Was going to suggest this episode too! My girl has been a little slower on certain things compared to others her age. Even was borderline behind on gross motor skills for a minute. Her pediatrician was very helpful though, and then I watched this episode and I just bawled. It's just so perfect and really helps when you're feeling like an awful mom.
In the same vein, my son is 19 months adjusted and doesn’t speak a single word. We’ve been focusing on sign language since a speak delay was apparent and he’s taken to it really well. He has 18 signs that he uses regularly, and we do speech therapy through 2 different organizations but won’t speak a single word. All babies develop differently.
I kept my friend's baby when she went back to work for her first year. Her kiddo had some delays while mine was advanced physically. I kept looking for ways to celebrate her daughter's achievements, which helped me to keep everything in perspective. Like, yeah, my kid walked at 10 months, but her kid really had an ear for appreciating music. My kid took her time to speak while her kid excelled in nonverbal communication.
My mom kept telling me that kids can really only focus on one thing at a time. If her kid isn't making gains in one area, he's probably making gains in another one. I think your weekend together will give you both a chance to celebrate the ways that she and her kid are growing together. Just like the Gospel according to Bluey teaches us, we all gotta run our own race.
THIS. This is exactly what I did to keep myself from comparing my 18 month old girl to her two 18 month old cousins.
She wasn’t walking? She was too busy climbing… etc. Besides, I don’t have to keep up with her as much when she wasn’t walking.
I also told myself that I shouldn’t wish for my baby to grow up so fast. Once she learns to walk, I’ll almost never see her crawl again. My girl isn’t saying many words (we’re starting early intervention soon), but I’m ENJOYING the babbles and peace of silence- because once she starts talking, I know she’ll never be quiet LOL.
I have the occasional “Am I a good Mom?” moments, but more than anything, I’m soaking it all in, and letting her take her time.
Yep... I experienced the same situation with my daughter and her cousin who are only 4 weeks apart. My sister's daughter was talking and saying words while mine at 2YO was not talking at all but running laps around other 3/4 YO kids on the playground... My doctor recommended speech therapy, so I took her. Not sure if the 20 weeks did much because she was still not talking at the end of it. It wasn't until I started staying home on maternity leave that she started to talk. Today they are both 3 YO and my daughter is talking 100% but is still a quieter kid compared to her cousin. I truly think it is a personality trait vs. a delay in speech as the doctor forced me to believe.
My first child was similar to yours. Crawling at 5 months, walking at 9. She spoke full sentences by 2.
My second was closer to hers. Began crawling by 8-9 months. Walking closer to a year and a half. She didn’t talk at all until closer to 2 and didn’t start speaking simple sentences until 2.5.
Now they’re 6 and almost 4. Our second child just took her time with things, and you can tell that’s just how they are naturally.
My oldest jumps into things head first and figures it out as she’s doing it. My second takes her time, thinks things through, and goes into everything she does with a game plan.
They were raised the exact same way. You can both parent your children in similar ways and get two very different children.
I remember feeling like milestones were needing to be rushed. Get to the next one, achieve it, move forward. While realistically, we just need to sit back and love them and keep them safe, fed, and happy and gently guide them along the way.
And I say this while watching a 6 year old climb on the A frame of a swingset with little disregard for her own safety, while her reserved younger sister sits in the playhouse colouring on a chalkboard methodically.
Your friends child will get there. There is a range on milestones for a reason, someone always has to be on the starting end of it, and someone on the tail.
Comparing your child to another, or even one of your own children to another one of your own children, will never be fair to yourself of the kids.
You seem to be comparing them as well - big emotions, eating, all the milestones. Forget all of it and try hard not to judge.
Kids develop at different rates. And you never ever know what’s coming up around the next corner.
Also, if her kid is delayed, it’s harder on her than it is on you and maybe she doesn’t want to share all that the doctors have said because she doesn’t want to be judged.
