Baby Sign Language
Communicating with your baby at times may seem to be an impossible feat. Your baby can not speak in words to tell you what he wants, and often ends up frustrated and crying because you do not understand what he is asking for quick enough. A baby’s attention span is so short that an instant to you may seem like an eternity to them. Many parents wonder if there is a better way of communicating with their baby, and some turn to baby sign language.
Sign language has been used for centuries by people who are deaf and mute, but was only recently discovered as a way to communicate with babies before they are able to form words. Babies develop the fine muscles in their hands earlier than they develop the muscles in their mouth, making it possible for them to communicate earlier using their hands. Like anything, it has to be taught however.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding signing with your baby. Some people say that it delays speech development. At the same time others say that it helps encourage babies to use words to get their point across, because they are met with affirmation when they use their hands. In the end signing to your baby can be a lot of work and take a lot of patience on the part of the parents.
Where To Start
If you want to start signing with your baby it is best to start with just one sign and work your way up. Pick a sign that your baby will be able to quickly relate too, like one involving eating to drinking. Repeat this sign every time you go to feed your baby or mention eating to him. He will quickly learn the connection between your words and that sign. Slowly introduce other need-based signs to him that he can connect with everyday occurrences. These signs include one of diaper changing, hot and cold, and bed or sleep.
When you both feel comfortable you can start introducing signs like ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy’ as a way to give your baby a way to ask for one or both of you at any given time. When your baby is easily doing these signs, begin introducing other signs to him, but be sure you do not stop doing the signs that he already knows. You will see that he will be able to pick up signing much faster the longer he does it.
Advantages for Baby
The advantages for your baby when taught sign language is huge! It can definitely be a great tool in helping him learn to communicate. The advantages include:
- Your baby being able to communicate with you and his caregivers at an early age.
- Your baby may learn to speak earlier
- Your baby will probably have a better understanding of the human language
- Your baby may have an easier time later in life learning a new language
- Signing with your baby now may give him a higher I.Q. later
Advantages for Mom and Dad
The advantages aren’t just for the baby, but for mom and dad as well. They include:
- Less stressful and frustrating days for the whole family because your baby can communicate with you
- Deeper bond developed between you and your baby
- Higher level of trust from baby because you understand him and can meet his needed quickly
- Satisfaction in knowing that your baby is happy and can communicate with you so you can meet his needs
What To Do Next…
If you are interested in learning baby sign language and using it as a way to communicate with your baby, there are many books on the market like Baby Sign Language Basics by Monta Briant, and Baby Signs by Linda Acredolo, Susan Goodwyn, Douglas Abrams. You can also check out your local baby stores, libraries and newspapers for information on baby sign language classes in your area.
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