BEING able to communicate and understand your baby before they can talk almost sounds too good to be true, but making it become a possibility is a new class in Exeter.

Mum-of-one Sam Davey is introducing Babysign to local parents and already some of the babies have made their first sign which represents a word such as 'milk' or 'more'.

The ideal age for starting to learn is six to nine-months-old, although babies can begin at any time from four months to two years.

The main reason behind signing is that it enables children to communicate before they are able to speak, reducing a child's frustration and hopefully leading to fewer temper tantrums.

Some parents worry that signing will delay speech, but it has been proven that signing babies have a significantly wider spoken vocabulary by the age of two than their non-signing peers.

At the Babysign classes, held twice a week in Exeter, parents and their child learn key signs and songs for 40 minutes, followed by time to socialise with other parents and carers with a tea or coffee.

Explaining the Babysign concept, teacher Sam said: "I have a one-year-old daughter, Jasmine, and began learning sign language with her last year from a DVD, but we loved it so much that I decided to become a teacher.

"Apart from learning practical, everyday signs for words like milk, nappy, hot and mummy, we learn numerous signs to label every aspect of the big wide world through singing songs and using props.

"Babies and parents learn signs for animals, games, the outdoors, transport, household items and can ask questions with 'who', 'where' and 'what' signs.

"Another great aspect of Babysign is that we use British Sign Language, the language spoken by most deaf people in the UK, so as an adult you are also learning a new skill and can communicate with deaf people.

"By saying the words as you sign them, it encourages the development of your baby's speech; boosting self-confidence and motivating them to talk earlier."

Having just completed her first term with her one-year-old daughter, Freya Binnie, is Daisy Hampton, 36, of Wonford, Exeter.

She said: "Freya is getting more and more expressive so I thought it would be a fun thing to do.

"I try to do it regularly with her outside of class, picking signs she will recognise like bath and food. She makes up her own signs which is also fine as the point is communication and understanding what she is trying to say.

"In class she loves the music and seeing the other children. It's also nice for us to have that one-to-one interaction time now that she has started going to nursery."

Celebrating being awarded a certificate for giving her first sign is six-month-old Chelsey Lima.

Her mum, Carla, 34, of St Leonard's, Exeter, said: "She has started doing the 'more' sign for food. She also understands other signs like 'milk'. She really enjoys it and I do too. When I get home I teach all the signs I've learnt to my elder daughter so it is something we can all do together."

Classes are held on Tuesdays at St Sidwell's Centre, Exeter, from 10.30am, and Fridays at Belmont Hut, Belmont Park, Exeter, from 1pm. A six-week term time course costs £27. For details, call 07971 563928 or visit www.babysign.co.uk.