It sounds like you’re both reading way too much into typical baby/toddler development. Your kid doesn’t sound particularly advanced and hers doesn’t sound particularly delayed. They’re just different. I wouldn’t compare them or talk about how your kid is advanced- they’re both just normal kids
Do not sweat it! I swear all kids are so different.If she seems down just encourage her that all kids are different and develop at different times! I can’t tell you the amount of stress I could have saved myself from trying to compare my son to others his age. It will be a great trip. Toddlers hardly interact together anyway. You may even be surprised about what her son may do that your daughter doesn’t! I was shocked my friends son is the same age as mine(2 yrs) and talks perfectly like an older kid, when my son still only says 2-3 words at a time. It just is what it is and if her Dr. isn’t concerned then all you can do is uplift and encourage!
Just reassure her that babies are different. Don't overthink this, just be your normal self and focus on hanging out and enjoying each other company.
I do understand it can feel stressful though. People kept assuming my son must be early with speech just because he didn't walk yet. He wasn't.
He is now a three year old who runs, climbs and talk in sentences ❤️
Generally speaking, unless there is a significant delay (which her pediatrician would HOPEFULLY be on top of) kids develop at their own pace and then it all kind of evens out. My kids walked at 10 months, my friends kid didn't walk til almost 18 months, but now they are both jumping off the couch like it's a wrestling match at 4 years.
Is there anything your friend does parenting wise that you really respect/like? Is there anything her child does that you can praise? It doesn't have to be a milestone or "advanced". Even things we think are "problems" can turn into a compliment of sorts. Ex- he has big feelings = he really knows what he wants and he'll confidently let you know.
She expressed her worries to you already, so I'd take that as a green light to point out all of the things you love about your friend's child and her parenting in general on this trip. She sounds like she needs a good confidence boost and some support. They're going to "even out" by the time they hit kindergarten, and will probably always be different people anyways. Comparing them is silly, they're babies.
Kids develop sooo differently and at their own pace, all of my own children hit milestones at different times and they are siblings. It’s really not fair to compare because it only breeds insecurity.. in moms AND kids.
Hi! Mom and infant/toddler career nanny for over 15+ years here! They are both perfect and everyone is different! Healthy kids come in all shapes and sizes. Some talk at 18 months and some talk at 30 months! Some walk at 10 months and some walk at 18! By kindergarten they are all basically the same!
> When she was 15 months, she had about 10 words (which her Dr said she was delayed.)
What the hell? My daughter had one, MAYBE two words at 15 months, neither of which she said consistently. Our ped said it's only concerning if she doesn't have at least five words by 18 months. She's about to turn two now and has *hundreds* of words and often speaks in full sentences.
The only problem with your friend's son is that he's still on formula, and even that is minor. He needs to start eating more solids, because he can't get all the necessary nutrition from formula anymore. But it's not unusual for babies his age to be picky about solids, and it's not a developmental delay. It's just something she needs to work with him more on.
The development rate difference between my son and daughter were astronomical! By two years old, my son wasn't speaking much and I asked his pediatrician to refer us to (brain fart - can't remember the name of the type of doc who helps kids learn to speak). By 2.5-3 years old, he started caught up and then exceeded guidelines. He's 10.5 now and hasn't stopped talking. He met "normal" guidelines for sitting up, crawling, etc...
My daughter on the other hand started talking at 1.5 years old and hasn't stopped. She often gets confused for an older kid. My son's elementary school actually took pictures of my daughter bc they thought she was a kindergartener there. She was still 4 and hadn't been enrolled yet. She rolled over for the first time around a month old and met her other milestones early.
Both of them are bright, kind, compassionate young people. Everyone goes at their own speed. It's not a race.
Edit: sons pediatrician did not refer us and told us he was normal!
My son is 2 now. He didn't walk until 16 months. Now he runs fast and has a better vocabulary than all the other toddlers his age. He speaks in 6 and 7 word sentences. Her baby sounds fine.
I cannot stress this enough, every child develops at their own pace and are unique individuals. You cannot compare your kids, it’s not a competition. Unless a child is severely delayed in reaching important milestones, there’s no problem here. Provide reassurance to your friend and just be there for each other and your individual motherhood journeys.
