That’s British Baby Signing 
These are new board books (or at least new for me) with baby signs I’ve seen recently at Linden Tree
Child’s Play Baby Signing
What is Baby Signing?
‘Baby Signing’ is the term used when parents who can hear use signs to communicate with hearing babies. It builds on babies’ natural ability to use gesture.
Babies are able to coordinate and control their hand muscles much earlier than their speech muscles. By introducing them to simple signs, we can help babies to communicate their emotions and needs from as young as eight months. This ability to communicate not only reduces frustration of both babies and their parents/carers, but it also helps their language development.
Signing is growing in popularity in Britain but has been used in America for years, and is the norm in American nurseries. Some British nurseries are now training staff in British Sign Language.
There have been some concerns that baby signing may inhibit speech but this would only happen if signing were used in place of speech. Signs should be used in conjunction with speech to provide babies with a multi-sensory environment.
Using British Sign Language means that your baby’s signs will be understood by other parents or carers who sign, as well as by you.
Benefits of Baby Signing
* Reduces frustration as babies can communicate their needs
* Strengthens the bond between baby and parent
* Leads to better communication between hearing and hearing impaired children
* Child may start to speak earlier than usual
* Child develops a wider vocabulary
* Leads to a higher than average literacy level
Useful Websites
UK Baby Signing sites
Starting to Sign
* The first aim is for your child to make a connection between the sign and what it represents.
* Introduce only three or four signs to start with. The most successful seem to be milk, eat, more and bed.
* Use certain signs before an event to enable your child to anticipate it (i.e. bath, nappy).
* Always say the word when you sign, never sign in silence.
* Use only one sign in each sentence.
* Repetition is important. Your baby will not sign to you immediately but will recognise signs.
* Be patient and don’t get frustrated. Signing should be a fun part of your everyday interaction, not a chore or lesson.
* Introduce signs that have a particular interest for your child.
* Your child’s signs may differ from yours, don’t worry; the signs will evolve, just like speech.
* There may be signs that your child will never make, but will understand perfectly.
* Have fun!
