Your baby can communicate with you long before he says his first word! A baby's crying, smiling and movements help you understand its needs. Learn how children communicate and what to do when there are concerns about developmental delays.
Milestones during the first 2 years
Children develop at different rates, but they are usually able to do certain things at certain ages. Following are general developmental milestones. Please note that these are guidelines only. If you have any questions about your baby's development, ask your pediatrician—the sooner the better. Even when there are delays, early intervention can make a significant difference.
By 1 year most babies:
- They look for and locate where a sound is coming from.
- They answer to their name most of the time when you call them.
- They wave goodbye.
- Look where you're pointing when you say, “Look at _________.”
- They mumble "ba-ba" to dad and "ma-ma" to mom.
- They say at least 1 word.
- They point to objects they want that are out of reach or make sounds while pointing to them.
Between 1 and 2 years old most toddlers:
- Simple commands follow, first when the adult speaks and gestures, then only with words.
- They take items from another room when asked.
- They show some body parts when asked.
- They place the pointer on interesting objects or events to make you see them too.
- They bring things to show you.
- They point to the objects so you can name them.
- They enjoy pretending (for example, pretending to cook)
- They use gestures and words with you or a favorite stuffed animal or doll.
- They learn 1 new word per week between 1.5 and 2 years.
By age 2, most toddlers:
- They show many body parts and common objects.
- They show some pictures in books.
- They follow one step commands without a gesture like “Put your cup on the table”.
- They are able to say about 50 to 100 words.
- They repeat many 2-word phrases.
- Maybe they say some 3 word sentences like "I want juice" or "Let's go bye".
- They are understood by others (or by adults) about half the time.
When milestones are delayed
If your child's development seems delayed or exhibits any of the behaviors on the list below, tell your pediatrician. Sometimes language delays go along with these behaviors. Also, tell the pediatrician if your baby stops talking or doing things he used to do.
→ He doesn't want hugs like other babies
→ He doesn't return a happy smile to you
→ He doesn't seem to notice if you're in the room
→ He doesn't seem to notice certain noises (for example, he seems to hear a car horn or a cat meowing, but not when you call his name)
→ He acts as if he is in his own world
→ He prefers to play alone
→ Doesn't seem to be interested or play with toys, but likes to play with objects around the house
→ Has a strong interest in objects that are not usually of interest to young children (for example, they prefer to carry a flashlight or a pen with them rather than a stuffed animal or a favorite blanket)
→ He doesn't seem to be afraid of anything
→ Does not seem to feel pain in a typical way
→ Uses words or phrases that are unusual for the situation or repeats scenarios from TV
Language delays
Language delays are the most common types of developmental delay. One in five children learn to speak or use words later than other children their age. Some children also develop behavior problems because they get frustrated when they can't express what they need or want. Simple speech delays are usually temporary and can resolve on their own or with a little extra help from family. It is important to encourage your child to 'talk' to you with gestures or sounds and to spend time playing, reading and talking with your infant or toddler. In some cases, your child will need more help from a trained professional, a speech therapist, to learn to communicate. Sometimes delays can be a warning sign of a more serious problem that may include hearing loss, developmental delay in other areas, or even autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Language delays in early childhood could also be a sign of a learning problem that may not be diagnosed until the school years. It is important to have your child evaluated if you are concerned about your child's language development.
Ask your pediatrician if you have any concerns
The normal growth rate varies widely, thus making it difficult to distinguish between normal and abnormal growth patterns based on individual snapshots of a child. As the various abilities evolve alongside the development process, the further a child is from the average, the more the chances of him/her showing/presenting a developmental disorder that may be due to an organic, functional or environmental cause increase. Sometimes more information about your child is needed before the pediatrician can address your concerns. If the neurological and/or developmental assessment shows further signs of concern, referral to a pediatric specialist is possible.developmentalist.
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