I used sign language with my 4 year old when he was about 8 months, my 2nd son when he was about 5 months & I have been signing with my Little Princess since she was about 4 months. In my experience signing with my kids it has given them the ability to speak at an earlier age. I also believe it makes it less fusterating for the child and the parent to communicate with each other. I purchased the following book years ago that has basic signing.
This book is so easy to use, plus there are so many other resources out there to use such as: Aslpro
Plus the Signing Times DVDs are another great resource to teach your child how to sign.
Right now my 8 month definitely know milk & no signs. She can’t use them yet but when I speak to her I use them along with other signs. My 2 year old still uses some signs when he verbally speaks to me! I have also found when my kids are not within speaking range signs have helped us out too, come here, no, etc.
I agree! Signing is a wonderful tool of communication – I don’t know what we’d do without it!!
I also discovered the benefits of signing with babies when I was pregnant with my now 3 year old. The book I found at the library was, “Baby Sign Language for Hearing Babies” by Karyn Warburton. I like the info in the book, but don’t care for all her “easy” signs. So we do use aslpro.com too.