About Bella's Babysigning

Rachel Carter

Founder and Teacher

Hi I'm Rachel.  I'm the founder and teacher of Bella's Babysigning. My signing journey started back in 2007 when I started teaching my first Baby Signing lessons.

I have always been interested in Languages and Education and as a Nanny in the UK had used Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate with children in my care.  During my studies I came across an article by Dr Joseph Garcia about communicating with newborns (fourth trimester) and was instantly hooked with the idea of teaching this to 'hearing babies'. After my own research and some time Bella's Babysigning was born.

When my daughter was born it was only natural that I used sign language with her.  By eight months old she was  able to  communicate with me. Full, more, thirsty, pain, cow and dog were among her first signs.   It was such a great bonding experience and really helped with my post natal depression.  I knew what she needed and we could communicate about the things she saw together.

One thing I did notice was that when she started talking, her sentences were more advanced than those of her peers. I am 100% sure that signing contributed to this.  I also signed with her brother when he was born and just like his sister he picked it up fast and before long was having signing conversations with his sister, daddy and our extended family.

Using Sign Language is a lifelong skill and with NZSL being the 3rd official language in New Zealand I really believe its important for everyone to learn it, young and old. 

Qualified Nanny and Nursery Teacher, B.Ed (Disability and Theater and Performance).