Baby Signing

Can you please let me know what experience you made with baby signing. I have bought the cards and will start with my almost 9 months old.


At what age did you start?

How long did it take for your baby to sign back?


Would like to get some feedback from people who tried it out.


Thanks!

We signed, it was fabulous. I read the book and didn't have/use any cards, they sound artificial to me. I just learned one or two signs that were relevant to our daughter (like "milk" and "dog") and used the sign as I said the word each time the word came up. Every few days I'd learn another sign and would incorporate it in.


The book said signing can be done at any time but babies probably won't sign back until 8 or 10 months. I don't think my daughter signed much of anything until she was over a year, but it became a great first language for us. Long before other kids were speaking much, my daughter could "tell" me she was thirsty or hungry (and for what), she could share her excitement about seeing a dog, a bird, a flower on a tree, a horse (on a shirt!)...it was really wonderful to have a language so early on.


She even still signs sometimes, which is useful in places like church when she's to be quiet!

Yogini - check out this thread:

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/momsdads/threads/72873.asp


Lots of great info on baby signing.

Did anyone use different languages when you taught your baby signs? I talk to my baby in German, husband Italian and helper English.


Joshmomm: Thanks for your input. Sounds wonderful!

Hi Yogini -


I used both Korean and English when using baby signs. There hasn't been any conclusive research yet done by Acredolo and Goodwyn into the benefits of using multiple languages with the same sign; however, the hypothesis is that it will help bridge the gap for your infant between the two languages, so in the long run it is beneficial to speak two languages and do the same baby sign for each language.


I had a GREAT time with baby signs with my daughter-she's now almost two, still uses quite a few signs - as she is being raised bilingual, her verbal communication is a bit slower than other kids, so her baby signs play a key role in communication with me.


I started at around 8 months, and she could produce at around 9. Her first sign was moon - and I was so shocked when she could produce it so quickly. Just be consistent, use a few signs that are easily incorporated into your routine with your baby. IT doesn't have to be so scientific or drill - it's more about having fun and providing opportunities for you to communicate with your child.

There's a non-commercial online support group now specifically for parents, caregivers and professionals who are signing with babies. There are some great news articles there about baby signing that you can also check out. Open (free) membership.


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BabySignsHongKong