When your baby isn’t making the sounds or words you expected to hear by now, it can be deeply concerning. You may find yourself asking, “Should my baby be babbling more?” or “Why aren’t they saying ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ yet?”
These questions often come with uncertainty and worry, which can be hard to manage alone. While every child follows their own timeline, consistent delays in speech or sound-making may be early signs of communication-related developmental delays in children.
The good news is early support can make a real difference. At no cost to the patient, early intervention services are available in our community to support children from birth to age three who may be experiencing developmental delays. What does this mean?
Understanding what speech therapy looks like for babies, and how early intervention services in Nevada can help and give you some direction and peace of mind during a potentially worrying time.
Speech and Language Milestones in the First Year
In the first year of life, babies begin to lay the foundation for language and communication in subtle but important ways. Around six to eight weeks, many infants start making soft vowel sounds and responding to voices with gentle noises. By four to six months, these sounds frequently evolve into more varied babbling, like “ba-ba” or “da-da,” even if they don’t yet attach meaning to those sounds.
As the year progresses, babies typically begin to respond to their names, make eye contact during interactions, and use different sounds to express needs or reactions.
It’s important to remember the range of what’s considered “typical” is wide, and some children reach these milestones later than others. But if your baby isn’t making sounds, showing interest in vocal play, or responding to voices by nine to 12 months, it may be time to consider whether additional support is needed. These patterns sometimes indicate a communication-related developmental delay.
Noticing these signs doesn’t mean something is wrong; it means you’re paying attention. Understanding what’s expected and when to ask questions will help you get your child the support they may need.
What Does Speech Therapy for Babies Involve?
Speech therapy for babies may not look like what you imagine when you think of traditional speech sessions. For infants, it’s rooted in connection, play, and everyday interactions. Therapy often begins with observation and gentle engagement, using toys, songs, and games that encourage a baby’s natural interest in faces, sounds, and movement. The focus isn’t just on speech, but on the early building blocks of communication: eye contact, turn-taking, sound imitation, and shared attention.
Therapists may also work on feeding and oral motor development, especially if a baby has difficulty sucking, swallowing, or coordinating mouth movements. These skills are closely tied to speech development and can help strengthen the muscles used for making sounds.
Parents are central to the process. Most sessions involve coaching caregivers on how to use simple strategies during daily routines to support their child’s growth. The goal isn’t to push milestones, but to foster an environment where babies can explore communication in a natural and comforting way.
Every child is different, and therapy is always adapted to their individual needs and temperament. It’s not about doing more; it’s about creating consistent, nurturing moments that support meaningful progress.
When to Seek Help: Signs Your Baby May Benefit
Knowing when to seek help may be difficult, especially when you’re hearing different opinions from friends, family, or even online sources. However, when it comes to your baby’s development, your instincts matter.
It’s important to remember that asking for an evaluation or seeking support is not a sign of overreacting; it’s a thoughtful and caring step. Early help doesn’t mean something is wrong; it simply opens the door to understanding your child better and giving them every opportunity to grow and thrive.
How Early Intervention Services Work in Nevada
In Nevada, early intervention services are available to support children from birth to age three, who may be experiencing developmental delays. The Nevada Early Intervention Services (NEIS) system connects families with specialists who can evaluate a child’s development and provide tailored support, all at no cost. Parents don’t need to wait for a referral from a doctor. Families can refer themselves if they have concerns.
Evaluations and services may take place in your home, through telehealth, or at community clinics—whatever works best for your family. These options are designed to make support more accessible and less overwhelming.
Why Early Support Matters
Early support can make a lasting difference, not just in how a child communicates, but also in how they connect with the world around them. When concerns about speech arise, early therapy helps strengthen the building blocks of language, making it easier for children to express themselves and engage with others as they grow. For many families, having a plan in place brings a sense of relief. It replaces uncertainty with understanding and provides a path forward that feels grounded and supportive.
It’s normal to feel unsure or even overwhelmed when you suspect something might be delayed. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Support is available, and reaching out is a meaningful first step. Whether your child needs help now or you just want to better understand what’s going on, we’re here to listen and help you explore the options.
If your baby isn’t vocalizing or you’re unsure about their speech development, fill out an early intervention evaluation request, and let’s talk.