When Should My Baby Start Talking? Speech Milestones for Parents in Singapore: What’s Normal and What’s Not
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 9
“My son didn’t say ‘Mama’ until he was almost two. I was panicking while his cousin, who’s the same age, was already stringing together sentences. Turns out, he just needed more time — now we can’t get him to stop talking!”
This is something we hear often at Oaklife Family Clinic, and if you’re a parent wondering why your child isn’t talking yet — you’re not alone.
In Singapore, many parents worry about speech delays, especially when raising children in multilingual homes. Let’s break down what’s normal, what could be a cause for concern, and when to speak to your doctor.
Speech Milestones by Age: What to Expect Babies to Talk
Every child develops differently, but the following age-based milestones serve as helpful markers:
Age | Milestones |
0–6 months | Coos, gurgles, and makes vowel sounds (“ah”, “oo”) |
6–12 months | Babbling becomes more complex (“baba”, “dada”), responds to name |
12–18 months | Says first real words (“mama”, “ball”), understands simple instructions |
18–24 months | Vocabulary expands to 10–50+ words, starts combining two words (“more milk”) |
2–3 years | Forms simple sentences, others understand them about 50–75% of the time |
3–4 years | Clearer speech, tells simple stories, strangers can understand most speech |
According to a study published in Singapore Medical Journal, up to 15% of toddlers show signs of speech or language delay by age 2 — but only a portion are referred early for screening.
What’s “Normal” in Multilingual Singapore?
In Singapore, many children grow up hearing two or more languages at home — English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, or dialects. Bilingual exposure is rich for brain development, but it can sometimes cause a slight delay in expressive speech (i.e. talking), while receptive language (i.e. understanding) is still on track.
So if your toddler isn’t saying much but understands instructions in multiple languages, that’s often a reassuring sign.
Dr Jacquelyn Melody, family physician at Oaklife and mum of two, explains:
“Children raised in bilingual homes may speak slightly later, but this is not a delay in the clinical sense. We look at overall understanding, ability to point, imitate sounds, and interact.”
Speech Delay: When to Be Concerned
Here are some red flags that might indicate a delay:
No babbling by 9 months
Doesn’t respond to name or familiar voices by 12 months
No real words by 18 months
Can’t combine two words by 2 years
Hard for strangers to understand by age 3
Limited interest in communicating or interacting
Speech delays can stem from:
Hearing problems (e.g. chronic ear infections)
Tongue-tie or oral-motor issues
Autism spectrum disorder or global developmental delay
Lack of social interaction
Family history of speech delays
Real story from our clinic
A 19-month-old boy came in because he was only saying “ba” and “da”. His mum was worried because her older daughter spoke earlier. We did a quick hearing screen and developmental review. Turns out he had mild fluid in the ear from repeated colds. With a simple referral and more verbal interaction at home, he caught up within 6 months.
How Is Speech Delay Diagnosed?
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we take a holistic approach:
Developmental screening: We ask about communication, play, and social interaction
Referral for hearing assessment: Especially if your child doesn’t respond to sounds
Oral-motor exam: To check for tongue-tie or palate issues
Referral to Speech Therapist or ENT: If necessary, we refer early to avoid delays
What Parents Can Do at Home
You play the biggest role in your child’s speech journey:
Talk to your baby during daily routines
Read books together (even if they don’t talk back yet!)
Repeat and expand on what they say (“Ball!” → “Yes, red ball!”)
Use positive reinforcement for speech attempts
Limit screen time — interaction matters more than passive watching
📚 Local tip: Borrow free bilingual board books from NLB branches — they’re a great way to encourage talking at home!
Support in Singapore
CHAS-approved clinics like Oaklife Family Clinic: Can refer for subsidised testing if needed
Every child is unique. If your baby isn’t talking as early as others, don’t panic — but don’t ignore your instincts either. The earlier we identify a possible delay, the better the outcome.
And sometimes? Your child is just waiting for the right moment to start talking your ear off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Speech Development
Q. Is it normal if my baby isn’t talking at 18 months?
A. It depends. Some children are late talkers and catch up without intervention, especially in bilingual households. However, by 18 months, most babies should be saying at least a few clear words. If your child is not talking at all, it’s worth checking in with a GP or family doctor.
Q. Can screen time cause speech delay?
A. Excessive screen time — especially passive watching — has been linked to delayed speech development. The World Health Organization recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, and limited supervised screen time after that. Interaction with parents and caregivers is far more beneficial than screens.
Q. Does being raised bilingual delay speech?
A. Not in a harmful way. Children raised in bilingual homes may start speaking slightly later, but they are absorbing both languages and typically catch up with their peers by preschool age. Focus on consistent exposure and using simple words and repetition in both languages.
Q. How do I know if it’s a hearing issue?
A. If your baby doesn’t respond to their name, loud sounds, or doesn’t react to familiar voices, it might signal a hearing issue. Recurrent ear infections can also affect hearing temporarily. Your doctor can perform a simple ear exam or refer for a hearing test.
Q. What happens if I ignore a speech delay?
A. Some children will naturally catch up, but in other cases, delays may persist or be linked to broader developmental issues. Early intervention is proven to improve long-term outcomes — especially if your child needs speech therapy or hearing support.
Q. Can I get subsidies for speech delay assessment in Singapore?
A. Yes. At CHAS-approved clinics like Oaklife, your child can be referred for subsidised services at public hospitals or therapy centres. If your child qualifies for early intervention, you may also access support through SG Enable and MOE’s Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC).
Visit Oaklife Family Clinic – CHAS-Approved
Worried about your toddler’s speech or milestones? Our doctors offer developmental reviews, hearing checks, and early referrals when needed — in a warm, parent-friendly setting.
📍 592G Balestier Road, Singapore 329902 📞 6980 8568
