Baby Sign Language

Baby sign language is a communication method that allows babies and young toddlers to effectively convey their thoughts. Gone are the days where parents only wish they knew why their baby or young toddler was crying. With baby sign language, parents and caregivers can understand what their child wants, long before they can actually speak. Your child can tell you they want more to eat or they would prefer milk instead of juice. Your baby can tell you if they are tired or hungry.

Generally, it is recommended that babies begin to learn sign language at approximately 6 months, however, some babies are ready to learn much earlier. Babies must be able to use their hands to communicate their needs. Your baby’s attention span should reach 7-10 seconds before you begin teaching sign language. Some parents have started signing with their babies from as young as two weeks, but because of the developmental skills required, you should not expect your baby to sign back until he is a few months older. When you start teaching your baby signs, you should remain consistent. To teach your baby sign language, point to an item or perform a gesture while signing the appropriate sign. As a teacher, you should be patient and supportive. Learning takes time. Provide your baby with praise when you notice an attempted sign. Before long, your baby will be signing like a pro!

Comments: Baby Sign Language

Comments 1 to 10 of about 10.


debsandgrace - 32 days ago.
My DD is picking up he signs really well again now after a while of no new signs, today she was looking out the window and signed bird and tree. Think thats its amazing that at 13mths she has just told me she saw a bird flying into the tree! When we moved house 6wks ago we lost track of time one night. It was 45mins past her bedtime when she walked up to DH and signed mommy then bed! So worth teaching your child if you can!

redheadmama - 50 days ago.
Signing has made things so much less frustrating for my 16 month old son. We are so thankful! He says bye-bye, eat, more, all done, please, thank you, up, and I want. What's really cute is how we try to teach him 'real signs' and then of course he kind of mutates them into what he can/likes to do. So the signs are semi-personalized. But I'm thrilled when a stranger gives him something and he holds his palm on his face to say thank you! And sometimes people even say, 'aww, he's saying thank you!' without me having to tell them. :)

RobinG - 51 days ago.
Why I am SO happy we are doing sign language with our son :) A few minutes ago Hunter (23 months and mildly autistic) heard the music on the TV. He said 'see cum' which listening to sounds like nothing and certainly not a word I could translate but then... he did the sign!! I knew he was saying music! :) I am one proud momma! I understood what he was trying to say ~ with autism it is so important to be able to validate what he does as quickly as possible, I didnt waste prcious minutes just trying to figure it out ~ just wanted to share :)

RobinG - 58 days ago.
Before during and after if you are able to do it along with the cup. Also important to assisnt and help him do it too. He will learn faster if you also guide his hands at the same time to do the sign. :) for drink we use the sign 'thristy' which works great and is very easy to do :)

military~mommy - 58 days ago.
Before and after.

RobinG - 78 days ago.
My son is mildly autistic and we love sign. He can talk some but sometimes for some babies motor communication is easier then verbal. Esp those with speech delays. And many are just visual learners so it def helps :) We do more, milk, thirsty, all done, plane, help, stop, cry, open, down, ball. Those kids with sensory issues who are visual benefit form it. It takes Hunter longer ot process words when listening then visual If he sees it he tends to respond faster because of sensory issues. Even if they cant do it they do know it when seeing it so it is good to still do it :) Just when you think they dont get it suddenly they will sign it and you realize they did know it after all :)

RobinG - 79 days ago.
We use sign for our son who is mildly autistic :) SO glad to see this page!! :) Here is an amazing link on sign ~ it is videos of each one so you can see how to do it ~ http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi

nikki3kids - 82 days ago.
i would like to teach my kids to sign but i dont know really where to start if you could help me please post on my pages thanks

shimmer178 - 82 days ago.
I started signing with my daughter when she was about 6 months old, Its so nice that she can tell me what she wants, food, water, more of something, she just turned one and shes been telling me for 3 months now when she needs her diaper changed. Takes alot of guess work out of it, happy baby, happy mother, win win!

debsandgrace - 89 days ago.
Baby sign is GREAT! I have been taking my DD since she was 6mths, she is now 11mths and can sign, milk, mommy, duck, bird, fish, food, bath, night and phone. Grace also understands lots more and when i sign nappy for her she knows shes going to have her nappy changed so no more struggling with her! I really cannot recommend this enough its great to bridge the gap between baby understanding what you are saying and being able to communicate what they want. Some think that signing will hinder her speach but she is saying about 5 words at 11mths!

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