The usual time needed for a baby to start speaking its first words is between 12 months and 18 months of age. However, it will take a longer time for it to develop a speech that can be understood even by those who don’t know the child. In most cases, that will occur before the age of 4.
On the other side, while there putting more pressure on the toddler is never a good option, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to the development of speech. First words should be taught by the age of 1, but it will mostly use gestures. Still, if it is not using them that could be a sign of a problem.
Also, if you notice that your baby is not even trying to use words before the age of 2, or it is imitating sounds without clear meaning, it can also be a signal that you should take it to the doctor. The potential risks that could affect speaking problems are issues with the tong and short frenulum. The great thing is that you can easily deal with that, but only if you start with the treatment on time. There are other potential risks, like hearing and speech problems.
The key is to work with your child and help it develop the cognitive functions in the right way. Even if there is a delay with speech, there are many efficient methods that you can use to easily deal with that. Here are some of the best ways to help your child develop the speaking functions properly.
Entertain Your Baby
Source: unsplash.com
While some people might expect that the best option would involve some complex procedure, the best method is actually to simply spend more time with your child and use all kinds of games to entertain it. While it can be fun for it, it is also proven that toys for children can bring many benefits when it comes to development.
Also, we have to mention the creative toys like puzzles, magnetic toys tiles, and many other options. If you want to read more about the benefits of buying educational toys, check out cossykids. For example, there is a magna tiles 120 piece set.
These magnetic tiles are great for babies to develop cognitive skills. Also, you can play with it together and you will help your baby learn its first words that way. Curved magnetic tiles are offering a lot of different shapes and colors. These magnetic tiles along with a wood walker toy represents one of the best ways to keep your child entertained and work on its education at the same time.
Focus On the Speech
Source: unsplash.com
The fact is that toddlers will try to imitate sounds that you are producing. It can be funny when you are listening to your baby while it is trying to do that. However, don’t just laugh to that because it will only encourage it to start imitating sounds more often. Instead of that, try to repeat some basic words and point to the things you are describing.
For example, start with words like mom, dad, toy, car, window, dog, cat, flowers, and more. Besides the understanding of words, you will also have to work on its ability to produce different sounds. One of the best ways for that is to play and sing songs for little kids. The baby will listen to those words, and with enough repeats, it can start speaking some of those words very fast.
Moreover, while pointing to stuff is common for kids when they are under 2 of age, you can start motivating it to use words when it need something. For example, the baby is pointing to the box with the toys or it want you to play some cartoons. Instead of reacting on the gestures, try to ask it slowly about what it wants, and wait to see whether it will use words instead of gestures.
Still, there is no need to force that or expect that the baby will suddenly start using a lot of words. It will take some time, and if you are patient and focused, the baby can develop these functions even faster. Keep in mind that showing any signs of stress and impatience can lead to issues. For instance, don’t be harsh when the child make a mistake with some words, and express that. The biggest issue is that the toddler might get afraid, which can lead to an even longer delay.
Another excellent solution is to read books together. There are many options especially designed for little kids. These books and simple and colorful, and that will keep the baby entertained and interested in the content.
Ask For Help From Professionals
Source: legalfinders.com
There are some things that you should never ignore. That is the case with speech delay as well. As you can see, there are many things that you can do that improve that. However, if your child is facing a longer delay, the best solution is to speak to the expert who can take an exam to see if there are some more complex problems that are causing that.
Last Words
As you can see, most of the solutions that you can use to help your baby develop its speaking functions are involving a lot of fun. Be sure to never express that you are nervous or angry when the baby is making a mistake or it simply won’t stop using gestures instead of words. It might simply need slightly more time for that.
On the other side, there are signs of potential issues that you should never ignore. Pay attention how your baby is reacting to your voice and gestures, and check that its gestures, signs, and first words have a meaning. In the end, regular exams of professionals are the best way to take proper care of the development and start dealing or preventing certain problems on time.
