Who uses Baby Signing?

[onthefly]

yep. have used it very effectively with both my kids. We actually attended some local classes.

[Traveller]

I did it with DS1 when he was a toddler because he was speech delayed, and again with boytwin when he was young as we were given a diagnosis that he was severely deaf so I though it was in his best interests if he could sign. He didn't need it but the basic signs when the twins were little were great, just for milk, food, etc.

[jackrose]

I did it really successfully with DD1, she was signing all the time really competently from 12 months old. I started using milk from 9 months but was a bit hit and miss. She didn't seem interested until one day she just signed to me at about 12 months and she was off and racing from there. It was like it clicked, signing was communication. Interestingly her use of signs exploded at the same time her vocab did (14 months) but it was still handy to have her signing when it was not entirely clear what she was saying. FWIW it certainly did not hinder her language development. She was very expressive and very early as a talker.

I really felt that she got a lot out of it too. I think she had less frustration as she was able to communicate her needs really well. She really seemed to be proud that she had her parents trained to understand her

As for DD2, I was even more motivated to use it. I started at 6 months with her but she never picked it up. She seemed to understand what I was signing, but she never used the sign herself. Once or twice I managed to coax a milk or more sign from her but she seemed frustrated or 'shamed' (for want of a better word) by her lack of coordination and would not ever do it again. Finally at 19 months (when talking well) she decided signing was cool and is now into it We do it for fun now.

I did invest in a book - something from Ebay, but I wouldn't recommend it. I ended up just using the internet and searching the signs I wanted on the Auslan website. It is an awesome resource as it has videos for every sign. I thought this was a better way to go as it is using the Australian signs as used by the deaf and as we have a family with deaf parents in the neighbourhood I figured it would be better if we all spoke the same language! The other resource I used was Makaton sign. It is specifically designed for children and special needs as I understand it so the signs may be more appropriate for little hands. There is a huge crossover with Auslan though.

Alternatively, I did see a baby hands kit at our local library so maybe you could start there.

BTW have you seen the baby on youtube signing (My Smart Hands)? I highly recommend it. She is amazing and very inspiring! I think you will find her if you google "cute baby signing" as that is what her mother posted her first video as.

[Dansta]

we do. well try to with DJ and his issues. vic's picking it up too we use Key Word Sign (Makaton) and its really simple. i'm heading to a session on it tomorrow to learn more signs and normalise it for me. mind you every one has a giggle when i sign "drink" when asking for coffee/tea and food for bikkies LOL

But its helped with vic as he can now ask for more and drink. and kinda "wash hands" but he's saying vagina as he's holding his hands too low atm DJ kinda gets it. look up Makaton or key word sign and the pic's a really simple todo!