My Baby Stopped Saying Mama

Babies around the age of one year going forward have a lot going on. If it’s not language development, their gross motor skills are picking up. Child psychologists say it is okay for your baby to be uttering certain words at one time and stop doing so the next. A key reason is that they could perhaps be busy and focused on walking. If your baby suddenly stops saying mama, it could also be that they are learning other newer vocabulary. The older words are already registered in their psyche and will be back to form sooner rather than later.

You can investigate the type of development milestones at this particular time to understand that your baby is perhaps preoccupied with other things. Despite the above reasons, your hunch should be your guiding force. So, speak to a pediatrician if you suspect your child has delayed speech. Depending on your baby’s age, the physician can also rule out underlying issues, such as autism.

Is it normal for a baby to stop saying mama?

It is common for babies to go through phases where they seem to stop using certain words or sounds. It is also common for babies to have a preference for certain words or sounds over others. So, it is not uncommon for a baby to stop saying “mama” for some time.

Why do babies stop saying words?

There are a few reasons why babies might stop saying certain words or sounds. One reason is that they are simply going through a phase of development where they are not using certain words or sounds as frequently. This is often because they are learning new words and sounds and may focus more on those at the expense of others. Another reason is that babies may prefer certain words or sounds over others. For example, they may prefer the sound of a particular word and use it more frequently. It is also possible that a baby may stop using a word or sound if they are having difficulty producing it correctly or if they are having trouble getting others to understand them when they use it.

Why does my baby refuse to say mama?

There could be several reasons your baby is not saying “mama.” It could be that they are simply going through a phase where they are not using certain words or sounds as frequently. This is common and often just a temporary occurrence. It could also be that your baby prefers certain words or sounds over others. For example, they may prefer the sound of a particular word and use it more frequently. It is also possible that your baby is having difficulty producing the sound of “mama” correctly or getting others to understand them when they use it. If you are concerned about your baby’s language development, it is always a good idea to speak with your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s development and guide any steps you can take to support their language skills.

At what age should a child say mama?

The age at which a child says their first word can vary widely. Some children say their first word as early as eight months, while others may not say their first word until they are 18 months or older. It is also common for children to prefer certain words or sounds over others. For example, a child may say “dada” before they say “mama.” It is also important to remember that all children develop at their own pace, and it is not uncommon for children to have periods where they seem to stop using certain words or sounds for a time.

How can I encourage my baby to say mama?

1. Repeat the word “mama” often when interacting with your baby. Use it in various contexts, such as feeding them, playing with them, or caring for them.
2. Model the correct pronunciation of “mama” for your baby. Show them how to shape their lips and tongue to make the sound.
3. Encourage your baby to imitate the sound of “mama.” You can do this by saying “mama” and then waiting for your baby to repeat the sound.
4. Use toys or objects to help your baby associate the sound of “mama” with something concrete. For example, you could show your baby a stuffed animal and say “mama” while holding it up.
5. Be patient and persistent. Your baby may take time and practice to learn to say “mama.”

How long does speech regression last?

It is difficult to give a specific timeframe for how long speech regression may last, as every child is different and develops at their own pace. Some children may only have a brief period of regression, while others may have more extended periods.

The Younger Your Child, the Less Vocabulary They Use

It is usual for parents to gauge their child’s use of words used based on their peers. But experts advise going easy, especially if your baby is still within the one-year-old age range. Even if they utter one or two essential words, mainly as hi, or yah, it is okay. It would mostly help if you didn’t compare your child’s speaking ability with your next-door’s fast babblers. 

Meanwhile, the red flags can only begin to manifest later, say at 18 months, if your child is still not saying the familiar words such as mama, ba-ba, and dada, among several others. The exception should be if your child still uses gestures such as pointing, waving, and smiling. It means their comprehension is excellent, and this should put your fears to rest. But, again, some babies are just late bloomers, and you can expect them to verbalize their gestures soon.

You Can Encourage Your Baby to Talk More

Indeed, you are your child’s compass in their formative years. Once you realize they are not uttering words, you can guide and encourage them to speak. A practical method is to talk to and with your child all the time. You can use open-ended questions to help your child utter the words you want. For example, point to yourself while asking, who is this? Then say mama, and encourage your baby to verbalize the words.

You can also use picture cards or toys to have your baby link words to objects. Do it over and over for the best results. Did you know you can use sign language to help your child speak more? Some kids work so much better with primary sign language, which can be a natural and more accessible precursor for verbalization. 

A Pediatrician Can Assess Your Child for Delayed Speech

If you still do not see an improvement in your child’s speech, then a quick option would be to seek a doctor’s opinion. Unfortunately, delayed speech is real, and it can happen to anyone, including your baby. It can occur even when your baby is on track with their fine and gross motor skills. The good news is that early intervention programs can be one of the options to help your baby with their speech before things go out of hand. The doctor can also determine if yours is a case of late bloomers and talkers. Such babies can take up to two to three years to create their first meaningful words. 

Taking Deliberate Steps to Help Your Child 

Do not panic or freak out if your baby isn’t saying your favorite word. The truth is that they could merely be preoccupied with so many other developmental milestones. It may take a while, but the words spoken earlier will return when you least expect them. Babies also work so well with encouragement and imitation. The more you talk with them, the more they emulate and say those words you need to hear. Meanwhile, never wait to speak to a pediatrician if you suspect delayed speech issues, which allows your baby to benefit from timely intervention.