COMMUNICATION AND YOUR 1-2 YEAR OLD

Language development really takes off during this time, especially as your baby approaches his second birthday. He is better able to comprehend what you say and express what he wants. He will take joy in his ability to understand more complex directions - and he won't hesitate to give you directions.

How does my baby communicate?

Most babies say their first words toward the beginning of this period, though some start even sooner and others don't start talking until they are nearly 2 years old. If your baby is preoccupied with learning to walk, he may push talking to the back burner; this is not unusual and nothing to be alarmed about.

Your baby may have learned fragments of dozens of words that probably won't be recognizable yet. When he gets around to talking, though, he'll probably progress quickly. He'll soon be able to point at something familiar and say its name, and recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts. By two years, he may use phrases and even two- to four-word sentences.

No matter when your child says his first words, it's a sure bet he'll be understanding much of what you say to him well before that. He should be able to respond to commands ("Roll the ball to Mommy") and should be fully aware of the names of familiar objects and family members.

You will undoubtedly find yourself struggling with your toddler to do as you say, only to have him ignore you or scream in protest. He's merely testing your limits and his degree of control. By 18 months, he will probably have mastered saying "no" with authority, and by age 2 he may throw a tantrum when he's unwilling to do something you ask. He'll also show signs of possessiveness, and you'll frequently hear "mine" or see tears if something is taken away or you show attention toward someone else.

What should I do?

Your baby is listening to everything you say, and he's storing it away at an incredible rate. Instead of using "baby" words, teach him the correct names for people, places and things. Speak slowly and clearly, and keep it simple.

Your baby may still be communicating with gestures such as pointing to something he wants. Gestures are OK, but you should use a running commentary such as, "Do you want a drink?" (when he points to the refrigerator), then wait for a response. Then say, "What do you want? Apple juice? OK, let's get some apple juice." Such behavior encourages your baby to respond and participate in conversations. But don't frustrate your baby by withholding food or drink waiting for a response.

Between 15 months and 18 months, your baby will probably begin to enjoy language games that ask him to identify things, such as: "Where's your ear?" and "Where is Mommy?" His vocabulary will grow quickly, but his pronunciation isn't likely to keep pace. Resist the temptation to correct your baby's pronunciation; most babies mispronounce their words. Instead, emphasize the correct pronunciation in your response.

Should I be concerned?

Some babies don't talk until their second birthday and choose instead to get by with the use of gestures and sounds. Vocabulary varies widely at this age, too; some babies say dozens of words, others only a few.

Most babies this age have these communication milestones in common:

· Speak about 15 words by 18 months

· Put two words together to form a sentence by age 2

· Follow simple directions by age 2

Hearing problems may become more apparent during this stage because of the emergence of speech. Don't hesitate to report any concerns you have to your doctor immediately, especially if you feel your child is not babbling or responding to your speech patterns. Sometimes chronic ear infections can leave children with excessive fluid buildup that can interfere with normal hearing. Special tests can check for hearing loss.