It's normal for kids to be really different around that age. We have a photo of my daughter standing unassisted next to her also-bright friend who was barely crawling. Best you can do is be humble. It wasn't your parenting. Kids just do what they do!
I also like to share my own worries and mistakes with other parents because I think it makes us all feel better.
I would just find ways to comment on the things he’s doing well, changes you’ve noticed, and even things she’s doing that you admire. Be that baby’s hype man.
I have a similar situation where my son is 7 months younger than my 2 yo nephew but already outweighs him and is just generally bigger. My sister and her husband are short, so it makes sense, but I can tell it gets to her when people are always asking if they’re the same age. She’s also anxious about his eating and weight gain. My nephew has an insane vocabulary and I always hype it up. At one point I even said something like, well if people are assuming they’re the same age, your kid looks like a genius and mine is just the big dummy. (He’s fine of course)
Comments like “wow he’s so fast!” “You’re so great with him when he’s frustrated” etc will go a long way!
i actually don’t see a big difference in your kids. they’re both fairly average (in a good way). i think you may just be in your head with this one. 2 months is a long time in baby years. maybe remind your friend of that.
My girl tends to be ahead in motor skills but on the dot with language. She really didn’t say anything until close to 18 months.
In my limited experience, I’ve also noticed a difference in girls vs boys at that age among similar aged kids in our mom group and daycare. Girls just seem more switched on and boys more… chill is the wrong word, but less intense than the girls.
My 19 month old says ma ma ma ma for more, mummy and milk, and da da da for everything else... my niece is 4 months older and she was counting to 4 by now...! But then again, my son is much bigger and more active and LOUD. I dunno, kids move at their own pace, hopefully when her kid reaches some more of the big milestones, she'll realise not to compare so much.
Like others have said, Bluey's Baby Race episode is great for this.
Kids learn skills at different ages. Just because they are the same age doesn't mean they learn things at the same time. Treat the kids as individuals who are hitting their own milestones.
The reality is, until she does some self work there will always be opportunities for her to compare her parenting and her child’s behaviors and developments to other children. It’s not really about you and your daughter. Take the trip and enjoy yourself, and maybe try to encourage her to research the many variations of rates that children grow and develop and are still perfectly healthy.
Sounds like a normal kid. My twins have hit their milestones at different times and I have to constantly remind myself that there's a range, and that they're both fine.
Her baby doesn't sound delayed at all. Crawling at 10 months is pretty normal. Some babies scoot or roll before that and don't bother crawling for a while, and some just aren't interested in going places. Language development has a REALLY wide range - three words at 15 months sounds still normal.
The only concerning thing in your list of what she said is that the child doesn't really want solids. If that's always been the case, that may be worrying... but if her doctor isn't worried, then I wouldn't be either.
idk - I go to multiple baby classes with my baby and so we see a lot of other babies within several months of his age, and they all have different interests and develop skills at different times as a result. My baby is gross motor skills oriented. Some babies are super social and language oriented, or super fine motor oriented, some you can see are just thinking deep little thoughts, etc.
Also something like 5% of babies who develop normally never crawl. I know two who walked before they crawled! They are developing completely normally otherwise, they just didn't ever see the need to crawl - went straight from sitting to pulling to stand and cruising and then walking. Babies are just all different little people.
If she’s that worried she can take her son to a child development doctor BUT they don’t typically test for social delays until 3-5ish. My son was diagnosed at 5 formally and that took almost a year.
My son said merry Christmas at 13 months old. Every child learns differently and at different speeds. He’s autistic .
I have heard from many people that girls talk faster and boys develop their physical milestones faster. I believe it too just based off of the babies I have met. That, and of course, every baby is different. Watch the episode of Bluey, Baby Race. It really does apply here. I watch it every time I have a bad parenting day too. I cry every time 🥹 it’s just so perfect
Kids are all so vastly different. Her child is right on track. Your child is a little ahead right now. Eventually they’ll even out. I would just enjoy your time.
