Can I have some thoughts on dd4, nearly 2?

[SilentMammoth]

Shes two in three weeks.

She understand s a lot but recently I've wondered if I'm being a bit too laid back about lack of speech.

Shes got about ten words, tractor, bottle, mummy, baby, flower, car, daddy, ooh gosh, maybe less than ten actually. Very quiet, has never babbled, iyswim? But she can understand a three stage command no problem and theres nothing wrong with her hearing.

Everyone tells me that because shes got three older sisters she doesn't need to talk, but tbh I think that us a bit of a cop out.

None of my girls have been early speakers at all, but sure she is the latest. we nanny share and the other little girl is noticeably far more advanced (not just in speech, actually, every area, jumping etc).

Dd4 was premature, but born at 36 weeks due to intra uterine growth restriction.

Pressed send too soon. I know 36 weeks really isn't very early, but I was taken by suprise by how it affected us in the early months (very sleepy, poor feeder, les well than the rest).

Hi, it is quite common for younger siblings to appear quieter on the speech front. Often they don't have to articulate their wants and needs quite as much as you have already anticipated it for them. Often they can't get a word in edge ways when other older siblings around.
I know HV's are the work of the devil on here, but is she due a 2 year developmental review soon? Do they use the Ages and Stages developmental questionnaire where you are. It is evidence based and provides quite a good window into where a child is, and can identify areas to concentrate on if you need.
If you are worried I would be tempted to give it a few months and if still concerned then seek referral for a speech and language referral or if more global concerns then seek paediatric review.
Chances are if she was your first you would not be that concerned as you maybe would'nt be comparing to what/ when her siblings did things.
HTH.

Hi there, my dd1 was born at 34 weeks, and is very behind others her age (she is now 2.5). Paeds have always said she is likely to catch up - but are now looking for underlying issues. She is more delayed than your dd, particular issues are gross motor skills and speech (she only has 2 words - duck and down). We have speech therapy - it is only once every 3 months through nhs but she enjoys it - it is like someone coming to play with her. Definitely worth asking your hv for a referral. Also worth looking to see if there is a portage service in your area (google portage). We've had loads of support from them, including developmental play sessions based on her needs, and the salt referral (our hv wouldn't refer). You can self refer to portage. Not trying to scare you - your dd (and mine, come to that) may well catch up in their own time anyway. I just think if help is available it is worth getting it - particularly if it is fun for them rather than intrusive or unpleasant anyway! Good luck.

Vote for portage here as well.

DD is ahead in receptive language, gross motor and cognitive function but miles and miles beyond in speech. We are starting speech therapy next week at 29months as I can now see it affecting her and she really tries to talk sentences but the words blur so they aren't recognizable.

Trust your instinct.

Thank you everyone for all your perspectives, will def chase up hv re two year check.

I really wouln't worry, the understanding is all there.

another vote for portage from me they are really helpful!
definitely get the 2 yr check but as hvs can be keen to fob you off maybe go in with the knowledge of which referrals you would like as then you can push for that
i would definitely ask for slt referral, and hearing test even if you feel hearing is fine, just to rule it out.
ask for physio referral as well if she seems delayed in gross motor, can't jump etc. and if you have concerns about overall development then try to get a paed referral aswell
all the appointments take time so that is why portage is so good! you just phone them up and they will come see you at home and sign post you to resources, groups etc that can help in the meantime and any help you need in supporting your dd development or any concerns they will point you in the right direction, get you onto various courses etc.
have you thought about signing with your dd, might be useful? best thing i did with my ds who is globally delayed n especially delayed in speech - helped him massively!!!! portage put us on a course for it, then i pick up more words from mr tumble!