Neither of my boys had words at 18 months, DS1 had a little bit of babble and DS2 can say 'u-oh' and 'ot' (hot) now at 19 months. Both are in Speech Therapy, DS2 was just referred as his 18m developmental check concluded that he is well behind for communication and personal-social skills.

They wanted them to have 8-10 words by 18 months along with a range of babble and understanding (following instructions etc) I personally think 18 months is still a bit young to be worried about it, I only attend the Speech Groups for the social interaction for DS2. I think they should give them until closer to two, as many have pointed out they tend to have an explosion between 18m and 2yr.

At the end of the day if YOU are concerned then follow it up, don't let others convince you that you should be concerned you are doing great x