Baby Sign

I remember reading that a few of you have taught your infants Baby Signs. Which book or video/DVD did you do? At what age did you start?
I am thinking of doing this and would like to begin to understand the process.

I definetly want to do this.

My DH's parents are deaf. So when we were dating I took several courses in American Sign Language so that I could communicate with his parents (one of the best things I did - his parents are awesome people).

His parents babysit my DH nieces (their grandchildren) and it amazing how they were able to communicate at an early age through sign. It made communication so much easier - and fun - it is great to start understanding a child's needs.

I have heard that the baby sign book is great. I will probably use a litte of both. I know some of the signs in American Sign Language are too difficult for a baby (e.g., sign for dog). So I will probably modifiy some signs for a baby using the baby signs book.

Not a mommy yet, but I am always peeking in over here waiting for the day I can offically join! But I had to post as I am interested in this topic - I only just heard about it and am curious. I know sign language - though I am very rusty (I used to work for a non profit organization for the deaf but I haven't signed much since I left that job). Anyway, I was talking with DH and said I would love to teach our baby sign language and maybe start with Baby Sign. His concern was that it might delay when the baby would start talking. Does anyone know if that's true? I want to learn more about it, but I thought I'd ask here first.

For when the time comes....

I think you encourage the verbal skills while teaching sign. Right? I thought they might have a DVD for this too.
Jenn- I bet if you give in-laws the book they would be able to modify their signs for the baby. How nice that they can all communicate then.

yes you say the word AND sign, so they're learning both.

My niece and nephew did start speaking a little later than 'normal' but that was attributed to them learning italian & english at the same time, not the baby signs. The baby signs allowed them to communicate in the meantime.

She was definitely more into it with her 1st, and it was cute watching him do the signs he remembered to his younger sister. She's on #3 now, I wonder if she'll continue with it (its not easy).