The benefits of using sign language are:

• improve IQ
• helps your baby talk sooner
• reduces frustration, including biting, aggressive behaviour, tears and tantrums
• enables parents and other carers to be more responsive to the babies needs
• enriches the bond between babies and their parents, and other carers
• enables babies to share their world – revealing how smart they really are
• promotes positive emotional development
• increases babies' self-confidence and builds self-esteem

Extensive research has been undertaken in the United States into the benefits of using sign language for babies. Major studies have been undertaken by Drs Acredolo and Goodwyn over the past 20 years. Others, such as Dr Marilyn Daniels and Dr Jospeh Garcia have also demonstrated the amazing benefits of introducing sign language to babies and toddlers. The benefits stated above are from Accredolo and Goodwyns' studies (Acredolo, L and Goodwyn, S. (1996) Baby Signs. Chicago: Contemporary Books).