Some people who do not recognize the long term benefits of signing with their hearing babies may be excused for thinking that Baby Sign Language is a fad or the latest passing trend in modern parenting. Many don't realize however that the benefits are supported by over 30 years of research. These benefits include earlier communication, reduced frustration, increased language comprehension and further opportunities for bonding between parent and baby. One of the greatest benefits is that the children are given an opportunity to use Baby Sign Language to communicate with each other before the youngest would normally be afforded the opportunity to be heard.

Baby Sign Language should only be used to compliment the speech development of the baby, therefore it should not become the dominant focus, and rather it should be seen as a natural gesture that goes 'hand in hand' so to speak with the spoken word. When used in this natural way it is easily picked up on by the older siblings as the gestures are present in the house on a routine basis. Older siblings see the opportunity present itself to join in and use these gestures to communicate with their younger siblings.

There are several benefits for the use of Baby Sign Language between the siblings. The dynamic would differ depending on the age gap between the children and whether the older child had been taught the gestures in their early development as well. The use of Baby Sign Language between the siblings will allow both siblings a means of communication and will hopefully dispel some of the frustrations usually felt with sibling rivalry.

If the age gap between children were slight and both children had been taught Baby Sign Language the situation would be quite natural, where baby signs were used with both children and in some cases between themselves depending on age. This additional communication tool could be of tremendous benefit in the sibling's interactions with each other.

Baby sign language involves the use of speech while concurrently signing with your baby. It uses a vocabulary of keyword baby signs and gestures to support speech development in your toddler. The baby signs used do not have to be perfect and you don’t need to be an expert, it is meant to be fun and interactive. the best time to start signing with your baby is when your baby is showing signs of wanting to communicate with you and when you feel that baby sign language will benefit your baby the most.

Toddler Interpreter is a Baby Sign Language program that is suitable for children from the age of 4 months. The signs in Toddler Interpreter were researched and developed so that they were within the capabilities and realistic expectations of the dexterity of a 4-6 month old baby. To take this one step further the Toddler Interpreter Baby Sign Language program is structured so that not only the most relevant baby signs are introduced first, these signs are also the easiest to perform. By the time the baby has worked through the 5 Stages of Learning, the baby signs have progressed with the child's development and most children will be ready to replace all signs with fully developed speech, which remains the goal.

Lisa Baade is the author of Toddler Interpreter, A Parent's Guide to Baby Sign Language for Hearing Babies and Toddlers. Toddler Interpreter can be purchased online at http://www.toddlerinterpreter.com.

Tags: baby, sign language, toddler, family concerns, baby sign language, toddler interpreter, sign language for siblings