Your 17-month-old (week 3): Listening up
You're probably spending a lot of time trying to figure out what your child says, but does your toddler understand everything you say? Speak in clear, simple sentences if you want to make sure you're getting your point across. Hearing and language development are inextricably linked, which is why you may want to have your child's hearing tested if you find that she's not talking as much or as well as her peers or can't follow simple instructions from you such as "Put the doll back in the toy box" or "Pick up the ball and give it to me." Your next well-child appointment is a good time to talk to your pediatrician about any of your concerns.
