Is Bilingualism Causing My Baby's Speech Delay?
The short answer
Bilingualism does not cause speech delays. Bilingual children may take slightly longer to say their first words in each individual language, but when you count words in both languages together, they're right on track. If your bilingual child has fewer than 10 total words (in any language) by 18 months or fewer than 50 by age 2, that's a delay - and you should get a speech evaluation, not drop a language.
By Age
What to expect by age
Bilingual babies babble just like monolingual babies, and at the same age. They're absorbing both languages from birth and building the foundation for speech. There's no need to limit exposure to one language at this stage - the more language input they get, the better. Babies are wired to learn multiple languages simultaneously without confusion.
First words may come slightly later for some bilingual toddlers, but the delay is small (a few weeks to a couple of months) and not universal. Many bilingual babies say their first words right on time. When counting vocabulary, add up words in both languages. If your child has 10 words total (5 in each language, or 8 in one and 2 in the other), that counts. If they have fewer than 10 total by 18 months, mention it to your pediatrician.
By age 2, bilingual toddlers should have at least 50 words combined across both languages and be starting to put two words together (in either language). It's normal for them to mix languages in one sentence ("more leche") - this is called code-switching, and it's a sign of language skill, not confusion. If your child isn't reaching these milestones in total vocabulary, they need a speech evaluation, not less exposure to one language.
Bilingual children may have a smaller vocabulary in each individual language compared to monolingual peers, but their total vocabulary (both languages combined) should be similar. If your child is significantly delayed in understanding or expressing language in both languages, that's a true delay. Don't stop speaking your home language - research shows bilingual children with speech delays benefit from therapy in both languages, and maintaining the home language supports family connection and identity.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child says some words in one language and some in another, and mixes them in sentences - this is typical bilingual development, not confusion.
- Your child has 50 words by age 2 when you count both languages together, even if they have fewer than 50 in each individual language.
- Your child seems to understand both languages well, even if they speak one more than the other.
- Your child's first words came a few weeks later than your monolingual friend's baby - small differences are normal and don't predict long-term delays.
- Your child is 18 months with fewer than 10 words total across both languages.
- Your child is 2 years old with fewer than 50 words combined in both languages.
- Your child isn't combining words by age 2 in any language.
- Your child doesn't seem to understand simple instructions in either language by 18 months.
- Your child is over 2 years old with very few words (under 25 total) and isn't combining any words.
- Your child has lost words they were previously using in either language.
- Your child is 3 years old and still not using sentences in any language, or is very hard to understand.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Speech Concerns
My Baby Is Losing Words or Skills
If your child was consistently using words and has truly stopped, this is something to act on promptly. Regression - the genuine loss of skills a child previously had - is different from a normal plateau or a toddler being too busy to talk, and it always warrants a conversation with your pediatrician sooner rather than later.
Baby Not Babbling
Babbling with consonant sounds like "ba," "da," and "ma" typically begins between 6 and 9 months and is an important building block for speech. Babies develop at different rates, but if your baby is not making any consonant sounds by 9 months, a hearing check is a good first step.
Baby Not Laughing at Peek-a-Boo
Most babies start showing delight during peek-a-boo between 6 and 9 months, when they develop "object permanence" - the understanding that things still exist when hidden. If your baby isn't laughing at peek-a-boo yet, consider their age and overall social engagement. Some babies prefer other games, and some show enjoyment through smiles or excited movements rather than laughter. What matters most is whether your baby is socially engaged with you overall.
Baby Not Making Vowel Sounds
Most babies begin making vowel sounds - those lovely "oooh," "aaah," and "eee" sounds - around 2 to 3 months of age. This early cooing is one of the first steps in language development. Some babies are naturally quieter than others, but if your baby isn't making any vowel sounds by 4 months, it's worth checking in with your pediatrician to make sure hearing and development are on track.
Baby Not Responding to Own Name Consistently
Most babies start recognizing and responding to their own name between 5 and 7 months, though consistent response may take until 9 months. It's common for babies to sometimes ignore their name when they're focused on something interesting - this is normal. However, if your baby rarely or never turns when you say their name by 9 months, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician to check hearing and development.
Baby Not Turning to Sounds
Babies typically begin turning toward sounds around 4 to 6 months of age. If your baby isn't consistently looking toward voices or noises by 6 months, it's worth having their hearing checked. In many cases, something as simple as fluid in the ears can temporarily affect hearing, and early identification leads to the best outcomes.