“My child understands everything but isn’t talking yet.” This is one of the most common concerns parents bring to our clinic. Some late talkers catch up on their own — but waiting silently is not a plan, because the years before age five are when speech intervention works best.
General speech milestones
- 12 months: babbling with intonation, first words like “mama”
- 18 months: around 10–20 words
- 24 months: 50+ words, joining two words (“more milk”)
- 3 years: short sentences, understandable to family
- 4 years: understandable to strangers most of the time
First steps every parent should take
Book a hearing test — even mild hearing loss from repeated ear infections can delay speech — and a developmental review with your paediatrician. If speech therapy is advised, start it; it is the backbone of care. Reduce passive screen time and increase face-to-face talk, reading and naming games.
Where homeopathic care fits
Alongside speech therapy, Dr. Shoaib Sabir takes a complete developmental case: birth history, milestones, recurrent ear/nose/throat infections, digestion, sleep and temperament. An individualised constitutional remedy plus nutritional correction (iron, B12 and protein status are frequently relevant) supports the child’s overall developmental readiness while therapy builds the skills.
Seek assessment sooner if you notice
- No babbling by 12 months, no words by 16–18 months
- Loss of words the child previously used
- Little response to sounds or their name
- Frustration, pointing or pulling instead of any speech at 2+
Book a developmental consultation — and track your child’s growth free in the Child Growth Centre.