No - it’s actually the opposite! 

Most experts recommend starting to sign to your baby around 6 months. It can take a few months for reciprocation though, so don’t be discouraged if it’s been a few months and you haven’t noticed much in return. They are surely watching and absorbing, so just be persistent and keep signing and saying the word consistently! Babies can communicate through their first signs long before spoken language is a consistent form of communication.  

Babies who sign often show increased problem solving skills and most speak earlier than those who do not sign. Using sign language or gestures with a baby can often help them communicate earlier than they can verbally. Generally speaking, imitating gestures is easier than imitating words. Babies can see and hear words spoken and parents can help baby move their hands/arms to make the sign. This is powerful multi-sensory learning for your baby! Using signs with a young baby is also a great way to lay down a strong foundation for language skills. It allows caregivers to purposefully engage with their child, repeat and model common vocabulary words, models turn taking in conversation, and stimulates the language centers in the brain. 

Great, go with it! Fine motor skills (hand skills) are developing rapidly and baby may not have the dexterity to make the “perfect sign.” If their gesture feels appropriate within your routine/context and makes sense to you, give them praise, “you want more!” model the sign correctly, and pair it with spoken language. Repetition drives mastery and learning! 

Instead of setting aside time to sign, just use the signs within the context of your day! When you’re changing a diaper, offering food/drink, or getting ready for a nap, sign and say what you’re doing within the context of your baby’s already established routine. This will help build language skills (signed and spoken) most quickly. 

Teaching your child sign language is a bonding experience. Whenever you and your toddler work face to face, the bond between the two of you grows children in their first year of life are still forming strong attachments. So whenever you spend one on one, intimate time together, you give your young child, a means by which he can form a deeper attachment to you. 

Tantrums come from frustration. When children are young, and can't communicate well, their frustration can drive a temper tantrum. To whatever degree, you can help your toddler communicate, you'll have a better chance of reducing those tantrums. Sign Language is a sure way to help them communicate before spoken speech. 

Learning to use sign language is good for communication, as well as brain development. Young children pick up sign language easier than adults do. As they learn a new language their brain develops better, their anxiety goes down, and their confidence increases. Teaching your child the basics of sign language during the early years of life will enhance many aspects of his growth and development. 

This will look different based on your baby's age. I recommend taking these 3 steps: 1) assess your baby's communication needs. A 4-6 month old may need signs such as MILK and ALL DONE. A 6-10 month old may need EAT and MORE. A 10-14 month old may need HELP and SLEEP. 2) Select functional vocabulary. Signs such as the ones mentioned above will help in more communication areas than other signs such as PARK, SUN, and CAR. Start with functional signs, and then shift into more interest-focused signs as your child's vocabulary and age develops. 3) Implement in routines and play. Work sign language in to your already established routines and play time, rather than adding it on as another step of your day. This will help you stay consistent and repetitive, leading to more signs from your baby. (All of these signs are in Sign Me Up for a Happy Home) - WOW!