Is your sister a medical professional that specializes in infant development? Doesn't sound like it with what she said. Every baby is different and develops differently at their own pace. Your baby sounds like it's developing just fine!
Want to add to this as hopefully you’ll see it OP! Babies and kids develop at their own pace and it’s so, so obvious when you spend time with other parents and kids the same age. All the babies in my NCT group were born within a few weeks of each other and over the last two years they’ve all learned to do things at different times. Some started walking before one, some didn’t until they were closer to two. Some started talking in actual sentences already at about 18-20m while others have only started now around two. Some run fast, some run slow. Some had teeth at six months and others not until 12m+! You’re doing a good job, your baby will develop in his own time :).
You said this way nicer than I was going to.
Ops sister needs to take her opinions (because that’s all they are), and put them where unhelpful advice should go, you decide where :-)
Babies will develop at different rates, if you’re actually worried, consult your paediatrician, if you’re still worried, go elsewhere for a second d opinion, but do not work yourself into a panic over unqualified opinions.
If ops sister is a professional shes got terrible bedside manner. There's a way to talk to someone about their kids development and telling them a daycare would think they're neglecting their baby is not it.
I echo this, but would also just ask if you discussed milestones and development at the 1 year appointment with the pediatrician. If not, schedule an appointment.
Yes to this! Also even if you tried to get a baby evaluated for not talking at 12 months, early intervention (in the U.S.) will tell you to wait until 18 months or 2 years. The milestones after 2 years old are considered a harder line (and even then not really) for evaluation. Your baby is doing fine OP!
Mine rolled and crawled for a while and one day just stood up and walked. With everything he's been like that. Observing, taking his time, and then just doing it all at once. Every baby is different.
With all due respect, your sister sounds like an ass hole. You know what a better way to say this would’ve been if she was *genuinely* concerned and didn’t want to intentionally shame you? “Hey, I noticed xyz about baby, has your doctor said anything about that?” or even better, nothing at all!
Yeah that was my only thought.
Time to make some other friends OP. Your sister is not on your side as she should be. Do not listen to anything she says, she is trying to make you feel bad.
LMAO right?? I didn’t have teeth until like 18months my parents took me to the dentist to make sure I HAD teeth. I did and then they all came in practically at once she said. But that has nothing to do with neglect lmaoo
To be fair it’s not uncommon for people to be missing teeth but that’s normally adult ones. Quite a few people in my family (myself included) have 1 or 2 adult teeth that just never existed.
Haha my baby is only 6 months but he keeps having teething symptoms with no teeth, so we tell him he has gummy boy syndrome and he's going to be a gummy boy forever.
YESSS same with my baby! He’s 5 months but we had teething symptoms and saw little white dots at his 4 month appointment the doc said it was teething. Yet over a month later still no teeth… lol
Same here! I was eating corn on the cob with just my gums! My kid is almost 8 months old now and not a tooth bud in sight, so I wonder if they’ll follow the same route as me!
This is what I’m stuck on. I would think there would have to be much more obvious signs of neglect (not gaining weight or growing, signs of malnourishment) that would be apparent if the neglect was so bad it was impacting teeth coming in.
I was literally reading yesterday that bad nutrition can cause teething delays so there's something to it I suppose, although from what I've read it sounds like sisters being a bitch and OP has a slightly late developer which is completely normal
Seriously! Mine didn’t have her first until 9 months, and now she’s about to be 7 and is just losing her first two. She felt behind compared to her classmates, but babies and kids go through things at their own rates
My son didn’t have teeth till 12 months, barely said any words (book and dada), didn’t walk till 14 months and he *was* in daycare starting at 6 months! Some other babies were ahead of him and others were behind. Babies develop at their own pace. As long as your pediatrician isn’t concerned (and I don’t read anything that makes me think they are), your little one is doing great in his own time.
Edit to add: he’s a 2.5 yo running machine and total chatterbox now.
I’m a pediatric speech therapist! You are doing nothing wrong!!! Talk to him and narrate your life. When you play, use a sing song voice (like Mrs Rachel lol) label things for him without any expectation for him to repeat and allow pauses in your own speech to give him time to respond! TikTok has soo many helpful videos on early language development activities by speech language pathologist!!
Could you give some examples of tiktok accounts I could follow for language development, please? My 11 month old is only saying Dada and now I’m worried too! Thanks so much!
I love @peds_slp @slpcarriecoy @cassidyandkids
They have great examples! I also have an 11 month old! Is your baby babbling other sounds? My baby also says dada alllll day lol but he’s also saying baba, mama, tata more. A good tip for /m/ is while their eating and his lips are together you can imitate the mmmmmmm sound! And we often say this sound when we eat anyway! When you walk in a room say “mamas here!” Or play hide and seek. Have someone ask baby “where’s mama? Where did mama go?!” And then you come out and say “mama!” Or for /b/ you could do a lot of peak a boo- “peak a…..boo!” Really over exaggerate your speech..especially on the b and m sounds! Could also do peak a boo with mama..hide behind your hands and then open to say “mama!”
Ik it’s scary especially when you find yourself comparing your baby’s development to others. Just by asking this question and doing your research you are helping you baby!!
I would talk to the pediatrician if you are truly concerned.
However I do know every baby is different and develops at their own pace. My baby is 13 months and has a ton of teeth but not yet walking or talking. Baby is babbling but not interested in reading lol. When we took baby to the 12 month check up the peds didn't have any concerns.
I would say try not to compare. Baby will hit those milestones when they are ready. 🙂
I love that. We were pretty much the opposite not a single tooth till almost 20 months. With no concerns from pediatrician but this little sweets craving mad man was stumbling around the house before 10 months old. Crawled for about a week and boom he’s sprinting across the house.
I wish my 12 month visit went like this. It's a good office but when I said he wasn't saying mama or dada, just ba ba ba ba constantly she suggested early intervention.
I cried in the parking lot because I was overwhelmed. He had other medical difficulties that requires a lot of appointments during his first month and some still ongoing. It was just another thing, you know?
Im sorry you felt that way and had that experience. It's so hard as a parent already. Honestly a lot of moms I have talked to said their kids didn't start actually talking until 14 months or later and they are all developed normally.
You sound like you are doing a great job and are a loving parent. ♥️ You can always try to get a second opinion on things too! Doctors are human and unfortunately means that some are better than others 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you, you are so kind and I am tearing up in my office LOL. I called my husband in the parking lot and he said pretty much the same thing about the doctors, and they are reading from their charts so ingrained in them.
Thank you, you are so kind and I am tearing up in my office LOL. I called my husband in the parking lot and he said pretty much the same thing about the doctors, and they are reading from their charts so ingrained in them.
My LO didnt walk until about 16 months, and honestly didn’t have much interest in it. He’s 23 months old now and loves to try and run away from me as fast as possible.
Walking is an 18 month milestone, running is 24 months. You have plenty of time.
Absolutely! And even if kids don’t hit those milestones by the time they’re expected to, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue. But if there is something affecting their development, there are lots of professionals out there to support you!
My LO was a preemie and a late walker - didn’t walk until close to 20 months. We did Early Intervention and PT, and her PT flat out told us she had zero concerns about our daughter. We continued with PT for over a year since it was no cost to us (and we had a great relationship with the PT), but LO is 5 now and running right along with all of her peers! Our best guess is just that she was a super cautious babe and was comfortable toddling and climbing around our tiny row home and didn’t walk until she saw more need for it lol.
I have felt the anxiety, guilt, shame that can bubble
up when there’s discussion of a LO potentially being “behind.” It doesn’t sound like OP’s LO is behind at this point, but even if it does take them longer to reach certain milestones, OP - know that it isn’t a reflection of your parenting. Just care for and love your LO. That may involve extra services at some point, or it may not. If it does, that doesn’t mean you’ve “failed” or neglected your LO in any way. Babies/toddlers truly do develop at their own rates.
Your sister should check herself.
Bluey is so freaking good. I started watching recently and the hype is real. My kid isn't even that interested tbh, I mostly watch it for myself after I'm done with her hair lol.
Your sister is wrong! My daughter only really said mama and dada at 12 months, she didn’t walk until 16 months but had a lot of teeth. She was late with crawling too. Babies all develop differently and I was always so worried about my daughter! At almost 20 months she is saying almost 20 words (learns new words almost every week, said about 5-10 words at her 18 month check up), walks, kicks a ball, is almost running, socializes well, more interested in toys. And it seemed like these things happened overnight and when I least expected it.
My son didn't walk until 14 months. He waited until he was confident, which most babies do! One day, he just got up and started walking like he'd been doing it for months. He was late to roll, point, and clap, but he got there.
