[texgal]

My daughter said hardly anything at all until around 18 months then it was full sentences! The boys were closer to 24 months before they began to speak more than a word or two. There seems to be a difference between boys and girls.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Also a difference in first and second children - first ones don't usually get the baby talk treatment as much - second children come along and an experienced Mother can anticipate what they want - hand them things without them having to do more than grunt! lol

And yes, there is often a difference in girls and boys in verbalization (my husband says girls never stop talking once they start!)