As a parent, it is natural to wonder if your 15-month-old is speaking as much as other kids their age.
Language development varies at this stage, and many parents worry about their child’s speech milestones.
Some toddlers may say just a few words, while others may already be using short phrases.
The good news is that there’s a wide range of normal, and most children will catch up with time.
This guide covers how many words a 15-month-old should say, when to worry, and how to support language development.
Let us take a closer look at this exciting stage in your child’s development!
Understanding Language Development at 15 Months
At 15 months, your child is learning how to talk, but they might still be in the early stages.
At this age, babies are starting to understand words and make simple sounds.
They might say a few words, like mama or ball, but they are also trying to copy the sounds they hear around them.
This stage is important for language because your child is learning how to communicate.
They might use gestures, like pointing or waving, to show what they want.
They are also starting to understand what you say, even if they can’t fully respond yet.
How Can Parents Encourage Language Development?
There are many easy ways you can help your child grow their language skills:
- Talk to your child often: Even if they can’t respond yet, talking helps them learn new words.
- Read together: Reading books is one of the best ways to learn new words. Point to pictures and say the names of objects.
- Use simple words: Speak clearly and use simple sentences. This helps your child understand and learn more easily.
- Repeat words: Repeating words helps your child remember them. For example, ‘Here is your ball!’ and ‘Throw the ball!’
- Encourage gestures: Encourage your child to use gestures like waving bye-bye or pointing at what they want.
Common Words a 15-Month-Old Might Say
At 15 months, every child develops language at their own pace.
However, many toddlers begin saying a few common words around this age.
Let us see a simple table to give you an idea of the words your child might start using.
Keep in mind, some kids might say more, while others might say less.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mama | Refers to the mother |
| Dada | Refers to the father |
| Ball | A round object used for play |
| Bye-bye | Used when saying goodbye |
| More | Requests more of something |
| Dog | Refers to a dog |
| No | Expressing disagreement |
| Up | Request to be picked up |
15 Months Old Development Red Flags
While children develop uniquely, some signs may indicate language development issues.
If your 15-month-old is not saying any words or making sounds, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Other things to watch for include:
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Not responding to their name: If your child doesn’t look at you when you call their name.
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Limited or no gestures: They might not point, wave, or show interest in things around them.
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No interest in communication: If they don’t try to make sounds or show you what they want.
If you notice these signs, it’s not a big problem, but consulting a pediatrician or speech therapist can be helpful.
Early help can make a big difference in their language development.
Real-Life Experiences from Parents
Hearing other parents’ stories can be reassuring and helpful when you’re curious about your child’s language development.
Many parents experience similar things with their 15-month-olds.
Here are a few stories that might help you feel more confident about your own child’s progress:
Parent Story 1
A mom shared that her son spoke a few words like “mama” and “ball” at 15 months but progressed slowly until 18 months.
Reading together nightly helped, and by then, he used more words and tried simple sentences.
Parent Story 2:
A mom said her 15-month-old daughter pointed and made sounds but spoke little. She responded by naming objects and prompting words daily.
Gradually, her daughter spoke more clearly, showing that consistent conversation boosted her language development.
Parent Story 3:
A dad raising his son in a bilingual home noticed slower early speech. They spoke English and Spanish daily, exposing him to many new words.
By 18 months, he used both languages, though progress was slower. The dad learned bilingual development takes time but is normal and rewarding.
Conclusion
Every child develops at their own pace, and when it comes to language, there is a wide range of what is normal at 15 months.
Some children may speak only a few words, while others might say more.
The important thing is to encourage your child’s language development by talking, reading, and being patient.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, do not hesitate to talk to a doctor or speech therapist.
With time, practice, and support, your child will continue to grow in their ability to communicate.
Remember, each word they learn advances their language path! Share your experiences or tips in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Some Signs that My Child Might Need Speech Therapy?
If your child isn’t making sounds or words by 15 months, isn’t responding to their name, or isn’t showing interest in interacting with others, a speech therapist can assist.
How Can I Tell if My Child is Hearing Properly?
If your child is not responding to their name or seems unaware of sounds, it could be a sign to check their hearing.
Does Being in a Bilingual Home Affect Speech Development?
Bilingual children might take longer to start speaking, which is normal, but they will catch up as they learn both languages.
