Signs of Healthy Speech Development in Children — And When to Expect Delays

Every mother eagerly waits to hear her child’s first sounds and feels reassured when those early soft “cooing” noises begin—especially when the baby is happy and comfortable. It’s natural for a mother to worry when her child seems late in talking compared to other children of the same age.

Many mothers don’t realize that certain groups of children are naturally more likely to experience delayed speech. Knowing whether your child belongs to one of these groups can ease your concerns and help you understand when speech delay is normal and when to seek support.

In an interview with Dr. Alyan Jaber, pediatric speech specialist, he explained which children are more prone to speech delay, which signs show normal development, and which delays may be linked to growth patterns.

Important Signs That Your Child Will Not Have Speech Delay

1. Early and Consistent Eye Contact

Early eye contact between mother and baby is one of the strongest signs of healthy brain and nervous system development. If your baby maintains eye contact with you regularly, it is unlikely he will face future speech difficulties.

2. Responding to His Name

If your child reacts to his name around six months of age, this shows proper coordination between hearing, attention, and awareness. It is also a positive sign of intelligence and readiness for early speech.

3. Following Objects With His Eyes

When you place a toy above your baby or wave it in front of him, he should follow it with his eyes and then look back at you. A blank, expressionless stare at the toy can be concerning, but shifting gaze between you and the object shows emotional and cognitive engagement.

4. Imitating Gestures

If your baby imitates movements, facial expressions, or simple gestures, this indicates healthy sensory integration and responsiveness—two key factors in early speech development.

5. Imitating Sounds

When your baby mimics simple sounds—like repeating kissing noises when you kiss him—this is a strong sign that he has no physical issues affecting speech and is ready to progress normally.

6. Responding to Simple Instructions

If your infant follows basic commands—opening his mouth when fed, stopping certain behaviors when told “no,” or responding during breastfeeding—this means he can integrate hearing, sight, and reaction. Such responsiveness predicts healthy speech development.

When Is a Child Likely to Experience Speech Delay?

Experts have identified five types of children who are naturally more prone to delayed speech:

1. Premature Babies

Babies born before completing 42 weeks of pregnancy often experience mild speech delays. This is normal and usually not concerning.

2. Twins or Multiples

Studies show twins and triplets tend to speak later than single-born children. This delay is usually harmless unless speech is still unclear after age four.

3. Family History of Late Talking

Speech delay often runs in families. If parents or relatives spoke late, the child may naturally follow the same pattern without it indicating a problem.

4. Boys Versus Girls

Girls usually say their first words earlier than boys. Though the reason is unknown, it is a consistent observation. Boys may speak later but still develop normally.

5. Motor Development Delays

Children who are late in sitting, crawling, or standing may also experience delayed speech. Motor delays can stem from nutritional issues, brain development concerns, or lack of stimulation.

Other Categories of Children Likely to Experience Speech Delays

1. Children With Hearing Problems

Because hearing is essential for learning language, any hearing impairment—especially hereditary issues—can lead to delayed speech.

2. Lack of Early Reading and Verbal Interaction

Children whose parents rarely read to them or engage in early verbal activities may have slower language development due to reduced auditory stimulation.

3. Children Raised With Multiple Languages at Home

If a child hears two or more languages at home (e.g., English from the mother and Arabic from the father), speech may be slightly delayed as the brain processes both systems.

4. Children With Autism, Hyperactivity, or Attention Issues

Speech delay is common among children with early signs of autism, ADHD, or concentration difficulties due to reduced focus and auditory processing.

5. Children With Neurological Conditions

Children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, complications from low oxygen at birth, or fluid around the brain are more likely to experience delayed speech.

6. Excessive Screen Time

Children exposed too early to phones, tablets, or long hours of television often have noticeable speech delays. Screens replace real social interaction, which is essential for language development.

Simple Exercises to Help Your Child Speak After Age Two

1. Tongue Touching Exercise

Place a clean plastic straw or lollipop stick near the corner of your child’s mouth and ask him to touch it with the tip of his tongue, holding the position for a few seconds.

2. Chickpea Balance Exercise

Place a small chickpea on your child’s tongue and ask him to keep it there for a few seconds without dropping it.

3. Breadstick Balance on the Upper Lip

Put a small breadstick (“salted biscuit”) on your child’s upper lip and encourage him to keep it in place as long as possible.

You can also place one under the tongue for a few seconds.

4. Blow Through Multiple Straws

Arrange several plastic straws horizontally and ask your child to blow through them one by one, like a musical instrument.

5. Bubble-Blowing With Soap Water

Fill a cup with water and liquid soap, then ask your child to blow through a straw to create bubbles. This strengthens the mouth and breath control used in speech.