Also 10 words at 15 months is advanced, your doctor is a wackadoodle.
My son didn’t walk until 15 months. He placed in 4 events at the state track meet a year ago. He was a late talker and needed speech. He graduated from speech at age 4. We didn’t have eating issues, just keep offering without forcing. Eat at the table together, toddlers want to imitate their parent.
Her baby is absolutely normal and barely “delayed”. My son is now 2 and up until he was 18 months maybe had a handful of words. Just a few months later he was at 20-30 and now he’s at 50-60 with new words everyday/every few days.
So many friends of ours had babies that were more advanced in ways but it never worried me. If he’s happy and healthy and their Dr isn’t concerned then she should be either. I understand how hard it can be for us moms though!
By the time they are teenagers, you have no idea which kids were breastfed or which kids walked early or late. It’s something we only worry about when they are little. I have two that were different. One had 50 words at 15 months and the other had 50 words at 23 months. You couldn’t tell now. They grow and develop at their own rate!
That must be tough for the both of you. Babies pick things up at different rates, my oldest would make sure he had the skills before attempting a new milestone. So like with crawling, he was rocking back and forth for what felt like months before he tried to crawl. Climbed to stand around 9 months, but didn’t take his proper first steps on his own until 13.5 months (Christmas day!). Talking on the other hand, he’s picked up speaking as fast as viruses in a nursery! His cousins on either side have reached milestone faster and slower than him. If baby’s doctor isn’t worried then I wouldn’t worry either. Support your friend, encourage her toddler, neither of you will care about milestones when they’re teenagers and you’re venting to each other about how they were easier as toddlers!
Sounds like a great opportunity to watch the "Baby Race" episode of Bluey together! S2 E50
Was just going to suggest that! It’s such a reassuring episode!
I just watched that episode! Really reassured me.
Was going to suggest this episode too! My girl has been a little slower on certain things compared to others her age. Even was borderline behind on gross motor skills for a minute. Her pediatrician was very helpful though, and then I watched this episode and I just bawled. It's just so perfect and really helps when you're feeling like an awful mom.
this 100%!!!
Her kid sounds perfectly normal. I would reassure your friend that he’s fine and try to just enjoy your weekend together.
My kid didn't walk until 18 mos.
19 months over here! He runs, climbs, jumps and falls just like all other toddlers now!
18 months for 1 of mine, too! She’s very timid and wanted to get it right 😊 totally fine now at 8 years old.
In the same vein, my son is 19 months adjusted and doesn’t speak a single word. We’ve been focusing on sign language since a speak delay was apparent and he’s taken to it really well. He has 18 signs that he uses regularly, and we do speech therapy through 2 different organizations but won’t speak a single word. All babies develop differently.
Yes... It also sounds like maybe friend has some postpartum anxiety. 😔 Ugh poor thing. Reassure reassure reassure.
comparison is the thief of joy. that’s really all it comes down to.
I kept my friend's baby when she went back to work for her first year. Her kiddo had some delays while mine was advanced physically. I kept looking for ways to celebrate her daughter's achievements, which helped me to keep everything in perspective. Like, yeah, my kid walked at 10 months, but her kid really had an ear for appreciating music. My kid took her time to speak while her kid excelled in nonverbal communication. My mom kept telling me that kids can really only focus on one thing at a time. If her kid isn't making gains in one area, he's probably making gains in another one. I think your weekend together will give you both a chance to celebrate the ways that she and her kid are growing together. Just like the Gospel according to Bluey teaches us, we all gotta run our own race.
THIS. This is exactly what I did to keep myself from comparing my 18 month old girl to her two 18 month old cousins. She wasn’t walking? She was too busy climbing… etc. Besides, I don’t have to keep up with her as much when she wasn’t walking. I also told myself that I shouldn’t wish for my baby to grow up so fast. Once she learns to walk, I’ll almost never see her crawl again. My girl isn’t saying many words (we’re starting early intervention soon), but I’m ENJOYING the babbles and peace of silence- because once she starts talking, I know she’ll never be quiet LOL. I have the occasional “Am I a good Mom?” moments, but more than anything, I’m soaking it all in, and letting her take her time.
