Anyone used baby sign language?

[KnitKnitPurl]

DS is almost 9 mo, and is like to teach him a few basic signs. I've read a few things that have said it's a good way for babies to be able to communicate, and it's very effective and can promote speech development. DH isn't so keen, as he has a friend who took her daughter to signing classes and felt that it delayed her speech.

I said I'd do some more research, and ask for some opinions as well. So has anyone tried it, and what did you think?

Thanks!

Love it! I'm a teaching assistant in a school for children with special needs, so am very familiar with Makaton. My now 20 month old went through a phase when he was around a year where he was getting very upset/cross if he was stuck on something, or needed me for something, so the first sign I taught him was 'help' and ever since, instead of having a meltdown he just asks for help and points to what he needs help with (he does say help now and signs at the same time!) He knows lots of signs now, he does talk, though not all of his words are clear, eg for please he says 'pla' and signs it at the same time, so to anyone who knows makaton (have taught all my family too!) it's obvious what he is saying, we just repeat what he says to reinforce the correct pronunciation, and he is picking up words really quickly. He has gone from having around 15 words at 18 months, to over 40 at 20 months and is starting to string some words together. Definately beneficial to help minimize frustration, I'm 6 months pregnant and will definately be teaching my second baby!

I'm slightly hearing impaired so used a mixture of basic BSL and Makaton with DS who's now 7. Never used signs on their own but alongside words.
For example DS at 12 months old would say "ma peas" which on its own I migh not hear to understand but if he did signs as well I'd know he was asking for "more please".
I didn't bother with expensive classes, just watched lots of Something Special on CBeebies, Makaton books from library and online tutorial. Now using it with DD 10 months and she's ahead with her speech like DS was and doesn't get so frustrated as she can convey some of her basic needs more easily.
Go for it, you've nothing to lose and a lot to gain!

Also as DS is now7 he doesn't need the signs anymore but still uses them to communicate with me on a busy train or across a crowded party room when my poor hearing would necessitate shouting otherwise!

I did sing and sign with dd1 she was an early talker but kept on signing alongside it for a while. I thought it was great, huge reduction in frustration and I loved seeing her so happy when she could communicate something to us. dniece does it now and it takes me back, so lovely!

Oh and agree with using it now ...dd is 7 and I can still tell her, eg it's time to eat now, over a loud and busy park or whatever , without having to bellow!