Language Development and Diaper Rash in Toddlers

Baby language development & skin issues

Hello, I have a daughter who is 1 year and 7 months old.
Currently, she can only say "mama," "grandma," "hug," "woof woof," and some variations of "dada" (though not often).
Besides that, she mostly speaks in gibberish that adults cannot understand.
I have tried teaching her to say "grandpa," "uncle," "brother," etc., but no matter how I teach her, she just smiles.
When I teach her to say "goodbye," she only makes the goodbye gesture and does not say it, no matter how many times I try.
She clearly understands a lot of what adults say, but she is not very willing to speak.
Is this situation considered a reluctance to speak or a lack of speaking ability? Is this normal for a child over one year old? Is it considered delayed? Could it be related to the fact that adults talk to her very little?
Additionally, I have another question.
Recently, my daughter developed a diaper rash (caused by not changing her diaper immediately after a bowel movement), so I bought some diaper cream for her.
I wasn't sure how much to apply, so I looked up information online, and many sources suggested applying a thick layer to protect against the diaper.
The first few times I applied it, there were no issues, but in the last few days, I noticed that around her anus, there are red spots and some white bumps (not severe, just localized around the anus).
Could this be caused by the diaper cream? Should I let it heal naturally, or are there other methods (I have stopped using the cream for now)? Should I take her to see a doctor? Thank you!

mai, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/22

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

At 1 year and 7 months, a toddler's language development includes several words, which is not considered delayed.
Increased verbal stimulation from adults or interaction with older children can certainly aid in the child's language development.
When applying ointment, a thin layer is sufficient.
It may not be just a simple diaper rash; there is a concern for potential secondary candidal infection, so it is recommended to consult a pediatrician for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2019/07/22

More Info

When it comes to language development in toddlers, it's important to understand that each child develops at their own pace. At 1 year and 7 months, your daughter is still within the typical range for language acquisition. Many toddlers at this age may have a limited vocabulary, often consisting of a few recognizable words and a lot of babbling or "baby talk." It is common for children to understand more than they can express verbally. Your daughter’s ability to respond to commands and her understanding of language indicate that she is developing her comprehension skills, which is a positive sign.

The fact that she can say a few words like "mama," "grandma," and "dog," but doesn’t consistently use them or other words you’ve tried to teach her, is not unusual. Some children may be more reserved in their verbal expression, and this can be influenced by various factors, including the amount of verbal interaction she has with adults. Engaging her in more conversations, reading to her, and encouraging her to express herself can help stimulate her language development. If you have concerns about her speech development, consulting a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist can provide you with tailored advice and reassurance.

Regarding the diaper rash, it is quite common for toddlers to experience this condition, especially if there is prolonged exposure to moisture or irritants from stool. The use of barrier creams, like the one you mentioned, can be effective in preventing and treating diaper rash. However, if you notice white spots or a rash around the anus, it could indicate a yeast infection, which is not uncommon in the diaper area, especially after a rash.
If the rash is mild and your daughter is not showing signs of discomfort, you might consider allowing the area to air out as much as possible and keeping it clean and dry. However, if the rash worsens, spreads, or if your daughter seems to be in pain, it would be wise to consult a pediatrician. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antifungal creams if a yeast infection is suspected.

In summary, both your daughter's language development and diaper rash are areas where you can seek guidance and support. Encouraging her speech through interaction and monitoring her skin condition while seeking medical advice if necessary will help ensure her healthy development.

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