To Sign or Not to Sign?

Child development experts agree that it is a good idea forparents to begin talking to their babies from the moment of birth.From that moment on, babies are learning language.

Why wait until babies can speak to teach them to communicatewith the caregivers? Why not teach them sign language andcommunicate with them in sign language when they are 4 or 6 monthsold??

Controversial at the time it was first suggested a few years ago,teaching babies to sign has plenty of supporters and lots ofcompanies willing to train you and your baby to sign. In fact, theonly detractors come from those who fear that parents may feelunder pressure to learn sign language in order to make sure theirbabies get the claimed “jump start” on language development.

Among the benefits are exposures to making language six monthsor more before most children speak their first word (usually at 12months) thus enabling babies to express themselves. Experts saybabies and caregivers are less frustrated because they can expresstheir needs and wishes. It is also believed that signing babiesbecome more adept at spoken language earlier. Some suggest that IQscores are higher among babies who signed before speaking by asmany as 10-12 points.

What is your take of this idea? Have you ever heard of it? Wouldyou want to learn sign language in order to teach their babies tosign?

Below are a number of websites to further explore the topic.Look at one or two of them before participating in thediscussion.  

http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/signing.html#talk

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/baby-sign-language/faq-20057980

http://psychcentral.com/lib/teaching-your-baby-sign-language-can-benefit-both-of-you/