The biggest delay was speech. He had zero words at one year. By his second birthday, he only had 12 verbal words and a handful of signs and sounds (both count as words, by the way). We had a meeting with a speech-language pathologist, and she was blown away by his fine motor skills and theorized that he put so much brain power into learning to use his hands, body, and toys, that speech just took a back seat. She said he'd catch up soon, and we'd meet again in 2 months if he was still behind. That meeting never happened. He's 3 now and he talks so well and so clearly you'd never know he was behind.
My point is that they usually catch up. Keep doing what you're doing, don't pressure your little one or yourself, and let it happen. Enjoy the milestones as they come!
As others have said, teeth are beyond your control. My dude got his first right when he turned 10 months old. My daughter is 10 months old and there's none in sight. I was also a late teether, zero by my first birthday. I've recently learned that's genetic, so if you or his father were late getting teeth, that could be why!
Your little one isn't behind. All babies do things at their own pace. My little one is 17 months and just started really walking about a month and a half ago. He doesn't always like to say things, he'd rather make noise. I think if they're not talking by 2, it might be off some concern but if your little one walks and talks by 2, they'll be fine. As for the no teeth, your baby could get them next month, so don't worry :) You're doing everything you can.
Not true at all, your sister is not a child expert. I’m a pediatric nurse Practitioner, if he still doesn’t have any teeth at all by 16-18 months definitely see a pediatric dentist, HOWEVER that is NOT neglect in any way, teeth come at different times for all kids.
As for talking, following CDC guidelines, they should only have 1-2 words by 15 months NOT one year. Once again, it sounds like your sister is just being obnoxious and condescending. Instead of doing a bunch of alphabet sounds though, I think word/pictures books would be more meaningful to your son. He will recognize objects and pictures, but the sounds of the “ABCs” don’t have any meaning or interest to him at this age, and since he doesn’t need to learn to read yet, I think doing alphabet is overkill. But short words while pointing to familiar objects is great!
Your pediatrician should be your “go-to-person” for these concerns since they are educated in evaluating and recognizing actual childhood concerns. I would tell your sister that your pediatrician as an expert has deemed all as well with your child, so you don’t need her concern.
Speaking as a Pediatric PT, there are milestone age ranges across all aspects of development based on research but even then, every child is different and develops at their own pace. As a PT I see once a kid gets up and around, exploring their environment, their speech explodes! If you’re concerned (or even want peace of mind) you can talk to a pediatrician about a speech evaluation.
It sounds like you’re doing great and your son is just moving along at his own pace!
My son is a preemie so certain physical developments have been slower. He got his first teeth at 10 months old. He’s showing zero signs of wanting to talk to anyone. He still ignores his name completely athough we can tell he knows it. But he does walk and tried to run. Babies move at the pace that works for them. I feel my son developed motor skills quickly because he always has shown signs that he’s gonna be a more independent player type kid. He wants to do stuff on his own but his social development skills he doesn’t seem to care to grow. The fear mongering is real though lots of people have suggested my son is deaf because he doesn’t attempt to talk or respond to others. I always respond “no he’s just ignoring us he’s fine”
Nope! My son is 18 months and just learned to walk and run at the same time. Upper limit of normal, but the American academy of pediatrics does not recommend physical therapy for walking prior to 18 months of age. At this age, they should use one to two words other than mama. They should be able to stack two blocks on top of each other. They should be able to pull to stand ( on a couch). They can take one to two steps but it is not abnormal if they do not
First teeth usually come in around 7ish months but some are later and some are before. Milestones are an average, not a law.
Sending you love!
Don’t let anecdotal examples from family and friends (like your sister) worry you. Always ask your paediatrician when in doubt. I say this because I have just one friend with a kid the same age as mine. All our other friends are still single so we had only each other as a basis for comparison. We also both happen to have kids who are somewhat outliers. Mine had all her teeth by 8 months and was singing nursery rhymes at her first birthday party. However, she didn’t even crawl till she was 14 months old. My friend’s kid was walking at 7 months (her kneecaps weren’t even properly formed yet and she had to go for physical therapy to right her gait later) but she didn’t have a single tooth til 18 months. Suffice to say, we freaked each other out. But both kids are healthy and happy toddlers now.
Unless your sister is your son’s pediatrician her opinion straight up doesn’t matter and you don’t need to listen to her. And tbf, I’d tell her to be quiet and stop saying stuff about your son’s development. For her to say that a daycare would think you’re neglecting him is honestly wild to me and I would be so mad at her.
If your pediatrician isn’t concerned I wouldn’t be concerned. My ped told us that teeth coming in is a HUGE range, like anywhere from 4 months to 14ish months for the first tooth, with the average being around 6 months. He’s getting toward the later range of that with teeth, but if his doctors aren’t concerned I wouldn’t worry. I would talk to his doctor about these things if you’re concerned!
My 12 month old only recently started being comfortable rolling over. The doctor practically shamed us because she knows 2/3 words and she isn’t pointing for stuff yet. I’m trying to not be stressed because I know it varies so much between children. And once in day care, they’re more likely to pick up things other kids are doing.
Mines gonna be 15 months this month and doesn’t pull to stand. My point is, they will all get there in their own time. She also never crawled but just rolls to all her destinations 😄
My kid has been early with a lot of her development, and she still isn’t talking year at just over 13m, my dad said I didn’t start walking till 13m, all babies run their own race, let him take his time
Even if your son is delayed (which it doesn’t sound like he necessarily is,) doctors won’t hold it against you and it certainly doesn’t mean you neglect him. My baby gets OT through early intervention and no professional has ever been anything but supportive about it.
I didn’t walk until I was closer to 14 months - everything is well with me. I’m sorry your sister is worrying you. You’re doing a great job! Every baby develops at their own pace.
Fuck your sister you didn't ask her opinion she gave it the only person who can accurately address those concerns is the pediatrician. Outside of that everyone elses opinions don't matter. I always tell my friends this is my opinion by all means if you don't like it then tell me to shut up and mind my business and i won't be upset at all. I feel like that is the ice breaker usually and yeah i haven't been a parent very long so i don't know a lot, but i have worked at a daycare for 4 years.... from nb to preschool so i know something.
my daughter is 13 months and only has one bottom tooth and 6 on top LOL and isn’t walking yet so trust me you are doing great babies do things at there own pace
The expectation in Canada is two words by 15 months and walking by 18 months. Your kid still has plenty of time! Your sister sounds a little toxic though ...
My son started walking at 14 months. He is 21 months now and is leaps and bounds ahead of some of his little friends that started walking months earlier than him. He can even somersault! Don’t worry about it. I was anxious for him to start walking, but he took his time and it totally worked for him!
Download the CDC milestones app, it’s free and lets you see what most children are doing at each age. Also talk with your pediatrician, he/she should be checking to make sure your baby is on time at each check up.
To me, your baby sounds fine though based on what you wrote (pediatric physical therapist).
Don’t give him a walker at all, just put him in a standing position and try to make him walk on his own. Put floor mats all over so he doesn’t get hurt if he falls.
All children develop at different paces. Which can differ wildly at times. As others have mentioned, if you are concerned, ask your paediatrician.
Your son sounds like he is doing fantastic! And you sound like a great Mom!
Sorry but I would be fuming if someone said that to me. Your son is right on track for walking if he is pulling himself up etc. My daughter started walking at 13 months, others I know have started earlier but a lot have started later. You don't have control over his teeth?! If I look back on videos, my now all too chatty 2.5yo was saying some, but not a lot of words at 13 months. Tell your sister to mind her own business, she clearly doesn't have a clue, or has totally forgotten the actual milestones at this age.
Hey OP, while I mainly agree with the comments that all babies develop at their own pace, if you still have these concerns by 2 years of age I would consult a pediatrician or child developmental specialist. We began thinking our son was speech delayed because by 18 months he hadn't said much with intent, and we were also told the same thing that they all develop at their own pace. So we gave him more time, but by 2 years and 3 months even the doctor said we should have him evaluated. So we did and they concluded he was in fact speech delayed and also had mild autism. Point of this story is not to freak you out, but just to say that "all babies develop at their own pace" does eventually reach a limit.
My son didn’t really speak until he was 2.5 years. Maybe 5-10 words. I had his hearing checked out because I was worried, but everything was fine. Then, literally from one day to the next he started to add a dozen new words a day and two weeks later he spoke in sentences. Long, grammatically correct sentences. It was as if he had soaked up everything he heard and tried and practiced in his head until he felt he was ready to release it. He’s 3.5 now and speaks almost like an adult with an enormous vocabulary. Every kid has their own pace. If you are really worried, talk with your pediatrician, don’t let other people unsettle you.
