I used it when my daughther was old enough to start imitating simple actions. I started off with the sign for milk. I paired the sign with the feeding every time I fed her and then eventually she would use the sign independently. I did not use the sign for "more" because I think kids start to use that sign to request everything. I eventually stopped using signs around 18 months b/c my daughter starting talking.

Was it helpful for your child to learn?

I've got a few debates going on in my mind... Auslan or American Sign Language (she is a citizen to both countries)? I know ASL, although a bit rusty at it, and I'm picking up Auslan fairly quick. I'm also trying to decide if I want her to follow through with it in later years.

We do it with our daughter (although not as strictly as one "should" to get them doing it quickly). She is 6 months and we use ASL- signs for "eat" "daddy" and "mommy" mostly. She is starting to babble a LOT and she says "dada" but she doesn't relate it to HIM.. so we're trying to help her make the connection.
I think it's helpful for them because they can use the signs to communicate earlier than they can express the spoken word. Also I think she understands the signs (like "eat") because she seems to know what's coming next. It absolutely doesn't hurt anything to try it!

We've been using signs since she was 4 months and it seems as though she's starting to associate the signs with the person or action we are signing. Personally, I think it's worth it as I've seen it help babies communicate what they need when they can't talk yet.

' never thought about it; what a cool idea!