Child Points and Says Dat but Has No Real Words

Your toddler points at the banana, the dog, and the dog’s bowl, saying “dat, dat, dat” with total confidence. If your child points and says dat but has no real words, the pointing is real communication. The sound “dat” is a placeholder, not yet a word. A child who points, shares attention, and uses sounds is building the base for talking. Real words are the next step, and some children need support to get there. No diagnosis or referral is needed to ask.

Is it normal when my child points and says dat?

It is a common stage and a useful one, but it should not be the only stage for long, because pointing comes before words in most children. Saying “dat” while pointing means a child already knows that a sound can pull your eyes toward something they care about.

The worry starts when pointing and “dat” stay the whole system for many months, and new real words are not slowly joining them. If your child also grunts or whines to ask for things, our post on toddlers who grunt and point instead of talking goes deeper on that.

How many words should my child have by now?

It depends on age, so start there. The CDC lists a milestone for 18 months: “Tries to say three or more words besides ‘mama’ or ‘dada.'” The CDC also explains that milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age.

If your child is 18 months or older and has fewer than three real words, a closer look makes sense. If your child is younger, “dat” is still a common step on the way to words, and the home steps below are a good place to begin. A real word is a sound your child uses on purpose for the same thing each time, even if it is not said perfectly. “Ba” for ball counts.

Why does my child say “dat” instead of real words?

The reason differs from child to child. “Dat” is easy to say and works for everything, so it can become a handy shortcut that tells you to look but not what to look at.

Some children understand a lot and are simply late to talk. Others need more help understanding language, or more help making the sounds that words need. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can sort out which one is happening by watching a child play. Nobody can sort that out from a web page, including us.

What can I try at home this week?

Give the “dat” a name. When your child points and says “dat,” say the word once, short and slow: “Banana. Want banana?” Then wait a few seconds with a hopeful face before you hand it over.

If your child makes any sound, even “ba,” give the banana right away and say the word again. Snack time is a good place to practice because your child already wants something. Hold up two choices, like crackers and an apple, and say each word as you hold it. Let your child pick by pointing, then say the word for what they chose.

Keep it light, because you are not testing your child. You are showing them the word at the exact moment they care about it. If waiting leads to tears, our post on a child who melts down when you do not understand him explains how to make those moments easier.

When should I ask for a speech evaluation?

Ask when your child is 18 months or older with fewer than three real words, when real words are not slowly adding up, or when a child had words and stopped using them. In that last case, call your pediatrician promptly. For children closer to two, our guide to a 2-year-old not talking covers what to look for.

You do not need to be certain before you ask. The CDC says it plainly: “If you’re concerned about your child’s development, don’t wait. You know your child best.”

A speech evaluation is a play-based visit with a speech-language pathologist. It looks at how a child understands words, makes sounds, and uses gestures, and it tells you what kind of help, if any, makes sense. We offer in-home speech therapy and telehealth, so a visit can happen in the room where your child already points at the banana.

You noticed that the pointing is not turning into words yet, and that is what a caring parent does. You are doing the right thing by looking into this. Your child is already trying to talk to you, and you are the person who knows what “dat” means.

Ready to take the next step? Call (805) 702-3427 or schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a licensed pediatric therapist.

Therapy Clubhouse provides in-home and telehealth services today; our Westlake Village clinic opens December 1, 2026.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice or a substitute for an individualized evaluation. Every child is different. If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, or development, please consult a qualified professional.