Parents can teach babies signs to express their wants and needs to allow them to communicate before the children begin talking, writes Jackie Durnin.

Encouraging babies to copy our gestures is something we do naturally as a way of helping our children to communicate. Babies easily learn to wave 'goodbye', play peek-a-boo and clap their hands through repetition in context, encouragement and praise. Baby sign language takes this communication further by teaching babies simple signs to express their wants, needs and thoughts.

Milk: With your right hand in a claw-like position at chest level, squeeze the hand down into a closed fist at waist level. At the same time, with the left hand start with a closed fist at waist level and make the opposite motion.

Bed: Place palm of hand on face and move head slightly down as though resting your head on a pillow.

Bath: With clenched fists, move hands in opposite directions up and down the chest as if washing yourself.

Parents of deaf children, and deaf parents of hearing children, have long known that young babies can learn to communicate in basic signs before they learn to talk. Much of the original interest in baby sign language began with research into babies in deaf families, who, immersed in a signing environment, begin to use simple signs from as early as six months. This is because the development of these motor skills takes place before babies are able to create speech. It is thought that toddlers have the ability to communicate with their hands at least six to 12 months before they can talk.

Practical and beautiful

There has been significant research into the benefits of baby sign language for children, including its successful use with children with development delays and special needs. Some of this research indicates that children who have been taught baby sign language have increased their early spoken vocabularies and improved cognitive and communication skills throughout childhood.

Studies also show that baby sign language provides a valuable foundation for early literacy and the development of social skills. Parents can enjoy a more communicative relationship with their child, aided by fewer tantrums and frustrations. Some parents talk of the meaningful discussions they have with their toddlers, others about the unbridled joy they get from baby's first sign.

Of course, it is also a fun and unique way to interact with your child, indeed sign language is a beautiful visual language. Learning to sign has no 'goals' to achieve, it is enough to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

One busy mum who has taught her toddler sign language has a humorous story to relate. She says, "Whenever the vacuum cleaner or hair dryer are used we often see our busily playing daughter stop, turn, look, have a bit of a giggle and then do the sign for noise!"

On a more serious note, another parent relates a story about her 18-month-old son who had a serious asthma attack, stopped breathing and spent 24 hours in an intensive-care unit. She reports that, "When he was alert enough to realise he needed a drink, he used sign language to ask for a drink of milk".

Which language to choose?

There are two schools of thought regarding teaching babies sign language. One school involves introducing made-up gestures to your baby, while the second is to introduce the national sign language of the country.

By using an established set of signs, unique to our country, it is easier to transition your child to different settings such as childcare, as there is a high possibility that they too will be using Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN). It's also more likely other families will be following the same system, making communication with other children easier.

If you are going to teach your baby how to sign, why would you not use a tried-and-true, universal, standardised language that they will be able to use throughout their life?

How does it work?

As infants are creatures of habit and learn through repetition, teaching your child to sign is a fairly simple and straightforward process. The signs, certainly through the Australian Baby Hands method, are uncomplicated and easy for little hands to master. Babies will learn by copying their parents or other care providers (which is then accelerated further by giving them praise).

The most productive time to start signing with your child is between six months and two-and-a-half years.

How is it taught?

Patience is key when starting to teach your baby to sign and it needs to be a gradual process. It's advisable to start with no more than five words and only once these have been recognised, should more be introduced.

Consistency is another key to teaching sign language at home. It's essential both parents develop an automatic reaction to sign and say the word out loud. Teaching other family members and care providers will also help speed up the learning process. Finally, encouragement and praise will accelerate your baby's learning. Any positive feedback will help encourage your child to continue signing and not 'lose hope'.

About the author

Jackie Durnin is the author of Australian Baby Hands and has a website with information on baby sign language.

Exclusive offer

Web Child has an exclusive offer for our readers to win one of six copies of Jackie's book in an online competition which closes 28th January 2010.