Parent to Parent: Baby sign language

They're too tiny to talk, but experts say even before they speak, babies can learn to sign.

Sheryl White, a mother of three, teaches an infant sign language class in Marlboro, designed to make communicating easier for babies and parents.

Sheryl White, Baby Kneads
"One of the main reasons to do signing with babies, with hearing babies, is to reduce frustration for the parent and for the baby."

Sheryl says using sign language allows babies to communicate what they need.

Sheryl White, Baby Kneads
"If the baby is upset because they want to have milk, then they can just sign 'milk' and then the parents know exactly what they want, and they can give them what they need and then everybody is comfortable and the babies are more calm."

Anne Lee, mom
"I don't want to wait until she cries to try to figure out by process of elimination- is this the problem? Or that's the problem? If she can tell me what the problem is, I can get to her quicker and she'll be happier."

Sheryl teaches parents dozens of useful words, things like 'ball' and 'book'.

The parents then teach their babies-- and eventually babies start signing back to let mom and dad know what's on their mind.

Sheryl White, Baby Kneads
"The experts recommend the babies be six months old or older in order for them to have enough short term memory to retain and be able to learn what you're trying to show them."

And these moms couldn't be happier with the results.

Kara Kendrick, mom
"I just think that it's a nice way to communicate with your child and bond and to sort of help that process along."

Anne Lee, mom
"You'll be able to talk to your kids better. They're happy kids, you're happy parents!"

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