confusion with compound signs

[Teresa Jo]

My 16 month old son signs "sleep" and we use the sign for "sing" since it is part of the ST theme song. I wonder whether I am confusing him when I introduce a sign such as "lullaby" since it is a combination of two other signs. I am saying "lullaby", but to him I am signing "sing, sleep". I wonder if it is better to hold off on such signs until he is older??

[bjcengh]

I did the same thing with my daughter. By signing the combination signs you are expanding his vocabulary and signs. I would definately keep saying lullaby while signing both SLEEP and SONG. ;) Another combination sign we also used was Pajamas, using SLEEP and CLOTHES.