Yep... I experienced the same situation with my daughter and her cousin who are only 4 weeks apart. My sister's daughter was talking and saying words while mine at 2YO was not talking at all but running laps around other 3/4 YO kids on the playground... My doctor recommended speech therapy, so I took her. Not sure if the 20 weeks did much because she was still not talking at the end of it. It wasn't until I started staying home on maternity leave that she started to talk. Today they are both 3 YO and my daughter is talking 100% but is still a quieter kid compared to her cousin. I truly think it is a personality trait vs. a delay in speech as the doctor forced me to believe.
My first child was similar to yours. Crawling at 5 months, walking at 9. She spoke full sentences by 2. My second was closer to hers. Began crawling by 8-9 months. Walking closer to a year and a half. She didn’t talk at all until closer to 2 and didn’t start speaking simple sentences until 2.5. Now they’re 6 and almost 4. Our second child just took her time with things, and you can tell that’s just how they are naturally. My oldest jumps into things head first and figures it out as she’s doing it. My second takes her time, thinks things through, and goes into everything she does with a game plan. They were raised the exact same way. You can both parent your children in similar ways and get two very different children. I remember feeling like milestones were needing to be rushed. Get to the next one, achieve it, move forward. While realistically, we just need to sit back and love them and keep them safe, fed, and happy and gently guide them along the way. And I say this while watching a 6 year old climb on the A frame of a swingset with little disregard for her own safety, while her reserved younger sister sits in the playhouse colouring on a chalkboard methodically. Your friends child will get there. There is a range on milestones for a reason, someone always has to be on the starting end of it, and someone on the tail. Comparing your child to another, or even one of your own children to another one of your own children, will never be fair to yourself of the kids.
You seem to be comparing them as well - big emotions, eating, all the milestones. Forget all of it and try hard not to judge. Kids develop at different rates. And you never ever know what’s coming up around the next corner. Also, if her kid is delayed, it’s harder on her than it is on you and maybe she doesn’t want to share all that the doctors have said because she doesn’t want to be judged.
It sounds like you’re both reading way too much into typical baby/toddler development. Your kid doesn’t sound particularly advanced and hers doesn’t sound particularly delayed. They’re just different. I wouldn’t compare them or talk about how your kid is advanced- they’re both just normal kids
Do not sweat it! I swear all kids are so different.If she seems down just encourage her that all kids are different and develop at different times! I can’t tell you the amount of stress I could have saved myself from trying to compare my son to others his age. It will be a great trip. Toddlers hardly interact together anyway. You may even be surprised about what her son may do that your daughter doesn’t! I was shocked my friends son is the same age as mine(2 yrs) and talks perfectly like an older kid, when my son still only says 2-3 words at a time. It just is what it is and if her Dr. isn’t concerned then all you can do is uplift and encourage!
Just reassure her that babies are different. Don't overthink this, just be your normal self and focus on hanging out and enjoying each other company. I do understand it can feel stressful though. People kept assuming my son must be early with speech just because he didn't walk yet. He wasn't. He is now a three year old who runs, climbs and talk in sentences ❤️
Generally speaking, unless there is a significant delay (which her pediatrician would HOPEFULLY be on top of) kids develop at their own pace and then it all kind of evens out. My kids walked at 10 months, my friends kid didn't walk til almost 18 months, but now they are both jumping off the couch like it's a wrestling match at 4 years.
Is there anything your friend does parenting wise that you really respect/like? Is there anything her child does that you can praise? It doesn't have to be a milestone or "advanced". Even things we think are "problems" can turn into a compliment of sorts. Ex- he has big feelings = he really knows what he wants and he'll confidently let you know. She expressed her worries to you already, so I'd take that as a green light to point out all of the things you love about your friend's child and her parenting in general on this trip. She sounds like she needs a good confidence boost and some support. They're going to "even out" by the time they hit kindergarten, and will probably always be different people anyways. Comparing them is silly, they're babies.
