Classes communicate sign language to babies

Lillian Hubler teaches parents to communicate with infants through sign language

(CNN) -- Some parents who want to communicate with their infants before the babies learn to talk are taking classes to teach the little ones sign language.

Parents who have tried the techniques say it minimizes the frustrations of parents and children as babies learn to tell their parents what they want.

Experts recommend teaching infants signs like "eat," "more" and "please."

	VIDEO
CNN's Elaine Quijano reports on a program that teaches toddlers sign language before they can speak Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Lillian Hubler believed in the technique so much that she started a program in northern Virginia called Talking Hands. That program teaches basic signs to infants, toddlers and their parents.

Hubler and Lisa Hopen, of Baby Steps, another signing program for infants, concede that infants are not capable of making some of the fine finger movements the signs require.

Hopen said the babies can make approximate gestures to the signs and will learn as parents continue to make the proper movements.

Join CNN's Elaine Quijano as she visits a Talking Hands class.

Talking Hands Inc.
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