Baby Sign Language

Deborah - posted on 01/31/2009

3 words for you: Baby Einstein DVDs. I'm not a huge fan of sticking my child in front of the tv, but these videos are great for babies. My daughter watches intently when I put one on. It has taught me, my husband and my daughter how to do some basic signs. They make a "First Signs" dvd, which has all the basics. My daughter just turned 1 and she's has been signing "more", all done" and "milk" for at least a month now. It certainly makes mealtime a little easier. Good luck!

Meghan - posted on 01/30/2009

I have a book that I'm using that says you should start signing at about 6-8 months. Before that babies lack the fine motor skills requires to do it. Also if you start around 6-8 months the babies will respond quicker and it won't be so frustrating. They said you can always start early but don't expect them to sign back until 6-8 months. My son is 11 1/2 months and I just started really reinforcing the signs every time I say the word and it only took him about 3 days to get "milk" down. in the past week we have added eat, more, and down (from highchair) and he seems to be getting it. I love it.

The book also said to make sure you use the correct body language. (when you sign "scared" you can't be smiling). Finally, use the most "entertaining" words first. Like eat, milk, more, and drink instead of dog, cat and elephant (that might ba a no brainer). Good luck hope I was a little help.

Kara - posted on 01/30/2009

We love love love signing here! I actually bought the Nancy Cadjan book "Baby Signing 1 2 3." My husband thought I was crazy, but my daughter is picking up signs like wildfire now. During the last month and a half, she has begun signing things herself. She does the usually hi and bye, but is also doing milk, eat, all done, more, book, play, change (for change diaper), and there are a couple more I can't remember. The key is consistency- I talk to her all the time and make signs when appropriate. I praise her when she approximates the sign, which encourages her to do it again. I'm so glad I decided to start it with her. We started at about 3 months, but it's never too late.

Tanya - posted on 01/30/2009

That's great to hear so many sucess stories - very encouraging! I've been looking up simple words like play, Dad & Mom on the ASL online dictionary. It's fun so far =)

Amy - posted on 01/29/2009

Signing is God's greatest gift to one year olds. I did it with my first son when he turned one because he was screeching for what he wanted since he could not verbalize yet. He started signing all done, more, eat, and milk within two week. By two months later he had twenty signs and never screeched again. He now has a 7th grade vocabulary at 5 years old and I attribute it in many ways to his early communication. I started with my second son at 8 months and he does all done, and dog, but has not picked up on the rest yet. I expect him to really start soon, but he is too busy starting to walk, so all in due time.

Sarah - posted on 01/29/2009

I have been working on signs for a few months with my son. So far he has mastered 'more' but not eat and drink. Once he catches on to eat and drink we will add more signs. Good Luck!

Deena - posted on 01/29/2009

Hi Tanya,  Signing really works and makes life so much easier.  My niece has cerebal palsey and her only way of communicating is through signing (since she was an infant).  She is four now and as a result my whole family has learned to sign.  I took that knowledge and applied it to my 11 month old. The key is its all about repitition.  My son signs when he wants a bottle, wants more food, is hungry, etc. 

     There is a great series of signing videos called Signing Time.   They have everything from the alphabet to basic signs to the great outdoors.  My son shows no interest in TV but when his signing time videos are on he is hooked!  Plus he actually imitates the signs as the appear on the screen.  It teaches both him and I signs and its a time where we can sit and bond.

Tanya - posted on 01/27/2009

Thanks so much for the suggestions. He responds to 'all done' so far and we're working on eat, drink & more. I think it'll be worth it =)

Elizabeth - posted on 01/27/2009

I looked for box sets that come with books and flash cards.  If you're consistent with signing, then each child kind of creates their own version of the specific sign.  Like for more, my son has one hand open and puts his fingers together on the other hand and taps the open hand.  He also recognizes pictures on the flash card and will point at them and will respond to certain signs.  I've had success...so I advocate it :)  I even heard of some twins who used their own version signing amongst themselves as their own "secret language".

Tina - posted on 01/27/2009

Quoting Tanya:

Baby Sign Language

My son was born 9the Feb & I have tried to start with a couple simple signs that I know from my sister. Anyone have suggestions on a good website or tricks to help teach baby Sign Language?

Is there anyone else trying this?

Hi Tanya

I have been taking my litle lady to sing and sign classes for the last 4 months. She loves it and has justed started asking for milk and signing 'more' and even gives me a cheeky look when I sign no.

I would highly recommend www.singandsign.co.uk. They have a full reference video library with all the signs you could need. They also have a selection of DVD's which are well worth investing in if you're serious about signing. I can honestly say that the only time baby sits still now is when the music starts.

Hope this is helpful.

Tina

Angie - posted on 01/27/2009

I too have been doing sign with my son but he hasn't done any of them. You might try some books for more words. I've been doing easy ones like "all done" "please" "more". He was trying to do all done a couple of months ago but he doesn't do it now. I keep working with him and try to get him to say it instead of fussing for it. he doesn't talk much anyway but I would just keep at it, don't stop just because he doesn't respond right away. Maybe you can do it with his hands while you say the word and then you do it. I don't know what you have done but that's what I do. Hope this helps some.