Really, they are all different, and boys generally tend to be a bit slower at talking than girls (some would say they never catch up ). My first DS was talking really early and using 8 word sentences by 2. My second DS is turning 2 next month and can say some basics like mummy, daddy, please, ta, open, bye, "me do it", "give me" etc, but not much else. I used to be really worried by this, but I am constantly being reassured by the carers at day care and other parents etc that he is normal and it's just that my first DS was talking unusually early. I think the most important thing by this age is that they are understanding, and able to obey simple instructions. If they can do that, and by 2 1/2 have about 50 words and put 2 words together they are ok.

But if you are worried, it doesn't hurt to get an assessment done. You can get a referral to a speech pathologist from your GP. If it will give you peace of mind it might be worth it. GL.