It can be frustrating for you and your baby when they are unable to speak to get their point across. It may be that they are well aware that their nappy needs changing but how can they let you know?

Baby signing is a technique used by hearing parents and their babies using a series of hand signals assigned to specifics, for example "I'm thirsty", "I need changing", "I'm tired", whilst backing up the sign with the appropriate word.

This is a fun way to give your baby more control over their own environment while encouraging them to communicate.

Studies show that communications skills in children have suffered as life styles get busier. As a child grows and develops these skills are essential as part of every day life and in their education.

Baby signing offers you the opportunity to communicate with your child before they develop their speech.

All babies develop at differing rates but as a rough guide aim to start after your baby has reached 6 months. Your baby needs to be aware of their hands (picking up small objects) and be able to respond to questions like "Where's daddy?" (with an obvious attempt to look for daddy).

First you need to establish the link between the appropriate word and the activity, for example say "Thirsty" while handing your baby the drinking cup. Then you gradually you can move on to gently mould your baby's hands in to the sign while still using the spoken word.

Make it fun and your baby will soon catch on to how useful baby signing is ... babies are aware of their surroundings long before they can speak and will relish the chance to be understood.

Start slowing and introduce one sign until you and your baby are used to the baby signing system. Choose something that you think would be most useful, for example "thirsty". You can gradually build up your collective sign base and stop when you think enough is enough.

Don't over do it and give your baby too much to learn ... this should be fun for you both, not a chore. The number of signs you introduce depends on you and your baby.

The baby signing system includes the essentials, like hungry and tired, but there are many ideas available that you may consider too much, for example dog or flower.

Not at all. Children love the sound of their own voice and are eager to chatter. As your baby learns a sign they will make noises in an attempt to back up the sign with a word.

Use the appropriate word yourself when you use the baby sign and encourage your baby.