I have a 7 1/2 mo old and I am very interested in signing. when can we actually start and she will start to pick it up.. I havent looked into it too much, what are some good books or anything like that that I can pick up that will help get us started

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Hi there -- I would start now. Even though your little girl might not sign for a few months, it will help you get used to it, and she will begin to associate signs with actions and words before she actually signs. My son just turned a year old and is using signs more and more. He picks them up very quickly now. It is very rewarding!

I purchased a Baby Signs book, then went online and bought a package that came with a video, two board books, and a quick reference chart.

Good luck!

Gracie

I will answer your question from a chapter in the book;

BABY SIGNS How to talk with your Baby before your Baby Can Talk

"Q. When should I start modeling Baby Signs? Is six months too young?

A: Remember, its fine to start modelling "baby signs" the day your baby is born. However, many parents find it more convenient to start closer to time when their baby is showing interest communicating. To decide whether your baby is ready for "baby signs", consider the following questions. If you are answer is "yes" to any of them, then now is a good time to start.

Is your baby at least 6 months old?
Is your baby beginning to point to things?
Is your baby bringing toys or objects toyou and looking for response?
Is your baby beginning to wave bye-bye?
Is your baby beginning to share his or head head "no" or "yes"?
Is your baby beginning to take an interest in picture books?
Is your baby frustrated when you don't understand what she needs?
Are there still important things your baby doesn't have word for? "

Gracie, although this is what the book "recommends" I would like to share how my hubby and I got our daughter Nia into signing. She was born with her eyes wide open and looking around already (that was a sign for us). We started with her at 2 weeks signing "milk". Just repetition, repetition, repetition. When she was 3 months she acknowledge the sign "milk" by kicking her feet, meaning she wants it. She was 5 months when she actually "signed back" since then, she was just "signing away." We have attended workshops classes for baby signs and that helped us a lot. During the class, they said to create and find opportunities to sign, to make it fun and not force them to do it, and make it as a routine. The most important thing they stressed is that "make it a family affair" get everyone involved because you want consistency. We were lucky although its just me and my hubby who signs at home, (we are just a family of three) we have students and friends from the deaf community and interpreters who got into the "family circle" to sign to her.

Nia Signing Milk

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