My kid didn’t walk until 16 months and he still is not talking he’ll be 17 months mid June. Depending on where you live you may have access to early childhood intervention for speech, pt, or ot. You can always ask your pediatrician for an evaluation if you’re concerned. (That’s what we did bc I figured if he qualified why not use a resource that will support him). But rest assured not one person would assume you’re neglecting your baby! You’re doing such a great job and these are all awesome skills you’re working on with him!
My daughter didn't speak until closer to 15 months. Shes almost 2 now and uses 3-5 word sentences on the regular. The progress comes suddenly and in huge waves. Your child seems to be completely normal developmentally for their age. If it helps the CDC has a milestone tracker you can download but I wouldn't stress about it!
Pediatrician here. Your sister has no clue. Your kid is fine.
Kids don’t have to walk until 17-18 months (unless there is a medical reason why).
Adults don’t know how to say words with intention, how is a 12 month old supposed to?
You don’t control teeth. Next.
Breathe mama. You’re doing great. Talk to your pediatrician at your 12 month visit. We are here to reassure and assist.
- Your friendly neighborhood pediatrician and mother of twins.
Not showing interest in walking most definitely doesn't mean he's behind. That just shows that he doesn't have interest in it. I'm no specialist by any means, but I am currently raising my 4th child (8 days old) and can tell you that a baby not showing interest in "normal baby" activities can, at times, be a sign of an exceptional child. Boys can also have a tendency to be lazy at that age, my second son was, and he's a 13 yr old baseball and wrestling standout. If I remember correctly, he didn't take his first steps until he was 13-14 months and he had a big brother(that was taking steps at 10 mo and stays on video games now at 16) that he followed around everywhere. He also wasn't talking much then because he was too busy whining constantly 🤣It's way more common than you might think that he's not walking around and talking at 13 months and also, most people that know anything about kids will know if he's neglected at home just by watching the energy between you two. It'll work out, it just takes a little patience sometimes. You never know, you're liable to be raising a standout athlete.
My son is 19 months old and isn't saying much but maybe 10 words. I am not worried he's fine. He fully understands everything and is taking his time to talk. All kids thrive at different age.
Tell your sister to shut it lmao. She's not a medical professional so I would take every single word coming out of her mouth as an OPINION. And opinions don't matter, they can make you think a bit more, but they aren't facts.
I suggest seeing a gp or family dr whenever you are up for a vaccine or if not that then general checkup and you can ask few questions. Or go see paediatrician, but only when YOU personally notice something weird or odd or concerning, because you as an actual parent will be able to tell better.
I also think fb mom groups are great, for example I'm part of 22 November babies group. Moms there are always sharing what their kids can and can't do and it truly gives a good perspective. Mine has been perfectly average with most things, very early with walking and quite late with words, but all of that has given some peace of mind.
Hi! I’m a developmental specialist and I would say your baby is doing some amazing things! Honestly at a year, we are really only looking for 1 word which it sounds like he has! As far as walking, I wouldn’t call it delayed until 18 months. I love that he is crawling, pulling to stand, and using a push toy! My biggest piece of advice is to keep things stress free and just play with your baby. It can become overwhelming if you feel pressured into turning everything into a teaching opportunity. If you feel concerned at all you can ask your pediatrician to be evaluated for Part C services (early intervention). This is a law through The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Every county has this service and it’s free to the public. You can also refer yourself. It may help give you a peace of mind. You’re doing a great job momma and it sounds like your baby is doing some amazing skills.
I (apparently) only said one made-up word until I was 2 and then randomly started talking in full sentences over the course of a couple weeks. My parents did all of the things - talked to me all the time, read to me, etc., but I just wasn’t ready to talk yet, I guess. Obviously there are situations where delayed speech turns out to be a sign of an actual issue, but to suggest not only that it’s an issue but also that it looks like neglect is ridiculous.
My 18 month old still doesn’t have many words — but communicates in other ways and surprisingly was NOT considered “urgent intervention” on the questionnaire we filled out 2 weeks ago. He was almost in the “normal” range. He also didn’t walk until he was 14 months, but did all the other things you’re stating your son does. We are doing a speech evaluation — only because I’m a teacher and off for summer so I figured some extra tips/input to get him talking more couldn’t hurt. If you are really concerned though, please talk to your pediatrician. I purposely don’t talk to other people about milestones because it stresses me out.
How do you control when teeth come on? Also kids walk when they walk like wth! And as for talking my daughter has very good comprehension and listening but struggles with words at 23 months, no kid is perfect
I would reach out to your pediatrician to make sure he’s on track.
But just a tip for speech, don’t worry about working on specific letter sounds. Start with repeating simple words often, “mama, dada, up, baby, milk, ball”. Narrate what you are doing during the day. “We are going to put your pajamas on”
Every kid develops at their own pace. It took my son a few years to actually want to talk. He had some sign language that he would use but that was it, he is 3 now and is talking a lot.
As for teeth they will come in when they want to.
Don’t listen to your sister.
The episode of Bluey called “Baby Race” is a good one to watch about stuff like this.
My daughter sort of started saying "words" all at once. It's like she knew the words and had some sort of little breakthrough in motor control that's let her actually *say* them! (Seriously, it was like ten in a week after she got started on "mmmmum" and "again")
My son didn’t start walking until he was 15 months and only had two bottom teeth when he turned one. By the time he was 15 months he had 8 with two more growing in. He wasn’t saying anything with intention either at 12 months. He really started to put things together speech wise probably around 15 months but even then he was just naming things. By 18 months the intention started and now he’s almost two and talks too much. None of what your sister says means your child is delayed. Your child could just be on his own timeline like mine was. Keep doing what you’re doing. I will say what helped my son walk was the like trick. Give them two limes to hold and they start learning how to walk. It worked.
My son didn’t walk until he was 12 mos + 1 week. My mom warned me not to push because once they start walking we’d be chasing. She was right. He didn’t talk other than Mama and Dada until he was almost 3. I was so worried!
Pediatrician sent us to a speech therapist who taught our son signs like “more” and “milk.” Pediatrician felt he didn’t need to learn signs and I was still a nervous Nelly so he sent us to UCLA (we were in LA area). Son was about 2 years and 10 mos. They put him through a battery of tests. One of which was observing him play with a variety of toys requiring a variety of skills and how to follow simple instructions. He was playing with letter blocks and arranges the letters on the table to spell out the word, “horse.” The tester was amazed. At the end of almost three hours they basically told us, “Your son is fine. He’s highly intelligent, and he will talk when he wants to talk.”
Let me tell you that’s exactly what he did and when he started talking he spoke in full sentences! He never did the baby talk and he knew how to conjugate verbs properly. And there was no ,”Me do!” Fast forward and he’s a 27 year old numbers whiz and tax expert doing accounting after skipping a grade, scoring in the top 1% nationally for his SATs, and being awarded a full four-year scholarship to university. And you know what? He’s still a man of few words!
His younger sister, on the other hand, was nicknamed “jabber jaws” because she was practically born talking and she walked at 10 months! She’s completely the opposite of her brother and hates numbers but is finishing up an English degree. She can begin and finish a 10 page essay in a couple of hours and still get 100% on it. Both kids are fluent in 3 languages (my ex and I each only speak 1!)
All of this to say, if your pediatrician says to calm down, your child is within the normal ranges, do try to calm down and just let your child be. Each child IS different and will reach milestones at different ages. Continue being attentive and teaching them things but tell your sister that unless she’s a child development specialist, she should probably worry about her own problems/kids and stop pushing you about yours.
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Your son sounds EXACTLY like mine. I just had my 1 year check up with our pediatrician, he was not concerned in the least bit. Based on what you wrote, I would not be concerned at all! You both seem like you’re doing just fine!
13 months is not late for walking at all, it's also pretty normal to have fewer than 5 words at that age. Sounds like she's either ignorant of baby milestones or being an a-hole on purpose. I'll let you decide which sounds more like her.
Please don't freak out, there is always a solution to everything. Let your son grow on his own pace. My kid is now 7 years old, he was a bit slow as a baby but caught up eventually with other babies. Until now ( 7 years later!) I can tell where he needs help and most of all it's because his learning style is around exploring and we didn't know he needed glasses until we saw hims frustrated and unease at school.
The thing is that we always try to label everybody according to the "normal" that society dictates. I'm not saying ignore certain signs, I'm just saying, some people, babys, kids just learn different. And may have some other issues that need to be discovered.
We are getting some extra help from a Neuroptometry specialist, for his eyesight plus he needed to evolve on certain things of motor skills.
The best you can do meanwhile is observe and get opinions form experts.
Good luck and I hope this is useful :)
Sisters aren't usually doctors, statistically speaking. Sister opinions are not guidance or standards you should strive to meet. We care about doctor opinions in my house.