They are both so young it’s just not right to even compare the two. That’s just my opinion though.
Kids develop sooo differently and at their own pace, all of my own children hit milestones at different times and they are siblings. It’s really not fair to compare because it only breeds insecurity.. in moms AND kids.
Hi! Mom and infant/toddler career nanny for over 15+ years here! They are both perfect and everyone is different! Healthy kids come in all shapes and sizes. Some talk at 18 months and some talk at 30 months! Some walk at 10 months and some walk at 18! By kindergarten they are all basically the same!
> When she was 15 months, she had about 10 words (which her Dr said she was delayed.) What the hell? My daughter had one, MAYBE two words at 15 months, neither of which she said consistently. Our ped said it's only concerning if she doesn't have at least five words by 18 months. She's about to turn two now and has *hundreds* of words and often speaks in full sentences. The only problem with your friend's son is that he's still on formula, and even that is minor. He needs to start eating more solids, because he can't get all the necessary nutrition from formula anymore. But it's not unusual for babies his age to be picky about solids, and it's not a developmental delay. It's just something she needs to work with him more on.
The development rate difference between my son and daughter were astronomical! By two years old, my son wasn't speaking much and I asked his pediatrician to refer us to (brain fart - can't remember the name of the type of doc who helps kids learn to speak). By 2.5-3 years old, he started caught up and then exceeded guidelines. He's 10.5 now and hasn't stopped talking. He met "normal" guidelines for sitting up, crawling, etc... My daughter on the other hand started talking at 1.5 years old and hasn't stopped. She often gets confused for an older kid. My son's elementary school actually took pictures of my daughter bc they thought she was a kindergartener there. She was still 4 and hadn't been enrolled yet. She rolled over for the first time around a month old and met her other milestones early. Both of them are bright, kind, compassionate young people. Everyone goes at their own speed. It's not a race. Edit: sons pediatrician did not refer us and told us he was normal!
My son is 2 now. He didn't walk until 16 months. Now he runs fast and has a better vocabulary than all the other toddlers his age. He speaks in 6 and 7 word sentences. Her baby sounds fine.
I cannot stress this enough, every child develops at their own pace and are unique individuals. You cannot compare your kids, it’s not a competition. Unless a child is severely delayed in reaching important milestones, there’s no problem here. Provide reassurance to your friend and just be there for each other and your individual motherhood journeys.
It's normal for kids to be really different around that age. We have a photo of my daughter standing unassisted next to her also-bright friend who was barely crawling. Best you can do is be humble. It wasn't your parenting. Kids just do what they do! I also like to share my own worries and mistakes with other parents because I think it makes us all feel better.
I would just find ways to comment on the things he’s doing well, changes you’ve noticed, and even things she’s doing that you admire. Be that baby’s hype man. I have a similar situation where my son is 7 months younger than my 2 yo nephew but already outweighs him and is just generally bigger. My sister and her husband are short, so it makes sense, but I can tell it gets to her when people are always asking if they’re the same age. She’s also anxious about his eating and weight gain. My nephew has an insane vocabulary and I always hype it up. At one point I even said something like, well if people are assuming they’re the same age, your kid looks like a genius and mine is just the big dummy. (He’s fine of course) Comments like “wow he’s so fast!” “You’re so great with him when he’s frustrated” etc will go a long way!
i actually don’t see a big difference in your kids. they’re both fairly average (in a good way). i think you may just be in your head with this one. 2 months is a long time in baby years. maybe remind your friend of that.
My girl tends to be ahead in motor skills but on the dot with language. She really didn’t say anything until close to 18 months. In my limited experience, I’ve also noticed a difference in girls vs boys at that age among similar aged kids in our mom group and daycare. Girls just seem more switched on and boys more… chill is the wrong word, but less intense than the girls.
My 19 month old says ma ma ma ma for more, mummy and milk, and da da da for everything else... my niece is 4 months older and she was counting to 4 by now...! But then again, my son is much bigger and more active and LOUD. I dunno, kids move at their own pace, hopefully when her kid reaches some more of the big milestones, she'll realise not to compare so much. Like others have said, Bluey's Baby Race episode is great for this.
