Baby Sign Language

"Milk? Milk?" My friend began flapping her hand in front of her baby's face. She looked like she was milking an invisible cow. I began to wonder if people were staring.

"Umm...What was that?" I asked.

My friend was visiting from out of town. She had a baby the same age as my own and had been a great comfort to me during my first weeks at home with baby. She was, however, prone to loopiness sometimes.

She smiled as she explained that she had been signing with her baby. She explained how signing to a young baby increases their vocabulary, enhances language and reduces frustration.

"It really can open a window into your baby's non-verbal world. Babies as young as 5 months can sign."

Get out of town. She was truly off her rocker ( pardon the pun.) Yes, I could picture a toddler signing, but not a newborn. And why would you want a hearing toddler or baby to sign? Shouldn't they be learning verbal language?

I began to snicker. " I could see my colicky baby sign. What's the sign for 'my tummy hurts' ?"

"Well, you could take a class, if ya don't believe it. Ya might have fun."

A class? They give classes for this? Will other mommies be there? Mommies with babies? Friends?

I did a quick web search and found a class starting soon in my community. I signed up immediately. I wondered how the class would be taught. How would the babies be entertained while we learned the signs? Could we bring the babies? I double checked. Yes, babies were included. I was looking forward to it.

I had no idea what a wonderful experience I was about to have.....