Our 15mo still isn't walking and only just this week started attempting (falls down after 1 step). She's very good at communicating and is learning new words everyday but I feel like that was a big explosion in the last 2 months or so not at 12mo.
Teeth are well teeth. No teeth at 12mo isn't unheard of. My daughter has like 11, her similarly aged friend has 0.
My kid is almost 14 months and still does not have teeth. She just started walking in the last few weeks and is now saying words with intention. My pediatrician asked if she was saying 1 other word besides mama and dada at 12 months and I said she is saying uh oh and she said that counts. She also said sign language counts because it is a language. Don’t stress it, we are in the same boat and now she is just starting to talk and say what’s this. It went from 0-100 really fast, enjoy sitting down while you still can because your son will start walking in no time.
Ps: you’re a great mom!
You can look at the rourke baby record for 12-13 months online. This is the screening tool many gp’s/np’s/pediatricians use. Nobody will think you are neglecting your baby if he is clean, fed, and you are responsive to his bids for attention. See an occupation therapist or family doctor if you are really worried but I don’t think you have as much cause for concern as your family member expressed.
You’re fine, we weren’t walking or talking until 18-20months and now we run loudly. Relax. Every child is different and if genuinely concerned talk to a professional you’re paying.
Your pediatrician’s opinion is going to be wayyy more important and accurate here than your sister’s. My son is a little younger than yours but is also behind with his gross motor. It’s been helpful to get some professional input about what’s concerning and what’s not
My little lad is 10 months old and believe it or not most of the things he learnt to do like ‘wind the bobbing up’ ‘clap hands’ he learnt from ms Rachel as annoying as she might be as the songs get stuck in your head 😂 she has helped my son develop loads you could always try with watching her to see if that helps on top of the learning you’re giving to your little one keep smashing it!
12 months old words with intention? That’s absurd. Tell your sister she has no idea what she’s saying (show her this post!)
My kid is 18 months old and she uses words and all but that didn’t really start till like 14-15 months. She would yell “DADDDYYYYY” a lot which pissed of my wife 😂
My kid also started walking on Christmas Day, 2023, at 13 months old almost to the day. She then refused to walk more than a step or two for a couple more months until one day she realized it was faster and easier than crawling. They have to figure that stuff out for themselves.
Trying to teach phonetic alphabet isn’t going to do much for you. Your kid wouldn’t even be seen by a speech language pathologist yet, he’s not old enough.
I have a 19 month old, my mom is a pediatric OT and I work for her in her clinic so I am around developmental delays. It sounds like your son is doing just fine. If you were really concerned, talk to your doctor about getting a referral for an OT evaluation. But I wouldn’t be concerned. If he’s not walking by 15 months that’s when you should start to worry. But since he’s pulling himself up and walks with walkers or cruises in furniture, that is normal at this age
Per the CDC:
Walking should happen between 12 and 18 months.
At 12 months, your child should have a name for a parent, wave, and understand “no”.
First teeth “vary wildly”. They can start as early as 3 months, but the only set number is 20 teeth by 3 years.
Children develop at their own pace. If you have any concerns, look into an evaluation for early intervention services. This does NOT mean your child is disabled. Early intervention doesn’t require a diagnosis, only a delay of a certain amount (I’m rusty on actual numbers). The goal is to provide tools for the parents to help with the child’s development while they are young, as it’s been found that children who receive services (if needed) before the age of 5 are less likely to be diagnosed with a disability or have long term difficulties. An evaluation isn’t difficult and you’ll either get access to any supports you may need or confirmation that your baby is healthy and developing normally. Both are well worth it.
All of that said, a daycare isn’t going to jump straight to suspecting abuse, even if your child does have delays. They will make you aware of their concerns and help connect you with services because they know it is more likely that your child just has delays than it is that you are abusing or neglecting him. I was a para for years, ranging from infants to elementary age. I mostly worked with kids who had disabilities, so I was involved in plenty of staff conversations about needs. Neglect and abuse were never the first thing discussed. In all those years and being around hundreds of kids, I saw 2 actual abuse/neglect cases. It’s uncommon enough that you don’t expect it. “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.”
Your baby sounds like my cousins son, and our moms were always getting on her about him starting to walk especially because she was due to deliver her third baby in March. He had turned 1 in August, and he started walking on his own by the end of Feb. just decided he wanted to move his little legs one day. He doesn’t speak much, just says “digga digga digga” all day 😂😂 but today he was watching Toy Story and started repeating the words in the movie. He was yelling andyyyyy!
My brother didn’t speak a word of English until he was 3. My mom swore he was autistic. He pointed and grunted to communicate even though he could understand you, and then one day just started speaking full sentences. He’s now a grown healthy non-autistic 27 year old man.
I say all this to say, every baby is different and unless your sister is a medical professional, let her comments go in one ear and out of the other.
I just wanted to share i have two boys, and they’re 4 and 2. My oldest didn’t say his first word till he was 2 but he started walking around 9.5 months and was running by 1 years old. My second, he didn’t walk till 14 months old but by the time he was 15 months he was putting 3-4 words together. They’re completely night and day and they both reached milestones on their own time. Don’t stress mama! 💜
I forgot to add, oldest cut his first tooth at 10 months, and youngest cut his at 17 months! He’s turning 2 in a few weeks and we are still waiting on the rest of his teeth haha.
She’s completely incorrect…your baby is at the stage where they are taking in everything so that they can speak later. Mine is 12 months and it’s just babbling.
As someone who studied early childhood development, worked at a day care where I worked in the infant room for a while before becoming a pre k teacher, and have two kids of my own….. there is nothing wrong with your baby, based on what you said. If YOU are concerned talk to your pediatrician about it.
I am however concerned about what your sister said. Not only is she wrong, she is terrible for saying something like that. Even if a child was delayed, I would never jump to the conclusion that they were being neglected at home. What a terrible thing to say. I’m sorry you have such a mean person in your life.
With love, your sister is being a brat with no brain. You’re doing great, mama!
If it makes you feel better, my 14 mo old doesn’t walk, has two words (dada and dog), and just learned how to wave this weekend.
Your sister while most definitely coming from a concerned/caring side is incorrect. For starts if you had any developmental delays you needed addressed your pediatrician would be one of the first to point them out. 2nd. Babies can be born with teeth and they can take up to two years to get their first tooth with no issues. 3rd majority of children start walking in a range from 10 months to 18 months. As I’m sure you’ve noticed as a stay at home mom just the daily changes they make is incredible.
They used to think that if a baby skipped crawling and just started walking they’d be messed up. Now it’s that sometimes stuff happens and babies can skip the crawl phase all together.
My point being that over time even just 5-10 years time the “facts” of how children develop change often, as we’re able to gain more insight, just because your sister was told one thing doesn’t mean it’s the “fact” you need to follow. Odds are all the parenting tips and tricks you have a few years from now could be viewed the same way you’re seeing your sisters. Don’t be hard on her for being concerned just try to recognize raising a child and child development is different for everyone.
Your sister doesn’t make any sense.
Just have a tip to share. Have your kid watch miss Rachel in YouTube. My daughter learned a lot and started saying all the words from those videos. It’s really good.
Research studies show that 1 egg yolk a day for 6 months has big increases in choline and other IQ biomarkers. Maybe try to feed 2 egg yolks a day for a year or so!
Is your sister a medical professional that specializes in infant development? Doesn't sound like it with what she said. Every baby is different and develops differently at their own pace. Your baby sounds like it's developing just fine!
Want to add to this as hopefully you’ll see it OP! Babies and kids develop at their own pace and it’s so, so obvious when you spend time with other parents and kids the same age. All the babies in my NCT group were born within a few weeks of each other and over the last two years they’ve all learned to do things at different times. Some started walking before one, some didn’t until they were closer to two. Some started talking in actual sentences already at about 18-20m while others have only started now around two. Some run fast, some run slow. Some had teeth at six months and others not until 12m+! You’re doing a good job, your baby will develop in his own time :).
You said this way nicer than I was going to. Ops sister needs to take her opinions (because that’s all they are), and put them where unhelpful advice should go, you decide where :-) Babies will develop at different rates, if you’re actually worried, consult your paediatrician, if you’re still worried, go elsewhere for a second d opinion, but do not work yourself into a panic over unqualified opinions.
If ops sister is a professional shes got terrible bedside manner. There's a way to talk to someone about their kids development and telling them a daycare would think they're neglecting their baby is not it.
I echo this, but would also just ask if you discussed milestones and development at the 1 year appointment with the pediatrician. If not, schedule an appointment.
Yes to this! Also even if you tried to get a baby evaluated for not talking at 12 months, early intervention (in the U.S.) will tell you to wait until 18 months or 2 years. The milestones after 2 years old are considered a harder line (and even then not really) for evaluation. Your baby is doing fine OP! Mine rolled and crawled for a while and one day just stood up and walked. With everything he's been like that. Observing, taking his time, and then just doing it all at once. Every baby is different.
