

Question

I have a 17 month old baby. He understands everything that is said to him (or almost everything), but all he keeps saying is "didi".When do babies start speaking such that one can make sense of what they are saying? I can make out what he tries to put across, but not everyone can.

Answer 1

The minute they start opening their mouths and make sounds....seriously though, every child starts in his or her own time......my brother didn't say a word until he was about two and a half, today he has studied philosophy and psychology and strives to be the next Socrates :-)
Really nothing to worry about......

Answer 2

Michael zac o summed it up great.... My grandaughter who has just turned 2 last Saturday can say loads of words, to many to mention, but some dogooder so called "professional" health visitor has scared my Daughter to death by saying she is behind in her speach Ugh!!!....I am so angry with that person, aparently it's because she dont talk in sentences, what do they want from a 2yr old, to stand on a podium and recite poems for gods sake....
don't worry, he will start to talk when he is good and ready, I have heard that it's the intelegent ones start talking late, and Michael said his brother did'nt say a word till he was 2 and is now studying philosophy and psycholigy, so it backs up nicely what I have heard

Answer 3

14-18 months is when they usually start saying a few words. Talk to your child's doctor if your toddler doesn't use any two-word phases or answer simple questions by 2 years of age. Boys can sometimes be slower to speak that girls, so be patient. I'm sure he is fine.

Answer 4

On average babies start understanding words and commands by the age of one, but do not start pronouncing words clearly until about a year and a half to two years of age because their vocals tale time to develop. I hope that helps.

Answer 5

My 18mo. old says lots of words-mamma, daddy, sissy, hello, hi, buh-bye, puppy, kitty, nose, eye, teeth, juice, thank you, baby, etc. I'm at home with her 100% of the day so I don't think it has anything to do with whether or not they go to daycare, I think it's just an individual baby thing. I babysit a 16mo. old boy and I've never heard him say any word- he sounds like the Tasmanian Devil so I know he's trying! I can ask my daughter to repeat a word and she'll try it, but the boy I watch won't-he just laughs and takes off! Maybe girls speak sooner than boys!? I dunno. But before you know it, he'll be talking your ear off!

Answer 6

there are babies who speaks late. all you have to do is be patient. and when you talk to her, talk straight. talk to him as if he's already grown up boy. kids like that, being treated as grown up. when he talks, observe your surroundings. maybe he's saying the same but he means different things. all you have to do is listen to his intonation, the way he says it, his body movements and the situation when he says the "didi" word. why? because it may mean daddy or drink or anything else. lastly, consult your physician. he maybe having some kind of speech ailments considering that he's already beyond 1 year old.

Answer 7

He's doing fine, don't worry.

Actual verbal talking is the last piece of a big jigsaw as far as communicating is concerned.

As long as he is connecting with you and making his point known the rest will follow.

Answer 8

My 18 month old has a few words like Hello, Bye, Mum, Dad, Nan etc but they are all different.

Answer 9

Everyone learns at a different rate. If hes always around people talking to him and amongst themselves he will pick up words faster. I think ? :o)

Answer 10

my son said 'mummy' when he was 9 months. every child is different. it will be easier for you to understand him as oppose to others cause you spend alot more time with him....it's only natural. sometimes when i don't understand my son, i ask him to show me what he's talking about...and he does.