Baby Sign Language: The New Trend in Communication!

[curious]

One of the newest and far reaching trends in communication with babies is using baby sign language. Many parents are using sign language to facilitate communication with their little ones and it has proven to be very effective. Baby sign language is not bound by language or countries since all babies and toddlers everywhere are very limited in their ability to tell others what they want and need. Using baby sign language is an effective way to help a little one process language.

Baby sign language helps reduce the number of tantrums that a toddler has. Many times, a toddler will become extremely frustrated when he is unable to tell others what he needs. He does not have the skills required to articulate his wants and needs through speech. Gestures are much easier for a baby to use and the gestures do not have to match the American Sign Language designated signs for objects and activities. A baby can use a waving gesture to ask for a cookie. As long as his caretakers know what the gesture means, it works.

Parents can begin using baby sign language through modeling. Sign language is very visual and it is easier for a baby to remember than spoken words. The baby begins to connect the spoken word with the gesture and with the object or activity very quickly. My daughter does not use sign language yet, but she understands signs for the words “more, want, help, ball, play” and “eat” on sight. Gradually, she will begin to imitate the baby sign language and finally she will use the words.

My daughter does not like when I use hand-over-hand prompts to help her use sign language and many babies won’t. They need to observe the gestures and pick them up gradually. Baby sign language should not be forced and it should not be structured. The best approach to using sign language for babies is to connect the words with the signs and with the object or activity.

One of the most popular signs to teach first is “more” because it is very easy for a baby to understand. If you are swinging a baby in a swing, take a moment to stop swinging and sign “more” before continuing the activity. Modeling the signs is a great way to introduce them. The baby will eventually begin using the sign language on his own as he learns to imitate.

Once the little one begins to use baby sign language, you will find that he also begins to articulate the words associated with the signs. Make it fun. Involve activities and things that the baby loves and you will have a great start on building your child’s communication skills. Baby sign language is the first step to developing good communication skills, and in turn, good behavior.

It doesn't take long, and you'll find yourself communicating baby sign language with other babies you meet. Parents will be amazed that you got through to their child with modeling and imitating baby sign language. They will see an immediate association to what a parent can do to communicate more effectively with their baby.

There is more about baby sign language in several books at Half.com. Click on the link at the top of this page to Half.com for great books and more reading about baby sign language.

by Jennifer Clark

[Sister]

I tried out baby sign language on my eldest daughter. She only picked up a few of the signs, such as "all done". But it was fun working with her!

[mammamia]

It's amazing how fast little kids pick up on stuff. When i think of baby sign language I think about the movie "Meet the Fockers" If you haven't already seen this movie you should definately check it out. For those of you that have, the "manery" gland scene is hilarious.

[Amy]

I had never heard of baby sign language until now. On the surface it does sound like a great tool - I wonder on the long range affects though. I think I would on ly use a small amount of it, but it does sound cool.

[harleysneak]

I have heard of baby sign language as well and think it sounds great. However, I seem to be way to busy to try to learn it and the best way to do it!

[Amy]

As I thought about this more, I wondered if the sign language was a good tool to be taking the place of other learning. Maybe we aren't meant to "know" what our babiesa re telling us so early - maybe the guesswork is part of the bonding process? THe trust that's built over time as we are able to communicate, in little stages and in a progressive manner.

[Melos]

I never had any trouble figuring out if my baby wanted more of something, or to stop or to be held or whatever. I tried sign language, at doctor's request, with my autistic son. He wanted nothing to do with it.

I can't help thinking that it is just another way for parents to make their babies "advanced" - like all those mozart-playing baby smarts dvds and whatever.

[La Marqueza]

Both my brother and my sister-in-law are deaf but my two little neices can hear. This is because my brother and his wife's deafness is not hereditary but rather the result of infant illnesses. Yet they have to use sign language to communicate with their little girls. My older neice is four and she knows the signs for most things. My other neice is 8 months old and I've observed how she uses her hands especially when my sister-in-law signs to her. Babies are very quick to learn new things. I think baby sign language is a great thing to use. Parents can adapt any signs to relate what they want their babies to learn. And in the process this strengthens the bond between parents and babies.

[Melos]

Of course in the case of deafness or hearing trouble its an entirely new reason for sign language.

My kids tended to make up their own sign language without any prompting. When the baby raises his/her arms up to you, they want to be picked up, etc...