Baby signing

[imajenarry]

just been reading about it on the babycenter website-sounds interesting. would like to try it when baby is old enough-could be a helpful tool.has anyone had any experience with it?did it make life easier as the website suggests?

[scoobybob]

Hi - I've only being taking the little one to 'Sing & Sign' classes for about 5 weeks (when he turned 9 months), but we are having a great time.
He has already started copying some of the signs I do, but it could be a little while before he uses them in context.
I have noticed that he seems to understand what I am signing to him, i.e. if I sign tree he will look at a tree! Also 'no' is very useful!!!! He also seems to understand milk, drink & food(i.e. he squeels & gets excited!) He obviously likes food as much as mummy :)
Some baby's take a while to sign back, but when they do there is no stopping them.

The only down side is you have to be very consistent with remembering to sign otherwise it will confuse them. Also you do get a few strange looks from people in public!

Check out the sing & sign website for more info & examples of how it has helped.

Oh & congratulations on the new baby!

[scoobybob]

www.singandsign.com

[imajenarry]

sounds cool.glad you and your little guy are enjoying it scoobybob.i think i will be trying it with little un but what do they say at the classes about when baby is having time with another carer ie gran/childminder.do they need to learn it too?

[Hellion]

My cousin does it with her5 month old and he recognises the signs. Only thing you have to be careful about is is it can slow down the talking process as the child will carry on communicating with sign rather than saying the words, so be aware.

[petes_dragon]

hi,

my friend did this with her twins and they loved it - they are now two and a half and still occasionally use signs (alongside rather than instead of speech) especially when they are excited or tired.

A xXx

[scoobybob]

Hi again imajenarry. The sing & sign group I go to are doing a Saturday lesson for friends & family who are interested, but to be honest a lot of the signs are self explanatory so Stanley's grandparents have no problem picking them up & using them.
TBH, I don't think its a big problem. I guess it's like when the 1st start speaking, only mum & dad may understand what they are trying to say, but that doesn't seem to stop them!
Good luck & have fun!

[kirby01]

hi,

My sister has just finished a 6 week course with Babysigners. When Jake (who is 14 months) now comes over to my house he is able to sign, Milk, food, drink, bed. So the whole extended family are able to respond straight away to his needs, Its fantastic!!!!!! wish i'd know about it with my own kids!!! visit www.babysigners.co.uk for more details