Is Bilingualism Causing My Baby's Speech Delay?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published ASHA, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your child says some words in one language and some in another, and mixes them in sentences - this is typical bilingual development, not confusion.
- Call your doctor if: Your child is over 2 years old with very few words (under 25 total) and isn't combining any words.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ASHA, AAP, CDC guidelines, 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. At 6-12 months, 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. It is generally considered normal when your child says some words in one language and some in another, and mixes them in sentences - this is typical bilingual development, not confusion. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is over 2 years old with very few words (under 25 total) and isn't combining any words.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
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.
13-18 months
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.
19-24 months
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.
2-3 years
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is 18 months with fewer than 10 words total across both languages.
- Mention if your child is 2 years old with fewer than 50 words combined in both languages.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child says some words in one language and some in another, and mixes them in sentences - this is typical bilingual development, not confusion — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is over 2 years old with very few words (under 25 total) and isn't combining any words.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay normal?
When should I call the doctor about is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay?
When is is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay normal?
What causes is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay?
Is is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay normal at 6-12 months?
Is is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay normal at 13-18 months?
Should I go to the ER for is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay?
Does is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Is Bilingualism Causing My Baby's Speech Delay?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is 18 months with fewer than 10 words total across both languages.
- Mention if your child is 2 years old with fewer than 50 words combined in both languages.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of is bilingualism causing my baby's speech delay are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is over 2 years old with very few words (under 25 total) and isn't combining any words.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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