It's OK that dd2 doesn't talk at 17 months...isn't it?

[motherinferior]

She babbles. She says 'mumMARRR' (to either parent). And 'Didi' to the cat. And she clearly hears and understands what's being said to her a fair bit of the time. But rather like her sister at the same age with walking, DD2 is making remarkably little progress with the verbals, while everyone else's child seems to be really quite competent a talker.

This is OK, isn't it? It isn't because she doesn't get read to enough (she doesn't, it's shameful) is it? Is she just copying her father's ability (not shared by the other two residents of the Inferiority Complex) to shut up occasionally? (Or could it even be that she never has the opportunity to get a word in?)

I am sure it is normal. My ds said a few words but nothing stunning

My DD is 2.5 and her speech only seemed to take off at 2 - once she had finished teething. Prior to that she had a handful of 'words' that we understood, but baffled everyone else.

Now you can't shut her up.......

I'm sure it'll come in it's own sweet time, and you will look back with fondness on the days of silence!

MI, ds2 is now 19 months and he has a very limited vocab. I know his older brother was chatting at this age, not really worried as he understands all that is going on, and can get himself understood so why talk? Your home sounds very similar to ours

My ds was the same as yours fio2. I remember very clearly the first time he put 2 words together (bye bye choo choo) at 22 months. Now, a year later, he talks in great big long sentances. If you are at all worried MI you could talk to your health visitor..... Or maybe the GP? I think understanding is key at that age & you say she's fine there. Did you dd1 talk early, maybe you're just comparing the 2 of them.

Sorry this is such a jumble!

Likewise. DD1 spoke very early and really well. DD2 was over 2 before she started to speak properly and DS was also over 2. Grandson is two in a month and although he has started saying a few words clearly - it's not very often. He has quite a few words that we all understand but leaves everyone else completely baffled. You say that she understands what's being said to her so I'm sure your DD's fine, the talking will come soon and it won't be too long before you're wishing she'd give your ears a rest.

In response to your question - God, I hope so! She sounds exactly like my dd and she is 21 months...

OK, feel reassured now. Yes, dd1 did talk early but didn't walk. Don't think it's serious enough to speak to the HV for the first time in 13 months, quite honestly.

And dd1 never shuts up.

I'm sure this is well within the normal range, but I bet it won't stop me asking the same question about ds2 in 6 months time! I think I know where you're coming from, I feel endlessly guilty that I don't talk enough or read enough to ds2 (I don't) - I just have to hope he's listening in on our conversations with ds1!
And ds2 is also 'slow' in motor skills compared with ds1 - its so hard not to compare isn't it but it would probably help if ds2 had his own area he excelled in.

i'd give her until she was 2 then see how she is doing, mi

DD1 didn't talk at 19 months, maybe a mumbled mama. She was seen by a Peadiatritian (SP??) and he didn't think it was odd, she wasn't walking either but she could crawl v fast and he said that was was the point in walking, she was perfectly happy crawling and climbing and when she felt she 'needed' to walk, she would. She walked at around 21 months. At 2 she had 30 words and has a great vocab now. I wouldn't waorry in the slighhtest. The attitude of that Dr reassured me, when she feels the 'need' to talk, she will.

I am also consoled by the fact she was so taken with the game Row Row Row your Boat that she immediately learned to say 'rerer' in a most imperious manner.

I somehow suspect it's a quite convenient ploy to justify looking vaguely into space when asked/told to do something.

I think it's fine. Rates of linguistic development vary hugely, and as long as she doesn't show any thing else which concerns you which may be linked, I wouldn't worry at all.

MI, everything was duck to dd2 for yonks, now has expanding repertoire (including "more malk peeese" at 4am and "Maise", for that endearing mouse, but these are all quite recent. she also likes copying pointing at bits of her like nose, eyes, teeth, chin etc. your dd2 isn't just fine, she's bloody gorgeous like her big sister