I am interested in using baby sign language. I would appreciate any honest advice from those who have used it/are using it.
What books, if any, did you use?
When did you start?
What are the pros/cons of teaching baby sign language to infant?
Any other pertintent advice on the topic would be appreiated.

Thanks, smec

good thread idea. i am not sure if i shall use it or just encourage and promote speech? i guess it depends on how my ds develops i will assess when he is old enough to understand this. thinking about it i use basic stuff like i make my own signs for bottle and sleep already when talking to him, i think i prefer my own signs to bsl ones. i have seen the books at baby fairs i have one i got it free by sending off from a magazine for it. it is a nursery rhyme book with it showing you signs.

I'm reading the book given to me by my SIL. The studies show it actually helps children learn and speak the language faster. She began demonstrating signs to her son around 6 months, but don't expect much until around 9 months to a year. It was really neat to see my nephew use the signs before he was a year old and could talk. He would signal for "help" and "more." He could sign "hungry" and "hurt" too. If you've ever tried to learn a foreign language...it's much easier to understand what you've heard before you can say it. It's kind-of based on that idea, but gets some criticism for not using actual sign language. (used by deaf people) And, initial (flawed) studies showed it could delay speech. That has been disproven over time.

My ped recommeded begining signs, counting and reading at 1 month. Because they learn from repetition and the more they see it the more likely they are to retain. He recommended starting with signs for drink first (of couse, because that is the one they want first). And I am going to use American Sign Language signs. Of couse, they can't form the complex hand movements, but as long as it is close. And you probably won't see any progress for several months, but what's the harm?

Hi I've been doing sign language with my DD (who's just one). I got a really good book it's called 'Baby's first signs' I think but I can't check because it's in the nursery and she's asleep!

I think it's recommended that you start when they get to the stage of clapping and waving because then they have enough control over their hands to sign back to you. However, you should expect to sign to them for a good 4 - 5 weeks before you'll see any sort of sign back.

I started with DD when she was about 9 months and now she signs for milk, eat, drink, bird, bath, hat and seems to be trying to do more and nappy. I don't do many signs with her, I just wanted her to be able to express her basic needs to me. Her signs aren't quite the same as mine but we both understand each other.

My DH was really against me teaching her any signs at first but he is totally converted now and thinks it's great that his daughter, who can't speak at all, can tell him that she'd like a drink or something to eat.

Most studies now show that signing helps babies to speak earlier because you always say the word to go with the sign. Also, I have heard that they might be ready to potty train earlier because they can tell you they want a nappy change with signs before they can with words.

I'd highly recommend signing - it's wonderful for you baby to be able to communicate with you before they've mastered speaking.

Spanish

I tried sign language with my 13 month old son but he has yet to sign back. We started when he was about 4 months with basic signs like milk, more and eat. I dont think we were consistent enough with it. I do think he understands the signs he just hasnt used them yet. If you are serious about teaching this I would recomend being very consistent and also having anyone else in the family learn and teach the signs. I really wish I would have because I think it would be extremely valuable for him now that he knows what he wants but cant express it with words. I used a DVD book combo called Sign with your Baby, I dont remember the authors name but I do remember he had a very thick mustache. Let us know if you teach it and have luck.

Yeah you do have to be very consistent and do them over and over again. The first ones that DD got were milk and eat and those I was signing to her 4 or 5 times a day whenever she had milk or food.

I am fortunate enough to have a huge repitoire of signs myself as I worked in hearing services in education for 5 years. With my ds I signed a lot of the time with him when he was small and then I started as soon as we started table foods (5.5 months) with eat, more, milk, drink, finished and please. First I did them myself then I did them hand over hand for him till he seemed to get it. Tip...Don't teach them finished though if you have a picky eater!!!!
He started talking clearly at 10 months and by about 14 months stopped signing and was talking well...but I also work with speech therapy so I think I might work too much in this area with my own kids!!!