How to Use Sign Language With Your Baby

Babies often know what they want to communicate before they are actually able. Teaching your baby sign language is a wonderful way to bridge that gap between the time they are cognizant of communication, and when they can actually talk.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic book of sign language (preferably one for signing with babies)

1. Buy a good book. There are many out there, but be sure to get one that uses American Sign Language (ASL), the universally recognized sign language (see Resources below).

2. Choose approximately five words. Choose words you use often with your baby, ones she is familiar with and knows the meaning of.

3. Practice yourself. Practice these words in a mirror. Use them as often as you can whenever you think of the word or want to communicate with anyone, not just your baby.

4. Model. You baby watches everything you do. When you use the sign, your baby will notice and want to imitate.

5. Use the sign and the spoken word simultaneously. When communicating with your baby, be sure to use the spoken word and the signed word at the same time.

6. Praise! Praise your baby every time he uses the sign correctly. You will see his self-confidence soar!

Tips & Warnings

• Babies learn fast. Add a new sign whenever the previous sign has been mastered. Babies as young as 10 months old have been known to have an ASL vocabulary of 50 or more words.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Buy a baby sign book.