- Sign language for babies is becoming more and more popular in the Washington area as parents try to give their still babbling kids a better way to communicate, but child development experts say parents need to think twice before "signing off" on the idea.

It is through songs and signs that parents hope to boost their babies' communication skills. "I was hoping that by teaching them how to do the sign language they'd be able to communicate what they wanted and not get quite as frustrated," said, Heather Wishart, a mother.

At "Tiny Fingers," Eileen Ladino teaches parents basic signs and mealtime signs that might motivate their children. She says studies show babies who learn to sign actually improve their language skills.

They may start talking at the same time that they would have otherwise, but they pick up the words quicker because what they've been doing is using expressive language," Ladino said.

But child development experts at Children's National Medical Center caution parents that teaching a baby signs, like "drink" and "more" might disturb the appropriate relationship between a parent and child.

"Babies really need to learn to listen and respond in a reciprocal way with the adult rather than be in charge and say this is what I want now," said Penny Glass, a child psychologist.

Lauren Long, however, says signing with her 18-month old daughter, Brielle, has created a closer bond. Long began signing to Brielle when she was only six months old, and at around one-year-old, Brielle started signing back. She says Brielle is now communicating better than most kids her age.

"It's also another opportunity to make a connection with your child. There's a big difference with sticking your kid in front of a video, and sitting down, and interacting and playing and reading to your child," said, Lauren Long, a mother.

Ladino says most children in her classes are between six months and two-years-old, and although every baby has a different response time, most begin signing back between eight and 14-months-old.

Child development experts warn, though, if parents want to start their child on a program like this, they should wait until the baby learns "common gestures," like pointing to something they want.