A National Institute of Health (NIH) funded experimental study was conducted by Drs Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn in 1989 to determine if baby sign language would delay speech development in children. The study assigned the children into two groups, one that used baby sign language and one that did not. Children were recruited at the age of eleven months and their language development was followed until they were three years old. Language assessments designed to measure comprehension and language production were conducted at intervals during the study. The ability to put words into sentences and intellectual development was measured at 24 months. The most interesting finding was that the average scores of children using baby sign language were higher than the control group who were not using baby sign language. At twenty-four months, the signing children had a three month developmental advantage over the non-signing children. Even more amazing was that at thirty-six months, this had increased to be equivalent to a twelve month advantage in their overall language skills and comprehension.

Learning a second language improves overall language skills.

It has also been demonstrated in other scientific research that children who learn a second language early on in life become comparatively ahead in both languages when compared to a child who speaks only one language. Sign language stimulates early brain development and enhances the communication and social skills.

Baby sign language enriches the bonding and relationship between you and your child.

Your relationship with your child is enriched by baby sign language as you are talking to your baby, encouraging imitation, exploring new opportunities together and interacting more frequently. All of this provides the child with a sense of security, love and affection.

Baby sign language empowers your child to have a sense of control over their environment lessoning frustration.

Empowering your child with communication skills much earlier in life than they would usually develop with speech can have a profound effect on reducing the frustration felt by the child, especially when they reach the age generally known to parents as the terrible twos.

Baby sign language allows babies to share their world with us.

Using baby sign language can give you a unique opportunity to get to know your babies wants and needs from a very early age. It can also give you insight into their personality and their perception of the world around them. Baby sign language is the perfect way of getting to know your baby better.