6 weeks prem (3lb7) baby now 19 months corrected and barely talking...

[Beastycat2]

Hi all,
Hoping someone can offer reassurance or advice!
My daughter was born six weeks early at only 3 lb 7. She is now 18.5 months corrected. Despite our concerns about delays, her development has been spot on so far, but we are getting very worried as all her peers have started speaking - and even putting words together - while she is still very quiet. She will only say dada, mama (occasionally) baba, cat, owl, wawa ( for water) hi, oh no. And hardly any of these words will she say without being prompted "whats that?"...etc. She babbles constantly, a lot of na na but other sounds too - but no intelligible words. She says "da" as bye, but pitched in the tone one would expect when saying bye, if you know what i mean.
Should I be seeking help from a SALT? What can i do to help? I think perhaps I am guilty of pushing her too hard - i sit her down several times a day with word books and am constantly asking her to repeat words, and it seems she is less and less likely to do it.
I would love to hear your thoughts if you have been in a similar situation, or know anything about it!

[Valdeeves]

I've a 33 weeker who's nearly two and it's been the same, some glue ear involved but definitely behind. Waiting for hearing test.

[HavanaSlife]

Ds3 was a 31 seekers and only really started talking around 2, he's 3.2 now and has come on loads the last few months

Saying that ds4 wasn't early and only says 4 words at 16 months, some just take longer than others

[annielewis]

Not sure its at all helpful but my son was born at 42 weeks and is now 22 months. His language skills are roughly on a par with your DD. They all develop at their own speed and if she is bang on with all other targets I wouldn't be overly concerned. I would just keep chatting and talking to her rather than trying to force her to say words/look at word books etc. I'm not sure but I think SALT tend to not intervene until they are at least two anyway (sure someone more experienced will be along soon to clarify)

Has her hearing been tested as being ok?

[MsVenus]

My son was born at 26 weeks and started talking at 3.5 years old but prior to that spoke single words similar to your dd. He reached all his milestones late but I did expect that he would have developmental delay due to his prematurity.

Speak to a SALT member if you feel the need as they may give you tips on hoq to support his language development. I used makaton signs and symbols to help my ds express himself.

[plinkyplonker]

I have a 32 weeker who is now 19m corrected. My DD has no words other than "bye" although she's upped the babbling in the past couple of months. She can sign a couple of things thanks to Mr Tumble but I'm not sure if she is linking the action to the meaning, other than maybe "cake". I thought up until about 2yrs old this was fine though and to only worry after then about referrals to SALT?

[Mabelface]

Babies at 18 months, as far as I can recall,normally say between 6-20 words in the "normal" range. Obviously some babies say more and some say less. She sounds like she's willing to imitate you and babbling well which are good signs. Her understanding sounds good too. Obviously, if you're worried then speak to your HV.

[Fishlegs]

I think she sounds fine, but if you are worried about her and want to help, could I suggest you read 'Baby Talk' by Sally Ward? It's really helpful in knowing how to talk to and spend time with your baby/toddler in a way that helps their speech develop.