What Kind of Sign Language Helps Babies…?

We used ASL with both our daughters. Single signs, not alphabet. Not phrases. No one in the family is deaf. The main reason for both was to give them a way to request and express themselves (before they could talk ) without having a tantrum and to make them a little more independent with making choices. Worked like a charm. Our youngest is 16 months and she know about 23 signs. Mind you, they are close but not exact. Only we know what they mean. She simply doesn't have the dexterity to be eact with some signs. Our 5 year old had no problem learning to speak and is actually quite articulate for 5.