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Not speaking mamaa dadaaa on year 1
Hello doctor
My daughter turned 1 yesterday however she is not able to speak mamaa dadaa which is mentioned everywhere as part of significant milestone. We are worried. She makes sounds. She cries and screams but mama dadaa words she is not able to speak
Hello, I understand your concern
Many children at this age still rely on non-verbal communication like pointing, gestures, and expressive sounds. It is not uncommon for children to use mostly babbling, cries, and screams to express needs at this stage. As long as the child responds to sounds, looks when called, and interacts socially (e.g., smiles, makes eye contact, shows interest in others), it’s a positive sign.
At 12 months:
Hearing and understanding: Turns to name, responds to “no”, recognizes familiar words.
Expressive speech: May say 1–2 words, mostly uses sounds and gestures to communicate.
Social interaction: Waves bye-bye, imitates simple actions.
Next Steps
Talk Often – Use clear, simple words repeatedly in daily routines. Label objects and actions.
Read Daily – Picture books with repetition and rhyme stimulate language.
Avoid Screen Time – Limit passive TV or mobile exposure. Encourage active face-to-face interaction instead.
Respond to Sounds – Imitate the baby’s sounds and encourage turn-taking in “conversations.”
Name Emotions – If the child cries/screams, name the emotion (“You’re hungry/sleepy/mad”) to build understanding.
Health Tips
Refer to a developmental pediatrician, audiologist, or speech therapist if:
No response to name or sounds (rule out hearing impairment).
No babbling or gestures (like pointing or waving).
Regression of milestones or loss of skills.
No meaningful words by 15–18 months.
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If other mile stones attained normally u can wait for 1-2 mnths . Wait till 15 mnths if no response then consult pediatric neurologist .
Next Steps
Encourage child to speak and tell rhymes telling animal names , fruits ….
Health Tips
Avoid screen time
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