My speaking child suddenly went quiet, why?

This may be a 'language plateau' or temporary quiet period seen in children aged 18-24 months. Children sometimes put speech on the back burner temporarily when focusing on a new skill (walking, toilet training, new sibling).

Common possible reasons:

• Learning a new motor skill (running, jumping, climbing stairs) — mental resources go there.
• Environmental change (starting school, moving, new babysitter) — the child quiets during adjustment.
• Sibling jealousy — if a new baby came, reduced speaking can be a regression behavior.
• Ear infection/hearing problem — especially in children who frequently get ear infections, temporary hearing loss affects speech.

When to consult your pediatrician:

• If this lasts longer than 1 month
• If your child completely lost words they used to say
• If they're not making eye contact, not responding to their name, or showing regression in other social skills
• If there are signs like frequent ear-pulling, restlessness, fever

General tip: Observe calmly, keep talking to them, accompany what they do with words ("now you're pushing the car") rather than asking questions, don't apply pressure. Most children return to their previous speaking level within a few weeks on their own.