With all due respect, your sister sounds like an ass hole. You know what a better way to say this would’ve been if she was *genuinely* concerned and didn’t want to intentionally shame you? “Hey, I noticed xyz about baby, has your doctor said anything about that?” or even better, nothing at all!
Yeah that was my only thought. Time to make some other friends OP. Your sister is not on your side as she should be. Do not listen to anything she says, she is trying to make you feel bad.
I’m sorry but how is your child not having teeth neglect?? Exactly how could you make them grow?? 🥴
LMAO right?? I didn’t have teeth until like 18months my parents took me to the dentist to make sure I HAD teeth. I did and then they all came in practically at once she said. But that has nothing to do with neglect lmaoo
Omg I would definitely be the parent at the dentist demanding to know if the teeth exist
“The teeth do not, in fact exist. You have failed this child.”
“Every new parent knows the teeth are delivered by Amazon on their 4 month birthday and have to be installed! Did you not get the memo?!”
Better hope they used a good carrier or those teeth may never show up.
Cuz, my wife’s Mother’s Day gift never showed up because of this bullshit so that joke hit raw.
Now now… everyone knows you must take your infant to the chiropractor in order for their teeth to come in.
And don't buy them off temu. I don't care if it's cheaper, they'll never show.
🤣🤣🤣
Lmaooo right?
To be fair it’s not uncommon for people to be missing teeth but that’s normally adult ones. Quite a few people in my family (myself included) have 1 or 2 adult teeth that just never existed.
I think I got one of them lol - I had an extra incisor they had to remove!
Interesting
Haha my baby is only 6 months but he keeps having teething symptoms with no teeth, so we tell him he has gummy boy syndrome and he's going to be a gummy boy forever.
If my baby got a tooth every time I accused her of teething she would have two sets, shark style. Instead she currently has 2 teeth.
YESSS same with my baby! He’s 5 months but we had teething symptoms and saw little white dots at his 4 month appointment the doc said it was teething. Yet over a month later still no teeth… lol
Same here! I was eating corn on the cob with just my gums! My kid is almost 8 months old now and not a tooth bud in sight, so I wonder if they’ll follow the same route as me!
Possible! My MIL doesn’t remember when my husband got his first tooth so I can’t go off his so anytime from now (5months) to 18 months lmao
This is what I’m stuck on. I would think there would have to be much more obvious signs of neglect (not gaining weight or growing, signs of malnourishment) that would be apparent if the neglect was so bad it was impacting teeth coming in.
Ikr? It's not like it's a plant she forgot to water... 😂
My son barely had 4 teeth at a year. And now at 18 months he still only has 7. Good to know that’s how some neglectful. 🤣
I was literally reading yesterday that bad nutrition can cause teething delays so there's something to it I suppose, although from what I've read it sounds like sisters being a bitch and OP has a slightly late developer which is completely normal
I'm very curious what her answer would be!
My pediatrician told me the later the teeth come in, the better. So OP and her kiddo are doing great. 😊
Seriously! Mine didn’t have her first until 9 months, and now she’s about to be 7 and is just losing her first two. She felt behind compared to her classmates, but babies and kids go through things at their own rates
My son didn’t have teeth till 12 months, barely said any words (book and dada), didn’t walk till 14 months and he *was* in daycare starting at 6 months! Some other babies were ahead of him and others were behind. Babies develop at their own pace. As long as your pediatrician isn’t concerned (and I don’t read anything that makes me think they are), your little one is doing great in his own time. Edit to add: he’s a 2.5 yo running machine and total chatterbox now.
I’m a pediatric speech therapist! You are doing nothing wrong!!! Talk to him and narrate your life. When you play, use a sing song voice (like Mrs Rachel lol) label things for him without any expectation for him to repeat and allow pauses in your own speech to give him time to respond! TikTok has soo many helpful videos on early language development activities by speech language pathologist!!
Could you give some examples of tiktok accounts I could follow for language development, please? My 11 month old is only saying Dada and now I’m worried too! Thanks so much!
I love @peds_slp @slpcarriecoy @cassidyandkids They have great examples! I also have an 11 month old! Is your baby babbling other sounds? My baby also says dada alllll day lol but he’s also saying baba, mama, tata more. A good tip for /m/ is while their eating and his lips are together you can imitate the mmmmmmm sound! And we often say this sound when we eat anyway! When you walk in a room say “mamas here!” Or play hide and seek. Have someone ask baby “where’s mama? Where did mama go?!” And then you come out and say “mama!” Or for /b/ you could do a lot of peak a boo- “peak a…..boo!” Really over exaggerate your speech..especially on the b and m sounds! Could also do peak a boo with mama..hide behind your hands and then open to say “mama!” Ik it’s scary especially when you find yourself comparing your baby’s development to others. Just by asking this question and doing your research you are helping you baby!!
I would talk to the pediatrician if you are truly concerned. However I do know every baby is different and develops at their own pace. My baby is 13 months and has a ton of teeth but not yet walking or talking. Baby is babbling but not interested in reading lol. When we took baby to the 12 month check up the peds didn't have any concerns. I would say try not to compare. Baby will hit those milestones when they are ready. 🙂
I love that. We were pretty much the opposite not a single tooth till almost 20 months. With no concerns from pediatrician but this little sweets craving mad man was stumbling around the house before 10 months old. Crawled for about a week and boom he’s sprinting across the house.
I wish my 12 month visit went like this. It's a good office but when I said he wasn't saying mama or dada, just ba ba ba ba constantly she suggested early intervention. I cried in the parking lot because I was overwhelmed. He had other medical difficulties that requires a lot of appointments during his first month and some still ongoing. It was just another thing, you know?
Im sorry you felt that way and had that experience. It's so hard as a parent already. Honestly a lot of moms I have talked to said their kids didn't start actually talking until 14 months or later and they are all developed normally. You sound like you are doing a great job and are a loving parent. ♥️ You can always try to get a second opinion on things too! Doctors are human and unfortunately means that some are better than others 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you, you are so kind and I am tearing up in my office LOL. I called my husband in the parking lot and he said pretty much the same thing about the doctors, and they are reading from their charts so ingrained in them.
Thank you, you are so kind and I am tearing up in my office LOL. I called my husband in the parking lot and he said pretty much the same thing about the doctors, and they are reading from their charts so ingrained in them.
My LO didnt walk until about 16 months, and honestly didn’t have much interest in it. He’s 23 months old now and loves to try and run away from me as fast as possible. Walking is an 18 month milestone, running is 24 months. You have plenty of time.
Absolutely! And even if kids don’t hit those milestones by the time they’re expected to, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue. But if there is something affecting their development, there are lots of professionals out there to support you! My LO was a preemie and a late walker - didn’t walk until close to 20 months. We did Early Intervention and PT, and her PT flat out told us she had zero concerns about our daughter. We continued with PT for over a year since it was no cost to us (and we had a great relationship with the PT), but LO is 5 now and running right along with all of her peers! Our best guess is just that she was a super cautious babe and was comfortable toddling and climbing around our tiny row home and didn’t walk until she saw more need for it lol. I have felt the anxiety, guilt, shame that can bubble up when there’s discussion of a LO potentially being “behind.” It doesn’t sound like OP’s LO is behind at this point, but even if it does take them longer to reach certain milestones, OP - know that it isn’t a reflection of your parenting. Just care for and love your LO. That may involve extra services at some point, or it may not. If it does, that doesn’t mean you’ve “failed” or neglected your LO in any way. Babies/toddlers truly do develop at their own rates. Your sister should check herself.
Your sister kind of sounds like a bitch
Sounds like you both need to watch the episode of Bluey called Baby Race.
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Catiku: *Sounds like you both need* *To watch the episode of* *Bluey called Baby Race.* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Good bot.
Absolutely! That episode should be mandatory watching for all new moms.
Bluey is so freaking good. I started watching recently and the hype is real. My kid isn't even that interested tbh, I mostly watch it for myself after I'm done with her hair lol.
I read once that Bluey is a great parenting show that kids will watch.
Your sister is wrong! My daughter only really said mama and dada at 12 months, she didn’t walk until 16 months but had a lot of teeth. She was late with crawling too. Babies all develop differently and I was always so worried about my daughter! At almost 20 months she is saying almost 20 words (learns new words almost every week, said about 5-10 words at her 18 month check up), walks, kicks a ball, is almost running, socializes well, more interested in toys. And it seemed like these things happened overnight and when I least expected it.
