Communicating with your Baby using Baby
Sign Language
As parents we can all relate to how frustrating it is when our
baby or toddler is upset and we just can’t seem to figure out what the problem is. You get them a bottle, then some
food. How about a book, a puzzle or toy? Maybe it’s a nap they need, and you try putting them to bed and are met with
a baby who is now even more upset then when you began. Sometimes after everything you try, you too end up in tears.
Lucky for me, most days I am able to skip all of it. When my 17 month old son is hungry he will come
to me and show me the sign for ‘eat’. He will even come to me and sign ‘eat banana’, which saves yet
another guessing game. I can’t even begin to describe how much upset this saves in our house.
All
babies learn to communicate using their hands first. They wave, clap and point. Teaching your child sign language can help
gap that communication barrier between you. Even beginning with just a few simple every day signs can help.
The best things to remember are as follows:
Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Pick 2-5 signs to use on a consistent basis. Choosing every
day signs like “mom”, “dad”, “milk” and “eat”, words that you will use multiple
times every day.
Say the Words: When signing with your
baby, always say the word with the sign. This will help them put two and two together and help them speak those words sooner!
Show the Sign in Context: Sign for
‘Milk’ while feeding a bottle, or sign for “eat” while feeding food.
Have Fun: Make learning sign language fun! Look for teachable moments. Try adding signing
into books and songs!
