Bilingual Babies and Late Talkers: What Parents Need to Know

It’s normal for parents to feel concerned if their child doesn’t start speaking by 18 months. While many babies are expected to say between 40 and 80 words by this age, some simply take a little longer to begin talking. If your bilingual baby isn’t speaking yet, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

In most cases, late talkers catch up with their peers and grow up with normal language and cognitive skills. However, in rare cases, a speech disorder called Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) might be present. Understanding the difference between a natural delay and a disorder—and knowing how bilingualism fits into the picture—can help parents respond with confidence.

What Is Apraxia?

Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a treatable motor speech disorder that affects the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate the muscle movements needed for speech. According to Jacobs (2003), between 5% and 10% of children may have apraxia, and signs can be seen as early as 18 months.

Here are some early signs of apraxia:

• The child communicates using gestures and grunts, but not words

• Late appearance of first words

• Little to no babbling in infancy

• Difficulty imitating sounds and words

• Limited range of consonants and vowels

• Noticeable frustration with communication

If the child begins speaking, more symptoms may include:

• Leaving out or replacing sounds in words

• Speech errors that are inconsistent

• Speech that is difficult to understand

• Mouth movements or “groping” when trying to talk

• Slow or no progress with regular speech therapy

(Source: Jacobs, C. R.)

Does Speaking More Than One Language Cause Delays?

Some doctors advise bilingual families to use only one language if their child is a late talker or suspected to have apraxia. However, research shows that using multiple languages does not delay speech development.

Here’s what studies reveal:

1. There is no scientific evidence that bilingualism causes language delays in toddlers.

2. If a child has apraxia, it is likely due to neurological factors—not how many languages they hear.

3. Reducing the number of languages a child is exposed to won’t prevent apraxia or improve symptoms.

In fact, limiting a child’s language exposure could reduce meaningful interaction and emotional bonding opportunities—two essential factors for healthy development.

How to Support Language Development

If your child is a late talker or showing signs of speech challenges:

• Consult a speech-language pathologist, ideally someone experienced with bilingual children.

• Stay consistent with both languages at home if that reflects your natural family dynamic.

• Focus on interactive, play-based communication like reading, singing, and naming objects.

• Watch for signs of progress rather than comparing your child to others.

Even children with apraxia can become bilingual when given the right support, patience, and love.

Making Language Learning Fun and Supportive

One helpful way to encourage language development in young children is through play-based tools like Dinolingo. Designed for children ages 2 to 14, Dinolingo offers fun and educational content in over 50 languages. With songs, stories, games, and offline materials, it turns language learning into a positive daily experience.

Parents can use the parent dashboard to track their child’s progress, while children enjoy the interactive rewards system that motivates them to keep practicing. Whether your child is just starting to speak or already forming full sentences, Dinolingo can support their journey in a natural and enjoyable way.

Final Thoughts

Being a late talker doesn’t mean a child can’t thrive—bilingually or otherwise. Most kids catch up in time, and even those with speech challenges like apraxia can develop strong communication skills with the right support. Bilingualism does not cause speech problems, and in fact, it may offer long-term cognitive and social benefits.

If you’re looking for a gentle, engaging way to support your child’s language growth, give Dinolingo a try. With the right approach, every child—late talker or not—can find joy in learning more than one language.