CHICAGO -- Teaching babies sign language is quickly becoming one of the hottest trends in parenting.
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NBC5's
Nesita Kwan looked into whether babies can really master sign language, and if so, whether there's any reason why they should.
It's fairly easy to figure out what prompts babies to laugh, but when the crying starts, it's often anyone's guess what's going on in their heads, Kwan reported.
Debbie has taught her daughter sign language.
"It's easier for her, I think, to be able to communicate to say what she wants. I want more food, I want a drink, and she doesn't actually have to say it because she's not capable yet," she said.
Parents have been teaching basic signs to babies for years, but wasn't until the recent movie "Meet The Fockers" that a fringe movement pushed its way into the mainstream, Kwan reported.
So many parents are interested in sign language that classes are quickly filling up.
Denise Boggs, a speech pathologist at Children's Memorial Hospital, said this kind of communication can create early talkers and boost a child's ability to learn other languages.
"The same neuro pathways go to the language center for gestures as for speech, so it gives them the framework before they're ready to talk," Boggs said.
Baby signing is made up of more than 100 signs based on the America sign language model.
Sharon Gruszka learned by reading a book.
"I was teaching her for months, and nothing ever, and then one day I saw her do it and we were so excited. It was like baby's first word," Gruszka said.
Babies as young a 5 months old can catch on, Kwan reported.
"You can start it about 5 to 6 months, but they're probably not going to catch on until about 8 or 9 months," Gruszka said.
Parents who've taught it to their babies say if it helps to stop the whining, it's worth the effort.
Some parents worry that if they teach their children sign language, they'll also delay a baby's first words, but experts say that if you say the words when you make the sign, it will actually get the baby to start talking sooner, Kwan reported.
For more information on baby sign language, click on
American Speech Language Hearing AssociationTo join the Bubbles Academy Sign Language Class, located at 1504 N. Fremont, call (312) 944-7677
For speech evaulations and expert advice, call Children's Memorial Hospital's Department of Speech, Language and Swallowing Services at (773) 327-2880.
Books on Baby Sign Language:
"Sign With Your Baby: How to Communicate With Infants Before They Can Speak" by W. Joseph Garcia
"Baby Signs" by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn
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Baby Signing Getting Popular
