Toddler development/speech

Hi everyone.

My son is taking his time talking. He is improving and currently uses sign language to communicate. He signs more, milk, please. He will blow kisses, wave hello/bye and shakes his head “no”. He makes animal sounds and has said a few words here and there. Example: he has said “good” “tractor” “cracker” “get out” “burp” and “go”. He has said all that but only when he wants to. He doesn’t say it a lot. We have been discussing with his doctor and his receptive language is good and just struggles with expressive language. I personally feel the biggest reasons why is 1. He isn’t around other kids that often like at all. 2. Too much screen time with his grandpa. His grandpa watches him during the day and we are considering having him start daycare soon a few days a week. Doctor said that at his 2 year appointment if he is not saying words we will start speech therapy. My best friend is a speech therapist and she has given me pointers and things to work on with him. She also has worked with kids on the autism spectrum and she doesn’t feel concerned about that. His doctor also didn’t seem concerned.

Anyways, my other concern and the concern of his grandma and aunt

is sometimes it’s hard to get his attention. Like if we say his name and tell him to look he doesn’t always look. However, if we have something interesting like food or a toy or something then he will look. Anyone else toddler have this issue?

He will do actions, like if I ask him to get a diaper he will. If I say let’s go up stairs he climbs up stairs. He plays well with toys. When around cousins his will play with them but does better playing with them when it’s only like 1-2 cousins rather than all 7 of them. If I say “it’s time to go, let’s get your shoes.” Then he sits and tries putting on his shoes. He appears to understand almost everything.

I’m wondering if his social skills is also partly being a pandemic baby. Ugh I have so much anxiety and only want what is best for him. Any thoughts/advice/experiences with your own toddlers? Thank you