{"id":18763,"date":"2025-06-11T11:40:47","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T11:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mywellnesshub.in\/blog\/?p=18763"},"modified":"2026-04-14T18:37:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T13:07:40","slug":"speech-delay-evaluation-before-18-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mywellnesshub.in\/blog\/speech-delay-evaluation-before-18-months\/","title":{"rendered":"Does My Child Need a Speech Evaluation Before 18 Months?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By 18 months, most babies say a few simple words like \u201cmama\u201d or \u201cdada\u201d and respond to their name. If your baby isn\u2019t doing these yet, it may be an early sign of speech delay \u2014 and it\u2019s okay to seek guidance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal to wonder \u2014 \u201cShould my baby be saying more by now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe your little one isn\u2019t saying \u201cmama\u201d or \u201cdada,\u201d or doesn\u2019t look when you call their name. And while some people might say, \u201cIt\u2019s too early to worry,\u201d deep down, you\u2019re not sure. If you\u2019re feeling confused or anxious about your baby\u2019s speech, you\u2019re not alone \u2014 and you\u2019re not overthinking it. Many parents notice something feels \u201coff\u201d long before anyone else does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news? There are clear signs to look for, simple ways to support your child at home, and expert help available if you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Help Your Child Speak Better\n <\/h3>\n

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\n Boost My Child\u2019s Speech<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What Are Normal Speech Milestones Before 18 Months?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering whether your baby\u2019s communication is on track, you\u2019re not alone. Many parents keep a close eye on how their little one is growing \u2014 especially when it comes to speech therapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between birth and 18 months, babies go through exciting changes in how they express themselves. While every child develops at their own pace, here are some common speech milestones before 18 months that many babies meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More: Speech Development Milestones: Your Child’s Talking Journey<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typical Speech and Communication Milestones (0\u201318 Months)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Age Range<\/th>Milestone Highlights<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
0\u20136 months<\/strong><\/td>Coos, makes gurgling sounds, smiles at voices<\/td><\/tr>
6\u201312 months<\/strong><\/td>Babbles (\u201cba-ba,\u201d \u201cda-da\u201d), responds to name, uses eye contact<\/td><\/tr>
12\u201315 months<\/strong><\/td>Says simple words (\u201cmama,\u201d \u201cdada\u201d), points to ask or show something<\/td><\/tr>
15\u201318 months<\/strong><\/td>Says 5\u201310 words, imitates familiar words, follows simple instructions<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What You Might Notice If Things Are On Track<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here are some encouraging signs your baby is developing speech skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n