Baby sign language?

jocie2581

Does anyone else plan on using baby sigh language? I have seen a few of my good friends use it with their babies and it seemed to work well.

My one friend suggested I start now. Not for the babies but so that I get used to signing.

Our plan is to start with "more", "change", "all done", "milk" and "food."

I am curious if others are planning on using sign language. And if anyone had resources that they can share. Thank you!

shannoncorrin

I'm really interested in this too. I know babywise 2 has some info on sign language but I have not read it yet.

jaqualls

Dont forget to do some fun signs as well like ball and play. You want to make signing interesting for the baby as well. I started right away and although she cant sign back she does recognize milk and all done. She is 14 weeks

DahliaFlower

We (myself, nanny and LO) love Baby Signing Time DVD series.  It's really good.  Believe it or not, I actually like the songs  At 4 months, my son pays attention and is definitely engaged with it.  He also loves it when I sign to him.  The host of this series, Rachel, is excellent.  I believe she is mother to a deaf child.  

tisunge602

We plan to, and I've read the best age to start is around 8-9 months. My husband's sister is also deaf, although we'd do it regardless of having deafness in the family.

Glad someone mentioned starting earlier to get us used to it -- I'll have to get on that! 

LC122

Here is my 2 cents:

Use ASL (American Sign Language) - it is standardized so if your LO ever has other caregivers, they won't have to learn your special codes.

Never too early to start - don't underestimate your baby's ability to understand long before they are able to communicate that understanding to you.

DVD's - Personally, I wouldn't waste the money. I say "waste" because 1) you can probably get them for free at your library if you really want them and 2) they should be more for you to learn than for LO, especially if you subscribe to the "no TV" rule. Active learning will always trump TV/video.

Get an ASL dictionary and keep it handy to teach yourself whatever you want to learn. There are also plenty of websites that have free video demos that you can watch.

I disagree with the "don't teach your kid 'more'". Weird logic. If your kid wants more of something, get it for them or tell them no. Be the parent.

Practice Practice Practice.

jocie2581

@shannoncorrin, @MrsMuq, @jaqualls, @DahliaFlower, @Kapaajoy, @tisunge602, @LC122, @BrittAnnie19

Thank you for your replies.  I put a bunch of baby sign language books and dvds on hold at the library.  I've always been fascinated with learning sign language.  So I'm motivated to learn as a communication tool with my LOs and as a hobby for myself.