Area of Development: Language & Communication

Sonia

At 17 months, Sonia uses gestures, sounds and sometimes words to express her wants.

Her parents taught her some sign language. By using the signs with the spoken words, they've noticed Sonia communicates more.

How Your Baby is Developing

• Communicating and Speaking—Uses sounds, gestures or actions to express needs and wants; uses consistent sounds, gestures or words to communicate.

Helping Your Child Grow

• Acknowledge her use of simple sounds, words or gestures to express needs.
• Introduce and model new sounds, gestures or words for her to imitate.

Source: The Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress