Doctors had told Hamman to expect that since Michael had been born prematurely and had to undergo multiple surgeries before he reached 11 months, he would have developmental problems. So much for predictions. Nevertheless, a number of factors can influence when a baby develops language skills. Children born to parents who speak two or more languages in the home or have caregivers who speak a different language may develop speech more slowly than children who grow up hearing only one language. However, multilingual kids eventually catch up with their peers.
Many parents report that girls speak and form word combinations earlier than boys.
But now they're both about even in development. Children tend to begin speaking around the same time their parents did. And according to experts, sibling conversation is no substitute because firstborns tend to give orders to younger siblings rather than converse with them. However, reports from parents on this subject are mixed. I think it's because she's imitating her big sister.