What is the soonest you can start teaching a child sign language?

Question

What is the soonest you can start teaching a child sign language?

Answer 1

My wife and I taught both of our children how to sign starting at about 1 week after birth.  My children were able to let us know when they wanted some milk or some food starting around 4-5 months of age.  It is nice to know what your child wants, and it provides them with a way to communicate what they need so they avoid frustrating misunderstandings.  We started with the basics, milk, water, food, more, and then expanded to toilet (yes, they began poty training at about 7 months), book, help, and other signs that allowed them to communicate regarding many basic needs and activities.

We do not like the baby signs that many are teaching their children, if you want to continue teaching them sign, then there comes a point that you have to unteach what they have been using for the standard ASL signs, we feel it is better to just teach them one set and stick with it.

Answer 2

Check out this video at you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gSZfW4gV...

Baby learning sign language.

It's like anything else they do.

Answer 3

very early.

some children know more words through sign language, than speaking by age two.

Some of the toddlers i work with know words such as "please" "thankyou" "more" "help" etc

Answer 4

ASAP.FROM DAY ONE. WHEN MOM SAYS WELCOME LITTLE  ONE , I  LOVE YOU.its never to late to start either.what better way to share something special.WISH i HAD THOUGHT OF IT WHEN MINE WERE LITTLE. MY SON AND HIS WIFE  USES IT WITH THEIR OWN CHILDREN.

Answer 5

As soon as they are able to see!!! it will be a God send!!!! because they will be able to comunicate with you even before they can speak.  Just be consistant that is very important for kid and babies,

Answer 6

My baby is 18 months and has 7 signs down we started at about 6 months but you can start earlier. She does eat, more, sleep, please, thank you, all done, and p**p.

Answer 7

I would guess that you could from day one after birth.  It is shown that babies use a form of sign language to communicate to you as to what they need.