How Many Words Should a 15 Month Old Say?

Updated on April 27, 2011
R.D. asks from Richmond, VA
8 answers

I didn't think this was an issue, because my 15 month old son understands TONS, but my mom just noted that he doesn't talk much.

Well, no, he doesn't say much other than 'mama' and 'dada', but he's always been a little slower than his older sisters as far as when he got the hang of certain things. He definately communicates... just doesn't have any vocabulary.

What should he be saying at 15 months?

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J.P.

answers from Stockton on

I just took my 2 year old to her 2 year well baby visit and the dr. said that she should be able to say Mom, Dad and 3 other words.....sounds like he is probably just fine!

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Technically... none. It's common for babies to have their first word at ALL between 12-18mo.

4 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Well I forget the exact numbers but by 15 months they should probably have 10-20 words or so....but my son is totally in the same boat as yours, so don't worry. I hate to stereotype, but honestly, I do think it's different for boys, especially ones that are not first children. My daughter was literally speaking in paragraphs at 15 months and my son, who is just 19 months, has about 30-40 words. I know that b/c just this morning I actually sat down and tried to count out the ones I have heard him say in the last few weeks! LOL! ;) Anyway, this recent jump in his audible words has only happened within the last month or two, at 15 months he was only saying about 5 words. Probably your son is just fine, especially if he's understanding everything. I would just keep talking to him and telling him things, and if he lets you, read to him as much as possible.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Each kid is different and it is also gender based.
Boys being later in talking, many times.

I have a girl and boy. Both bi-lingual.
My son, was later in talking.
My daughter was talking from before 1 year old.

"Babbling" is also a precursor, to 'talking."
Talking is in stages... per age and per development and also per the biological development of fine motor skills per the tongue/mouth coordination.
Articulating sounds (talking), and enunciation, is also age based. Certain sounds, is developed at certain ages.
Also combination of sounds. ie: "sh" sounds, w's, r's, p's etc.

Just ask your Pediatrician, if you are concerned.
Many kids, totally understand what is being told to them, but expressive language/vocabulary/talking/enunciation... comes later.

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A.G.

answers from Houston on

How long should a mans legs be?

answer- long enough to touch the ground

1 mom found this helpful
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C.M.

answers from New York on

I posted a similar question a few wks ago about my 14 month old. He is saying around 6 words. He understands everything that I say and responds accordingly. A lot of moms suggested that he was doing well and I have to agree. Just read to him and talk to him contantly. Kids learn at their own pace. He will be ok.

Updated

I posted a similar question a few wks ago about my 14 month old. He is saying around 6 words. He just started saying "car" and I'm soooo excited. :) He understands everything that I say and responds accordingly. He also knows points to body parts when asked. A lot of moms suggested that he was doing well and I have to agree.Just read to him and talk to him contantly. Kids learn at their own pace. He will be ok.

1 mom found this helpful

J.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think they all learn different. I dont expect much from my daughter who is just about 14 months, she says (or used to, until she learned CAT!) mama & dada, but lately all she says is CAT. I ask her to say mama, CAT comes out. LOL. She understands lots, waves bye bye when asked, claps, blows kisses.. i think speech will come soon enough :)

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E.B.

answers from Seattle on

I know by two they should have a vocab of about 50 plus words. Using them in two's even sometimes. this is only a guideline. My youngest wasnt saying more then five words by two. He has needed a little extra help from a OT and ST. In less then a year though he is speaking full sentences to me. Everyday he spits some thing out I have never heard out of him.

If he has older siblings, I have been told they are sometimes slower to talk. If he is getting his communication needs met he may not feel the need to talk anymore. What I found that helped was being active with them. Do like jumping or something busy outside. Then come in and sit down and read. Or do something that takes more concentration. this flips their brains into think mode. It has worked wonders.

He has a little bit of time before getting concerned. Just challenge him a little more to use his words. He is still in sponge mode word wise at 15 months. So he may need help knowing when to use what words.

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