by Kimberly Jackson, M.D.

Q: My son said "mama" and "dada" at 7 months, but now he's 10 months old and back to only babbling. Should I be concerned?

A:All parents joyously celebrate their babies’ first sounds. Initial cooing progresses to babbling and then to their first words, usually “mama” or “dada.”

First of all, I must point out that although we have guidelines for language and speech development, every child learns to speak at his or her own pace.

The general guidelines for speech development can be found online or with your physician, but generally a 10-month-old can understand and correctly refer to each parent as “mama” and “dada.” Additionally, 10-month-olds can combine movement with speech, like saying “no” and shaking their heads or waving and saying “bye-bye,” repeat new words constantly and understand and obey simple words and commands.

Having said this, it sounds as if your child is experiencing “speech regression.” Speech regression is defined as a loss of language skills already obtained. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, or if your child has not mastered most of the language and speech milestones for his or her age, you should talk to your child’s doctor.

Speech delays or regression can occur for various reasons, such as hearing loss, or be symptomatic of developmental problems. Depending on the circumstances, your child’s doctor may refer your child to an audiologist (hearing specialist) or a speech and language therapist or specialist.

The way your child develops his or her speech is a combination of nature and nurturing. Here are a few general tips from Kids Health you can employ at home:
• Spend a lot of time communicating with your child, even during infancy — talk, sing and encourage imitation of sounds and gestures.
• Read to your child, starting as early as 6 months. You don’t have to finish a whole book, but look for age-appropriate soft or board books or picture books that encourage kids to look while you name the pictures.
• Use everyday situations to reinforce your child’s speech and language. In other words, talk your way through the day. For example, name foods at the grocery store, explain what you’re doing as you cook a meal or clean a room, point out objects around the house, and as you drive, point out sounds you hear. Ask questions and acknowledge your child’s responses (even when they’re hard to understand.) Keep things simple, but never use “baby talk.”

Whatever your concern, seeking assistance early on is the best way to help with speech and language problems. With the appropriate recognition and treatment, you can help your child become better prepared for his or her future.

Dr. Jackson is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and practices at the JPL Family Medicine offices in Phenix City.

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