MARS - If Debbie Pettigrew's program is successful, there will be a lot less frustrated wailing and a lot more communication going on among the Pampers set.

Starting at the end of the month, Pettigrew will teach Baby Signs classes at Mars Public Library.

The concept comes from the book, "Baby Signs," published in 1996 and written by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn.

The classes show parents how to teach their babies rudimentary signs to demonstrate what they want. The signs will indicate baby needs such as food and drink, feelings such as cold, warm, wet and tired, and others depending on how involved the parents want to become in the practice.

Pettigrew said although the simple signs are based on American Sign Language, the program is for all children who do not yet possess language skills but who know what they want. She said while some parents begin the program at birth, 8 or 9 months old is usually the youngest age at which the signs can be taught.

"There is so much going on in their minds that they can't tell you," said Pettigrew. "This way, they can."

Pettigrew, who works as a speech therapist for Butler County Head Start, said a baby is ready to learn Baby Signs when he or she looks at an item and looks to his parents for an identification of the object. She said once the child becomes verbal, the signs just fall away.

Baby Signs can also be a way for a toddler to communicate with a younger sibling.

Pettigrew said the signs can be especially valuable in the middle of the night when a baby wakes up crying but cannot articulate the cause.

"Instead of just going in and giving the child a bottle, the baby can sign the problem, like 'hot' or 'pain,'" said Pettigrew. "It opens a new window to the child's mind."

Pettigrew said when the program began out West, there were concerns signing would impede a child's verbal skills. But research has shown just the opposite is true, as many baby signers have advanced language skills and IQ test results, she added.

"The purpose is to give babies a way to communicate, and it turns out it could help with speech," said Pettigrew, whose grown daughters will also teach the concept in Camp Hill, Pa., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., respectively.

Maryanne Boccardi of Cranberry Township, who has 7-year-old twins and a 3-year-old, said her 2-year-old niece has been slow to begin speech and the concept would be great for her.Boccardi also said the signs program would be good for children who have tantrums, which are caused by lack of communication between adult and child."They could tell you what they want instead," said Boccardi. "I think it would be a great help."Karey VandeWater, also of Cranberry, has a toddler and an infant. She said Pettigrew is scheduled to give a presentation at the day care facility she uses, and she is looking forward to learning more about the concept."I'm excited to see exactly what it entails," said VandeWater. "I think it would be neat to communicate with a baby before they are able to talk."Pettigrew said the main purpose of the program is to open an avenue of communication between parents and babies that would enhance the life of both parties."Who hasn't been up in the middle of the night with a screaming baby, wondering 'What does he want?'" said Pettigrew. "We'll now we have a way to communicate."Pettigrew will hold two types of Baby Signs sessions at Mars Library. The two-hour workshop session will cost $55 and will include a Baby Signs kit.The $130 Sign and Play classes will be held for 45 minutes once a week for six weeks.The fees cover the costs for two adults and will also include take-home kits."I just love babies," said Pettigrew. "I think this is going to be so much fun."For more information on class and workshop schedules, contact the library at 724-625-9048.