If you’re a new parent, you’re likely learning that communication with your baby can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, there’s a solution that’s been growing in popularity in recent years: baby sign language. This allows them to communicate their needs and wants before they’re able to speak.
Many parents are hesitant to try baby sign language, fearing that it might slow down their child’s speech development. However, research has shown that the opposite is actually true. In fact, babies who learn sign language tend to speak earlier and have larger vocabularies than those who don’t. Additionally, baby sign language can help reduce frustration and tantrums in young children, as they’re better able to communicate their needs and desires. This can also lead to improved trust and bonding between baby and caregivers.
Getting Started with Baby Sign Language
If you’re interested in trying baby sign language with your little one, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
Understanding the Basics
Starting with the basics, baby sign language is a way to communicate with your baby before they are able to speak. Research has shown that teaching your baby sign language can help improve their communication skills and reduce frustration. It involves using simple gestures to convey meaning, such as signing “milk” when you’re giving your baby a bottle or breastfeeding. Other easy words would be “eat” when they’re getting a snack or teaching them the sign for their pet that they interact with the most. But whichever word(s) you choose, it’s important to start with just a few and be consistent.
It’s important to note that baby sign language is not a replacement for spoken language. Instead, it’s a way to supplement spoken language and help your baby communicate their wants and needs more effectively before they’re verbal. Babies understand more than most adults give them credit for, but they just don’t have the verbal language abilities yet.
Learning Your First Signs
Now that you know the basics, you can begin signing by learning a few basic signs. The top ten starter signs include “mommy,” “daddy,” “milk,” “more,” “all done,” “eat,” “thank you,” “please,” “help,” and “sleep.” Some of these signs may be the same as American Sign Language (ASL) but most are modified to make them easier for babies to use. Think of baby signs as gestures like teaching your baby to wave “bye bye.” You only need a few signs to start with, anywhere from three to five is fine. You can find many resources online, including videos and websites that offer free sign language lessons and dictionaries.
Here are a few examples:
- https://babysignlanguage.com/
- https://babysigns.com
- https://www.thebump.com/a/how-to-teach-baby-sign-language
- http://www.babysignandlearn.com/
No matter what you choose, it’s important to be consistent when teaching your baby sign language. Use the signs often and in context, and be patient. It may take some time for your baby to start using the signs themselves. You can introduce simple signs as early as 4-6 months old, but most babies don’t sign back until they’re close to a year.
Enhancing Communication
Teaching your baby sign language is a great way to enhance communication with your little one. By learning and using signs, you can communicate with your baby before they can speak, and help them express their needs and wants.
Expanding Your Sign Vocabulary
By expanding your sign vocabulary and practicing regularly, you can enhance communication with your baby and help them express their needs and wants more effectively. Make sure you have a variety of signs in your vocabulary so they have the opportunity to use them outside of just one part of their day or location. Start with basic signs like “more,” “eat,” and “milk,” and gradually expand your repertoire to include signs for emotions, animals, and other common objects.
To help expand vocabulary, you can also use books or flashcards to help you learn the signs independently and put the signs into context for your baby. rom online tutorials to in-person classes, you can find a variety of ways to learn that fit your schedule and learning style. Keep in mind that with your expanding vocabulary, it’s also important to continue speaking to them regularly. This will help them develop their spoken language skills as well. With a little patience and practice, you and your baby can start communicating more effectively using baby sign language.
Tips for Successful Signing
To ensure that your baby understands and uses the signs you’re teaching them, it’s important to practice regularly and effectively. Here are some tips to keep in mind when practicing baby sign language:
- Be consistent: Use the same signs consistently to help your baby learn and remember them.
- Use signs in context: Use signs in context so your baby can understand what they mean. For example, use the sign for “milk” when you’re about to give your baby a bottle.
- Involve others: If you choose to teach your baby infant sign language, it’s important that all caregivers are committed so there’s more exposure. Partners, grandparents, siblings, or even daycares.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your baby to learn and use signs. Be patient and keep practicing regularly.
- Make it fun: Incorporate signs into your daily routine and make it fun for your baby. Sing songs and play games that involve sign language to keep your baby engaged and interested. Or teaching your baby signs when reading their favorite book(s) or toys is a great way to meet them where they are.
Embracing baby sign language offers a bridge of communication between parents and their little ones before verbal skills fully develop. Contrary to common misconceptions, research indicates that incorporating sign language can actually enrich speech development and reduce frustration in babies. By starting with a few basic signs and remaining consistent in their use, parents can embark on a journey of enhanced bonding and understanding with their child. As caregivers expand their sign vocabulary and engage in regular practice, they create an environment where effective communication thrives, laying a strong foundation for language acquisition and mutual connection in the precious early years of parenthood.