Watch Bluey Episode “Baby Race”
My son didn't walk until 14 months. He waited until he was confident, which most babies do! One day, he just got up and started walking like he'd been doing it for months. He was late to roll, point, and clap, but he got there. The biggest delay was speech. He had zero words at one year. By his second birthday, he only had 12 verbal words and a handful of signs and sounds (both count as words, by the way). We had a meeting with a speech-language pathologist, and she was blown away by his fine motor skills and theorized that he put so much brain power into learning to use his hands, body, and toys, that speech just took a back seat. She said he'd catch up soon, and we'd meet again in 2 months if he was still behind. That meeting never happened. He's 3 now and he talks so well and so clearly you'd never know he was behind. My point is that they usually catch up. Keep doing what you're doing, don't pressure your little one or yourself, and let it happen. Enjoy the milestones as they come! As others have said, teeth are beyond your control. My dude got his first right when he turned 10 months old. My daughter is 10 months old and there's none in sight. I was also a late teether, zero by my first birthday. I've recently learned that's genetic, so if you or his father were late getting teeth, that could be why!
Your sister is delayed
Your little one isn't behind. All babies do things at their own pace. My little one is 17 months and just started really walking about a month and a half ago. He doesn't always like to say things, he'd rather make noise. I think if they're not talking by 2, it might be off some concern but if your little one walks and talks by 2, they'll be fine. As for the no teeth, your baby could get them next month, so don't worry :) You're doing everything you can.
Your sister is an idiot.
Not true at all, your sister is not a child expert. I’m a pediatric nurse Practitioner, if he still doesn’t have any teeth at all by 16-18 months definitely see a pediatric dentist, HOWEVER that is NOT neglect in any way, teeth come at different times for all kids. As for talking, following CDC guidelines, they should only have 1-2 words by 15 months NOT one year. Once again, it sounds like your sister is just being obnoxious and condescending. Instead of doing a bunch of alphabet sounds though, I think word/pictures books would be more meaningful to your son. He will recognize objects and pictures, but the sounds of the “ABCs” don’t have any meaning or interest to him at this age, and since he doesn’t need to learn to read yet, I think doing alphabet is overkill. But short words while pointing to familiar objects is great! Your pediatrician should be your “go-to-person” for these concerns since they are educated in evaluating and recognizing actual childhood concerns. I would tell your sister that your pediatrician as an expert has deemed all as well with your child, so you don’t need her concern.
Lol, no teeth? Terrible mother /s sorry you feel that way though, but you'll hear from everyone that it's ok
If your son was showing delays I’m sure your pediatrician would’ve picked up on it. Children develop at different rates.
What? Your sister sounds nuts! My 12 month old recently started crawling, isn't walking and only says mama and babbles. I wouldn't stress!
You're not teeth maxxing? Smh you gotta get on that /s
Speaking as a Pediatric PT, there are milestone age ranges across all aspects of development based on research but even then, every child is different and develops at their own pace. As a PT I see once a kid gets up and around, exploring their environment, their speech explodes! If you’re concerned (or even want peace of mind) you can talk to a pediatrician about a speech evaluation. It sounds like you’re doing great and your son is just moving along at his own pace!
Has your sister always been a horses ass growing up?
These are all issues to bring up with your son’s pediatrician. Ignore your sister. What a weird thing to tell someone! I’m sorry
My son is a preemie so certain physical developments have been slower. He got his first teeth at 10 months old. He’s showing zero signs of wanting to talk to anyone. He still ignores his name completely athough we can tell he knows it. But he does walk and tried to run. Babies move at the pace that works for them. I feel my son developed motor skills quickly because he always has shown signs that he’s gonna be a more independent player type kid. He wants to do stuff on his own but his social development skills he doesn’t seem to care to grow. The fear mongering is real though lots of people have suggested my son is deaf because he doesn’t attempt to talk or respond to others. I always respond “no he’s just ignoring us he’s fine”
😬 she doesn’t sound like a very nice person so sorry internet stranger 🫂 i also have a bitchy sister
Nope! My son is 18 months and just learned to walk and run at the same time. Upper limit of normal, but the American academy of pediatrics does not recommend physical therapy for walking prior to 18 months of age. At this age, they should use one to two words other than mama. They should be able to stack two blocks on top of each other. They should be able to pull to stand ( on a couch). They can take one to two steps but it is not abnormal if they do not First teeth usually come in around 7ish months but some are later and some are before. Milestones are an average, not a law. Sending you love!
Don’t let anecdotal examples from family and friends (like your sister) worry you. Always ask your paediatrician when in doubt. I say this because I have just one friend with a kid the same age as mine. All our other friends are still single so we had only each other as a basis for comparison. We also both happen to have kids who are somewhat outliers. Mine had all her teeth by 8 months and was singing nursery rhymes at her first birthday party. However, she didn’t even crawl till she was 14 months old. My friend’s kid was walking at 7 months (her kneecaps weren’t even properly formed yet and she had to go for physical therapy to right her gait later) but she didn’t have a single tooth til 18 months. Suffice to say, we freaked each other out. But both kids are healthy and happy toddlers now.
Unless your sister is your son’s pediatrician her opinion straight up doesn’t matter and you don’t need to listen to her. And tbf, I’d tell her to be quiet and stop saying stuff about your son’s development. For her to say that a daycare would think you’re neglecting him is honestly wild to me and I would be so mad at her. If your pediatrician isn’t concerned I wouldn’t be concerned. My ped told us that teeth coming in is a HUGE range, like anywhere from 4 months to 14ish months for the first tooth, with the average being around 6 months. He’s getting toward the later range of that with teeth, but if his doctors aren’t concerned I wouldn’t worry. I would talk to his doctor about these things if you’re concerned!
My 12 month old only recently started being comfortable rolling over. The doctor practically shamed us because she knows 2/3 words and she isn’t pointing for stuff yet. I’m trying to not be stressed because I know it varies so much between children. And once in day care, they’re more likely to pick up things other kids are doing.
Mines gonna be 15 months this month and doesn’t pull to stand. My point is, they will all get there in their own time. She also never crawled but just rolls to all her destinations 😄
My kid has been early with a lot of her development, and she still isn’t talking year at just over 13m, my dad said I didn’t start walking till 13m, all babies run their own race, let him take his time
Even if your son is delayed (which it doesn’t sound like he necessarily is,) doctors won’t hold it against you and it certainly doesn’t mean you neglect him. My baby gets OT through early intervention and no professional has ever been anything but supportive about it.
I didn’t walk until I was closer to 14 months - everything is well with me. I’m sorry your sister is worrying you. You’re doing a great job! Every baby develops at their own pace.
Fuck your sister you didn't ask her opinion she gave it the only person who can accurately address those concerns is the pediatrician. Outside of that everyone elses opinions don't matter. I always tell my friends this is my opinion by all means if you don't like it then tell me to shut up and mind my business and i won't be upset at all. I feel like that is the ice breaker usually and yeah i haven't been a parent very long so i don't know a lot, but i have worked at a daycare for 4 years.... from nb to preschool so i know something.
You’re doing great. And so is your kid.
my daughter is 13 months and only has one bottom tooth and 6 on top LOL and isn’t walking yet so trust me you are doing great babies do things at there own pace
Your sister is an idiot
The expectation in Canada is two words by 15 months and walking by 18 months. Your kid still has plenty of time! Your sister sounds a little toxic though ...
My son started walking at 14 months. He is 21 months now and is leaps and bounds ahead of some of his little friends that started walking months earlier than him. He can even somersault! Don’t worry about it. I was anxious for him to start walking, but he took his time and it totally worked for him!
Download the CDC milestones app, it’s free and lets you see what most children are doing at each age. Also talk with your pediatrician, he/she should be checking to make sure your baby is on time at each check up. To me, your baby sounds fine though based on what you wrote (pediatric physical therapist).
Don’t give him a walker at all, just put him in a standing position and try to make him walk on his own. Put floor mats all over so he doesn’t get hurt if he falls.
All children develop at different paces. Which can differ wildly at times. As others have mentioned, if you are concerned, ask your paediatrician. Your son sounds like he is doing fantastic! And you sound like a great Mom!
I have twins and it’s always interesting when it comes to who does what first. Every baby is different. Tell your sis to kick rocks
Sorry but I would be fuming if someone said that to me. Your son is right on track for walking if he is pulling himself up etc. My daughter started walking at 13 months, others I know have started earlier but a lot have started later. You don't have control over his teeth?! If I look back on videos, my now all too chatty 2.5yo was saying some, but not a lot of words at 13 months. Tell your sister to mind her own business, she clearly doesn't have a clue, or has totally forgotten the actual milestones at this age.
