My baby doesn't follow simple commands, is it a problem?
⚡ Short answer: Around age one, not regularly responding to simple instructions like 'give me' or 'come here' is quite common.
Anonymous
bir anne · Development
When I say simple things like 'give it to me' or 'come here', my baby doesn't respond. Is there a delay in language comprehension?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Around age one, not regularly responding to simple instructions like 'give me' or 'come here' is quite common. Language comprehension generally develops before expressive language (speaking), but this skill solidifies gradually over months.
First check your baby's attention control: Do they turn when you call their name, do they look in the direction of sound, when you point to something familiar (bottle, toy) do their eyes follow it? If yes, comprehension foundation is developing.
Try one command, with gesture (outstretched hand, pointing) and within daily routine (like during diaper changing, "give foot"). Many babies grasp abstract words not first, but familiar gestures in familiar contexts.
Between 12–18 months, your baby should show signs like:
- Turning when called by name
- Understanding "no" (even if they don't always respond)
- Looking at or reaching toward a named familiar object when asked
- Mimicking simple gestures (waving, playing peekaboo)
If none of these appear by 18 months, or your baby doesn't make eye contact, shows no interest in objects, never turns to sound, consulting your pediatrician and developmental pediatrics specialist is good. Just not responding to one command alone isn't cause for concern.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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