How Can I Practice Baby Sign Language?
Baby sign language is a way to communicate with Baby before they learn to speak.
Common baby signs to try include “more”, “eat”, “all done”, “please”, and “help”.
Practice by signing during everyday experiences, being consistent, and asking caregivers to sign with Baby.
What is baby sign language?
Baby sign language is the use of hand and body gestures to help babies communicate before they learn to speak.
Is baby sign language the same as American Sign Language (ASL)?
Not necessarily.
American Sign Language is a complete language with its own complex system of grammar and word order rules, whereas the term “baby sign language” refers to a limited range of simple signs used to help babies communicate very basic wants/needs, objects, and emotions. Some parents choose to use signs from ASL, but you can choose to create your own gestures/signs to communicate with Baby. Pick signs that best suit you and your baby’s needs.
Learn about different forms of augmentative and alternative communication for children who have difficulties hearing and/or speaking.
Benefits of Baby Sign Language
Teaching Baby to use signs could help them…
Express their wants and emotions before they can say the right words.
Tell you they are hungry or want more of something.
Strengthen parent-child bonds through increased communication.
When to Start Teaching Baby Sign Language
You can begin signing with your baby soon after they are born, but keep in mind Baby may not be able to sign back until after they are 6 months old. Remember, all babies develop differently and it may take time for Baby to understand signs and sign back.
Common Signs to Start With
Since baby sign language doesn’t have any rules, common baby signs may look different for each family. However, these are few popular ones you may want to try with Baby:
Say each word as you sign to help Baby connect meaning to the gesture.
More: Press the fingertips of each hand together (with your thumbs on the bottom), then tap them together a few times.
Eat: Make the sign for “more” on one hand and bring it to your lips, tapping them a couple times.
All done: Start with the palms of your hands facing your chest. In one swift movement, turn your hands outwards so your palms face away from you, then turn them back.
Please: Place one hand in front of your chest, palm facing you. Move your hand in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion (as if rubbing your belly).
Help: Form a “thumbs up” with one hand and place it on top of the other hand (palm up). Raise the combined hands upward.
Watch to see examples of these baby signs and more:
3 Steps to Begin Signing With Your Baby
Try using simple signs during everyday experiences, focusing on three different words/signs. Say the words slowly and clearly as you make the signs. Words for objects are the easiest to start with because you can immediately show what your sign means.
Consistently use signs when talking to Baby. After about two months of signing Baby might begin signing, too. Don’t be discouraged if Baby doesn’t sign back; it may just take some more time.
Ask other caregivers to sign to them as well. The more exposure they get the more likely they will begin to sign.
Keep in mind that what works for some families may not work for yours. Experiment with different gestures to see which ones work best for you and Baby. Or, check out these other ways to work on Baby’s communication development.