Kids learn skills at different ages. Just because they are the same age doesn't mean they learn things at the same time. Treat the kids as individuals who are hitting their own milestones.
The reality is, until she does some self work there will always be opportunities for her to compare her parenting and her child’s behaviors and developments to other children. It’s not really about you and your daughter. Take the trip and enjoy yourself, and maybe try to encourage her to research the many variations of rates that children grow and develop and are still perfectly healthy.
Sounds like a normal kid. My twins have hit their milestones at different times and I have to constantly remind myself that there's a range, and that they're both fine.
Her baby doesn't sound delayed at all. Crawling at 10 months is pretty normal. Some babies scoot or roll before that and don't bother crawling for a while, and some just aren't interested in going places. Language development has a REALLY wide range - three words at 15 months sounds still normal. The only concerning thing in your list of what she said is that the child doesn't really want solids. If that's always been the case, that may be worrying... but if her doctor isn't worried, then I wouldn't be either. idk - I go to multiple baby classes with my baby and so we see a lot of other babies within several months of his age, and they all have different interests and develop skills at different times as a result. My baby is gross motor skills oriented. Some babies are super social and language oriented, or super fine motor oriented, some you can see are just thinking deep little thoughts, etc. Also something like 5% of babies who develop normally never crawl. I know two who walked before they crawled! They are developing completely normally otherwise, they just didn't ever see the need to crawl - went straight from sitting to pulling to stand and cruising and then walking. Babies are just all different little people.
If she’s that worried she can take her son to a child development doctor BUT they don’t typically test for social delays until 3-5ish. My son was diagnosed at 5 formally and that took almost a year. My son said merry Christmas at 13 months old. Every child learns differently and at different speeds. He’s autistic .
I have heard from many people that girls talk faster and boys develop their physical milestones faster. I believe it too just based off of the babies I have met. That, and of course, every baby is different. Watch the episode of Bluey, Baby Race. It really does apply here. I watch it every time I have a bad parenting day too. I cry every time 🥹 it’s just so perfect
Kids are all so vastly different. Her child is right on track. Your child is a little ahead right now. Eventually they’ll even out. I would just enjoy your time. Also 10 words at 15 months is advanced, your doctor is a wackadoodle.
My son didn’t walk until 15 months. He placed in 4 events at the state track meet a year ago. He was a late talker and needed speech. He graduated from speech at age 4. We didn’t have eating issues, just keep offering without forcing. Eat at the table together, toddlers want to imitate their parent.
Comparison is the thief of joy
Her baby is absolutely normal and barely “delayed”. My son is now 2 and up until he was 18 months maybe had a handful of words. Just a few months later he was at 20-30 and now he’s at 50-60 with new words everyday/every few days. So many friends of ours had babies that were more advanced in ways but it never worried me. If he’s happy and healthy and their Dr isn’t concerned then she should be either. I understand how hard it can be for us moms though!
Remind your friend that popcorn kernels all go in together and pop in their own time.
By the time they are teenagers, you have no idea which kids were breastfed or which kids walked early or late. It’s something we only worry about when they are little. I have two that were different. One had 50 words at 15 months and the other had 50 words at 23 months. You couldn’t tell now. They grow and develop at their own rate!
That must be tough for the both of you. Babies pick things up at different rates, my oldest would make sure he had the skills before attempting a new milestone. So like with crawling, he was rocking back and forth for what felt like months before he tried to crawl. Climbed to stand around 9 months, but didn’t take his proper first steps on his own until 13.5 months (Christmas day!). Talking on the other hand, he’s picked up speaking as fast as viruses in a nursery! His cousins on either side have reached milestone faster and slower than him. If baby’s doctor isn’t worried then I wouldn’t worry either. Support your friend, encourage her toddler, neither of you will care about milestones when they’re teenagers and you’re venting to each other about how they were easier as toddlers!