Pandemic Babies and Speech Delay: What Parents Should Know

Concerns regarding speech-language and other developmental delays resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research findings connect delays in early childhood development milestones with the COVID-19 lockdown period. These delays may be attributed to a lack of socialization and limited communicative partners, or they may be associated with strategies implemented to prevent the spread of the pandemic, such as masking. The good news is that speech delays are common and treatable with the right support.

What the Research Says About Pandemic-Era Speech-Language Delays

Recent studies show slight developmental delays in pandemic-born children. Affected areas often include pointing, waving, and early word production. These trends are mild, and most children can catch up with support.

Key Signs of Speech-Language Delays to Watch For

Signs to watch for in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers include:

• Infants: not babbling
• Toddlers: limited words by age 2
• Preschoolers: Not combining words by age 3 or sounds not being produced clearly

Parents should track milestones across age ranges. Some signs may be easy to miss or could be confused with shyness. That is why it is important to look for and consider more than one sign or symptom.

How COVID-Era Life May Have Played a Role

During the pandemic, children experienced less communicative interaction. There was reduced daycare attendance, fewer playdates, and mask-wearing as potential contributing factors. These limitations can affect language learning and imitation. Increased screen use may have replaced valuable back-and-forth interactions. It’s important to recognize and understand the impact of these factors in order to help children catch up.

When to Take Action or Seek an Evaluation

Most children start babbling around 9 months and saying single words around 12 months. Children may be “late-talkers” but still developing within expected age ranges. This is why it is important to have a professional evaluation if there are any concerns. Early assessment and intervention lead to better outcomes, even in mild cases. Many children catch up with proper support. Speak with a speech-language pathologist if you have any doubts.

How Speech Therapy Can Help Pandemic-Affected Children

Speech therapists personalize support to the child’s needs. Therapy techniques that include play, modeling, and coaching are used to build vocabulary, social communication, and articulation. Virtual (telehealth) options are available to increase access and convenience. A Verse Therapy speech-language pathologist (SLP) will offer compassionate, evidence-based support.

Simple Ways Parents Can Support Speech at Home

Parents can support their child’s communication skills by narrating routines, reading daily, singing, and asking simple questions. It is important for parents to limit passive screen time and encourage more face-to-face interactions and peer play. Small changes at home can support therapy outcomes, and a professional SLP will help guide you on how to make this happen.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Communication Growth?

Speech delays are common and treatable. Early action and consistent support are the keys to success. Schedule a consultation with Verse Therapy today!