Is my baby signing back?

I have been using the signs with my 14 month old since she was 8 months. I started with a few of the common practical signs (milk, eat, finished etc) along with a few play signs (dog, play, book etc). She seems to be using the play signs much more than the practical ones, although I use the signs every time we do that activity (eg. eat). She definately responds to them and knows that I mean because she nods her head when I ask (eg. do you want something to eat). Is it common for babies to only use the signs they like or is there a way I can teach her to use the practical signs more often as well?

Yes it can be quite common for babies to sign what they are interested in such as people, their needs/wants or what fascinates them in their surroundings.
There are a couple of ways to introduce the practical signs apart from through the daily routines of the day.
One way is to introduce those signs through stories, songs and rhymes.
If you can't find any rhymes with the words milk, eat and finished, simply sing one of your favourite nursery rhymes and include these practical words in the lyrics.
Another fun way to introduce these practical signs is to use a signing teddy bear. On our website, we have just introduced "Sammy the Signing Bear".
Sammy allows you to place your hands in Sammy's jumper sleeves and your hands become Sammy's hands. For more information, you can visit http://www.australianbabyhands.com/sammy-the-signing-bear.html

Happy Signing

Jackie


<a href="http://www.australianbabyhands.com/">Australian Baby Hands</a>