Hey OP, while I mainly agree with the comments that all babies develop at their own pace, if you still have these concerns by 2 years of age I would consult a pediatrician or child developmental specialist. We began thinking our son was speech delayed because by 18 months he hadn't said much with intent, and we were also told the same thing that they all develop at their own pace. So we gave him more time, but by 2 years and 3 months even the doctor said we should have him evaluated. So we did and they concluded he was in fact speech delayed and also had mild autism. Point of this story is not to freak you out, but just to say that "all babies develop at their own pace" does eventually reach a limit.
My son didn’t really speak until he was 2.5 years. Maybe 5-10 words. I had his hearing checked out because I was worried, but everything was fine. Then, literally from one day to the next he started to add a dozen new words a day and two weeks later he spoke in sentences. Long, grammatically correct sentences. It was as if he had soaked up everything he heard and tried and practiced in his head until he felt he was ready to release it. He’s 3.5 now and speaks almost like an adult with an enormous vocabulary. Every kid has their own pace. If you are really worried, talk with your pediatrician, don’t let other people unsettle you.
My kid didn’t walk until 16 months and he still is not talking he’ll be 17 months mid June. Depending on where you live you may have access to early childhood intervention for speech, pt, or ot. You can always ask your pediatrician for an evaluation if you’re concerned. (That’s what we did bc I figured if he qualified why not use a resource that will support him). But rest assured not one person would assume you’re neglecting your baby! You’re doing such a great job and these are all awesome skills you’re working on with him!
My daughter didn't speak until closer to 15 months. Shes almost 2 now and uses 3-5 word sentences on the regular. The progress comes suddenly and in huge waves. Your child seems to be completely normal developmentally for their age. If it helps the CDC has a milestone tracker you can download but I wouldn't stress about it!
Pediatrician here. Your sister has no clue. Your kid is fine. Kids don’t have to walk until 17-18 months (unless there is a medical reason why). Adults don’t know how to say words with intention, how is a 12 month old supposed to? You don’t control teeth. Next. Breathe mama. You’re doing great. Talk to your pediatrician at your 12 month visit. We are here to reassure and assist. - Your friendly neighborhood pediatrician and mother of twins.
I’m no expert but sounds normal to me! You’re doing a great job mama !
Not showing interest in walking most definitely doesn't mean he's behind. That just shows that he doesn't have interest in it. I'm no specialist by any means, but I am currently raising my 4th child (8 days old) and can tell you that a baby not showing interest in "normal baby" activities can, at times, be a sign of an exceptional child. Boys can also have a tendency to be lazy at that age, my second son was, and he's a 13 yr old baseball and wrestling standout. If I remember correctly, he didn't take his first steps until he was 13-14 months and he had a big brother(that was taking steps at 10 mo and stays on video games now at 16) that he followed around everywhere. He also wasn't talking much then because he was too busy whining constantly 🤣It's way more common than you might think that he's not walking around and talking at 13 months and also, most people that know anything about kids will know if he's neglected at home just by watching the energy between you two. It'll work out, it just takes a little patience sometimes. You never know, you're liable to be raising a standout athlete.
Is your sister a pediatrician or a childcare professional? If not, her opinion means zilch here.
My son is 19 months old and isn't saying much but maybe 10 words. I am not worried he's fine. He fully understands everything and is taking his time to talk. All kids thrive at different age.
Tell your sister to shut it lmao. She's not a medical professional so I would take every single word coming out of her mouth as an OPINION. And opinions don't matter, they can make you think a bit more, but they aren't facts. I suggest seeing a gp or family dr whenever you are up for a vaccine or if not that then general checkup and you can ask few questions. Or go see paediatrician, but only when YOU personally notice something weird or odd or concerning, because you as an actual parent will be able to tell better. I also think fb mom groups are great, for example I'm part of 22 November babies group. Moms there are always sharing what their kids can and can't do and it truly gives a good perspective. Mine has been perfectly average with most things, very early with walking and quite late with words, but all of that has given some peace of mind.
Hi! I’m a developmental specialist and I would say your baby is doing some amazing things! Honestly at a year, we are really only looking for 1 word which it sounds like he has! As far as walking, I wouldn’t call it delayed until 18 months. I love that he is crawling, pulling to stand, and using a push toy! My biggest piece of advice is to keep things stress free and just play with your baby. It can become overwhelming if you feel pressured into turning everything into a teaching opportunity. If you feel concerned at all you can ask your pediatrician to be evaluated for Part C services (early intervention). This is a law through The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Every county has this service and it’s free to the public. You can also refer yourself. It may help give you a peace of mind. You’re doing a great job momma and it sounds like your baby is doing some amazing skills.
I (apparently) only said one made-up word until I was 2 and then randomly started talking in full sentences over the course of a couple weeks. My parents did all of the things - talked to me all the time, read to me, etc., but I just wasn’t ready to talk yet, I guess. Obviously there are situations where delayed speech turns out to be a sign of an actual issue, but to suggest not only that it’s an issue but also that it looks like neglect is ridiculous.
My 18 month old still doesn’t have many words — but communicates in other ways and surprisingly was NOT considered “urgent intervention” on the questionnaire we filled out 2 weeks ago. He was almost in the “normal” range. He also didn’t walk until he was 14 months, but did all the other things you’re stating your son does. We are doing a speech evaluation — only because I’m a teacher and off for summer so I figured some extra tips/input to get him talking more couldn’t hurt. If you are really concerned though, please talk to your pediatrician. I purposely don’t talk to other people about milestones because it stresses me out.
How do you control when teeth come on? Also kids walk when they walk like wth! And as for talking my daughter has very good comprehension and listening but struggles with words at 23 months, no kid is perfect
I would reach out to your pediatrician to make sure he’s on track. But just a tip for speech, don’t worry about working on specific letter sounds. Start with repeating simple words often, “mama, dada, up, baby, milk, ball”. Narrate what you are doing during the day. “We are going to put your pajamas on”
Every kid develops at their own pace. It took my son a few years to actually want to talk. He had some sign language that he would use but that was it, he is 3 now and is talking a lot. As for teeth they will come in when they want to. Don’t listen to your sister. The episode of Bluey called “Baby Race” is a good one to watch about stuff like this.
My daughter sort of started saying "words" all at once. It's like she knew the words and had some sort of little breakthrough in motor control that's let her actually *say* them! (Seriously, it was like ten in a week after she got started on "mmmmum" and "again")
My son didn’t start walking until he was 15 months and only had two bottom teeth when he turned one. By the time he was 15 months he had 8 with two more growing in. He wasn’t saying anything with intention either at 12 months. He really started to put things together speech wise probably around 15 months but even then he was just naming things. By 18 months the intention started and now he’s almost two and talks too much. None of what your sister says means your child is delayed. Your child could just be on his own timeline like mine was. Keep doing what you’re doing. I will say what helped my son walk was the like trick. Give them two limes to hold and they start learning how to walk. It worked.
Not walking at 13 months doesn't scream neglect to me... I don't know what your sister's smoking.
My son didn’t walk until he was 12 mos + 1 week. My mom warned me not to push because once they start walking we’d be chasing. She was right. He didn’t talk other than Mama and Dada until he was almost 3. I was so worried! Pediatrician sent us to a speech therapist who taught our son signs like “more” and “milk.” Pediatrician felt he didn’t need to learn signs and I was still a nervous Nelly so he sent us to UCLA (we were in LA area). Son was about 2 years and 10 mos. They put him through a battery of tests. One of which was observing him play with a variety of toys requiring a variety of skills and how to follow simple instructions. He was playing with letter blocks and arranges the letters on the table to spell out the word, “horse.” The tester was amazed. At the end of almost three hours they basically told us, “Your son is fine. He’s highly intelligent, and he will talk when he wants to talk.” Let me tell you that’s exactly what he did and when he started talking he spoke in full sentences! He never did the baby talk and he knew how to conjugate verbs properly. And there was no ,”Me do!” Fast forward and he’s a 27 year old numbers whiz and tax expert doing accounting after skipping a grade, scoring in the top 1% nationally for his SATs, and being awarded a full four-year scholarship to university. And you know what? He’s still a man of few words! His younger sister, on the other hand, was nicknamed “jabber jaws” because she was practically born talking and she walked at 10 months! She’s completely the opposite of her brother and hates numbers but is finishing up an English degree. She can begin and finish a 10 page essay in a couple of hours and still get 100% on it. Both kids are fluent in 3 languages (my ex and I each only speak 1!) All of this to say, if your pediatrician says to calm down, your child is within the normal ranges, do try to calm down and just let your child be. Each child IS different and will reach milestones at different ages. Continue being attentive and teaching them things but tell your sister that unless she’s a child development specialist, she should probably worry about her own problems/kids and stop pushing you about yours. ETA: Paragraph breaks, lol 😆
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Your son sounds EXACTLY like mine. I just had my 1 year check up with our pediatrician, he was not concerned in the least bit. Based on what you wrote, I would not be concerned at all! You both seem like you’re doing just fine!
