Most babies begin talking somewhere between 9 and 12 months. But did you know that babies as young as 6 or 7 months of age can remember a sign?
Studies have shown that babies who learned to sign may develop speech earlier. They may display less frustration when trying to express their needs and desires. The use of sign language for babies can also increase parent-child bonding.
By teaching your not-yet-verbal baby some basic signs, you can close the communication gap between the two of you. Imagine fewer tantrums and a baby sure that you will respond to what they want.
You may be thinking that sounds amazing, but you’re not sure how to begin. Worry no more. Keep reading to learn more about how to introduce signing to your baby.
Sign Language for Babies
American Sign Language, also known as ASL, was developed in the early 1800s by Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. To learn how to educate the deaf, Dr. Gallaudet travelled to France. Upon returning to the United States, he began the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, CT.
Dr. Gallaudet had learned French Sign Language and taught that to his students. His students brought signs from home into the mix, and ASL was born.
The sign language taught to babies is based on ASL, but some signs have been simplified for easier use.
How and When to Begin
Experts agree that a good time to start easy sign language for babies is between 6 and 8 months of age. You will need to learn the signs yourself first. When you begin signing with your baby, be consistent and use the signs often.
Once your baby has been introduced to signing, they may start to show an interest in other methods of communicating, including speaking. While you’re signing with your child, be sure to say the words as well, so they connect the spoken word with the gesture.
To start, use the gesture while saying the word. Your baby may pick up on signing quickly once they realize this is a good way to communicate with you. Most babies will begin to sign back when they are 10 to 14 months old.
You’ll want to start with signs that are useful and connected to their needs. Keep in mind that the signs may look different on their little hands than they look on yours. Check this link for more news on taking care of your child’s health.
Here are a few signs you can start with.
Juice
Baby sign language for juice is a pinky finger drawing a “j” toward the mouth (since “j” is the first letter in juice).
Milk
Baby sign language for milk is squeezing your fingers in and out of a fist (as if you are milking a cow).
Book
Baby sign language for book is putting your hands together, palm to palm, then opening them like you’re opening a book.
Please
Baby sign language for please is your open hand, flattened palm in, making small circles over your chest.
More
Baby sign language for more is made by pinching your fingers and thumbs together on each of your hands, so they look like “o”s. Tap your fingers together to say “more.”
Communication Is Key
Sign language for babies has many benefits. It can give kids who are late to talking a way to make their feelings known. Baby sign language can also improve a child’s motor skills and may even have an impact on their IQ.
Best of all, baby sign language can give you and your child a way to connect with each other you might not otherwise have.
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