This may be a trendy thing...i'm not sure (I'm pregnant with my first) but I have been seeing a lot of books and videos about teaching and using "baby sign language" and that babies can communicate using the signs before they can speak...I'm not saying that I would rather my baby sign instead of speak...but why not encourage both?
What are your thoughts on this? To people that have tried, does it work? Which video/book did you use (Baby Einstein is coming out with one March 13 I believe). Does anyone really dislike the baby sign idea? Or found that it did NOT work with their child?
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It is GREAT. My wife and I did this with both of our children ( B now 5 and G now 7). We highly recommend it. My wife found a very short course (about one hour long) and they gave us a photo copy of some basic signs. A course is not needed. Just check out some of the free websites on this topic.
Our children learned signs for milk, drink, food, more, all done, help, doggie, bird, and some others I cannot recall.
My in laws used it with their first child and are now using it with their second child. All parents I have met that have done this have been very happy they did. I cuts down on some frustration kids experience, because it allows them to tell you what they want. I think it cuts down on some crying.
Children do this instinctively with for example the sigh they want you to pick them up will be raised arms up towards you. So it makes sense that this works well.
The signing fads away as they start to speak. I suggest starting with the signs for "milk" and "more." These are signs that can be often repeated. Be patient, it takes a two to three weeks, but you will love it when they start to sign to you.
If it works well for you, tell others. Spread the word about good things. Good luck.