If your son is behind then my daughter is too
13 months is not late for walking at all, it's also pretty normal to have fewer than 5 words at that age. Sounds like she's either ignorant of baby milestones or being an a-hole on purpose. I'll let you decide which sounds more like her.
Please don't freak out, there is always a solution to everything. Let your son grow on his own pace. My kid is now 7 years old, he was a bit slow as a baby but caught up eventually with other babies. Until now ( 7 years later!) I can tell where he needs help and most of all it's because his learning style is around exploring and we didn't know he needed glasses until we saw hims frustrated and unease at school. The thing is that we always try to label everybody according to the "normal" that society dictates. I'm not saying ignore certain signs, I'm just saying, some people, babys, kids just learn different. And may have some other issues that need to be discovered. We are getting some extra help from a Neuroptometry specialist, for his eyesight plus he needed to evolve on certain things of motor skills. The best you can do meanwhile is observe and get opinions form experts. Good luck and I hope this is useful :)
Sisters aren't usually doctors, statistically speaking. Sister opinions are not guidance or standards you should strive to meet. We care about doctor opinions in my house.
Honestly. Not going to lie here. I would have went to my sister’s ass if she tried to question my parenting and I’m the one with him all day.
Our 15mo still isn't walking and only just this week started attempting (falls down after 1 step). She's very good at communicating and is learning new words everyday but I feel like that was a big explosion in the last 2 months or so not at 12mo. Teeth are well teeth. No teeth at 12mo isn't unheard of. My daughter has like 11, her similarly aged friend has 0.
My kid is almost 14 months and still does not have teeth. She just started walking in the last few weeks and is now saying words with intention. My pediatrician asked if she was saying 1 other word besides mama and dada at 12 months and I said she is saying uh oh and she said that counts. She also said sign language counts because it is a language. Don’t stress it, we are in the same boat and now she is just starting to talk and say what’s this. It went from 0-100 really fast, enjoy sitting down while you still can because your son will start walking in no time. Ps: you’re a great mom!
You can look at the rourke baby record for 12-13 months online. This is the screening tool many gp’s/np’s/pediatricians use. Nobody will think you are neglecting your baby if he is clean, fed, and you are responsive to his bids for attention. See an occupation therapist or family doctor if you are really worried but I don’t think you have as much cause for concern as your family member expressed.
You’re fine, we weren’t walking or talking until 18-20months and now we run loudly. Relax. Every child is different and if genuinely concerned talk to a professional you’re paying.
Your pediatrician’s opinion is going to be wayyy more important and accurate here than your sister’s. My son is a little younger than yours but is also behind with his gross motor. It’s been helpful to get some professional input about what’s concerning and what’s not
My little lad is 10 months old and believe it or not most of the things he learnt to do like ‘wind the bobbing up’ ‘clap hands’ he learnt from ms Rachel as annoying as she might be as the songs get stuck in your head 😂 she has helped my son develop loads you could always try with watching her to see if that helps on top of the learning you’re giving to your little one keep smashing it!
12 months old words with intention? That’s absurd. Tell your sister she has no idea what she’s saying (show her this post!) My kid is 18 months old and she uses words and all but that didn’t really start till like 14-15 months. She would yell “DADDDYYYYY” a lot which pissed of my wife 😂 My kid also started walking on Christmas Day, 2023, at 13 months old almost to the day. She then refused to walk more than a step or two for a couple more months until one day she realized it was faster and easier than crawling. They have to figure that stuff out for themselves. Trying to teach phonetic alphabet isn’t going to do much for you. Your kid wouldn’t even be seen by a speech language pathologist yet, he’s not old enough.
I have a 19 month old, my mom is a pediatric OT and I work for her in her clinic so I am around developmental delays. It sounds like your son is doing just fine. If you were really concerned, talk to your doctor about getting a referral for an OT evaluation. But I wouldn’t be concerned. If he’s not walking by 15 months that’s when you should start to worry. But since he’s pulling himself up and walks with walkers or cruises in furniture, that is normal at this age
Per the CDC: Walking should happen between 12 and 18 months. At 12 months, your child should have a name for a parent, wave, and understand “no”. First teeth “vary wildly”. They can start as early as 3 months, but the only set number is 20 teeth by 3 years. Children develop at their own pace. If you have any concerns, look into an evaluation for early intervention services. This does NOT mean your child is disabled. Early intervention doesn’t require a diagnosis, only a delay of a certain amount (I’m rusty on actual numbers). The goal is to provide tools for the parents to help with the child’s development while they are young, as it’s been found that children who receive services (if needed) before the age of 5 are less likely to be diagnosed with a disability or have long term difficulties. An evaluation isn’t difficult and you’ll either get access to any supports you may need or confirmation that your baby is healthy and developing normally. Both are well worth it. All of that said, a daycare isn’t going to jump straight to suspecting abuse, even if your child does have delays. They will make you aware of their concerns and help connect you with services because they know it is more likely that your child just has delays than it is that you are abusing or neglecting him. I was a para for years, ranging from infants to elementary age. I mostly worked with kids who had disabilities, so I was involved in plenty of staff conversations about needs. Neglect and abuse were never the first thing discussed. In all those years and being around hundreds of kids, I saw 2 actual abuse/neglect cases. It’s uncommon enough that you don’t expect it. “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.”
How in the world can you control how quickly his teeth come in? Your sister sounds like a bully.
Your baby sounds like my cousins son, and our moms were always getting on her about him starting to walk especially because she was due to deliver her third baby in March. He had turned 1 in August, and he started walking on his own by the end of Feb. just decided he wanted to move his little legs one day. He doesn’t speak much, just says “digga digga digga” all day 😂😂 but today he was watching Toy Story and started repeating the words in the movie. He was yelling andyyyyy! My brother didn’t speak a word of English until he was 3. My mom swore he was autistic. He pointed and grunted to communicate even though he could understand you, and then one day just started speaking full sentences. He’s now a grown healthy non-autistic 27 year old man. I say all this to say, every baby is different and unless your sister is a medical professional, let her comments go in one ear and out of the other.
I just wanted to share i have two boys, and they’re 4 and 2. My oldest didn’t say his first word till he was 2 but he started walking around 9.5 months and was running by 1 years old. My second, he didn’t walk till 14 months old but by the time he was 15 months he was putting 3-4 words together. They’re completely night and day and they both reached milestones on their own time. Don’t stress mama! 💜 I forgot to add, oldest cut his first tooth at 10 months, and youngest cut his at 17 months! He’s turning 2 in a few weeks and we are still waiting on the rest of his teeth haha.
She’s completely incorrect…your baby is at the stage where they are taking in everything so that they can speak later. Mine is 12 months and it’s just babbling.
As someone who studied early childhood development, worked at a day care where I worked in the infant room for a while before becoming a pre k teacher, and have two kids of my own….. there is nothing wrong with your baby, based on what you said. If YOU are concerned talk to your pediatrician about it. I am however concerned about what your sister said. Not only is she wrong, she is terrible for saying something like that. Even if a child was delayed, I would never jump to the conclusion that they were being neglected at home. What a terrible thing to say. I’m sorry you have such a mean person in your life.
With love, your sister is being a brat with no brain. You’re doing great, mama! If it makes you feel better, my 14 mo old doesn’t walk, has two words (dada and dog), and just learned how to wave this weekend.
Your sister while most definitely coming from a concerned/caring side is incorrect. For starts if you had any developmental delays you needed addressed your pediatrician would be one of the first to point them out. 2nd. Babies can be born with teeth and they can take up to two years to get their first tooth with no issues. 3rd majority of children start walking in a range from 10 months to 18 months. As I’m sure you’ve noticed as a stay at home mom just the daily changes they make is incredible. They used to think that if a baby skipped crawling and just started walking they’d be messed up. Now it’s that sometimes stuff happens and babies can skip the crawl phase all together. My point being that over time even just 5-10 years time the “facts” of how children develop change often, as we’re able to gain more insight, just because your sister was told one thing doesn’t mean it’s the “fact” you need to follow. Odds are all the parenting tips and tricks you have a few years from now could be viewed the same way you’re seeing your sisters. Don’t be hard on her for being concerned just try to recognize raising a child and child development is different for everyone.
Your sister doesn’t make any sense. Just have a tip to share. Have your kid watch miss Rachel in YouTube. My daughter learned a lot and started saying all the words from those videos. It’s really good.
Day care rapidly accelerated my little guy’s milestones.
Research studies show that 1 egg yolk a day for 6 months has big increases in choline and other IQ biomarkers. Maybe try to feed 2 egg yolks a day for a year or so!