How to Teach a Baby Sign Language

Babies are limited in how they can communicate which makes teaching a baby sign language a great tool. Babies pick up signs that aren't official American Sign Language (or ASL), such as waving and clapping, by about 9 months old. Teach baby sign language to your infant and you'll both be able to better understand each other. It's also been found that babies who learn sign language talk earlier and have a larger vocabulary. Read on for tips on teaching sign language to a baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   When your baby reaches about six months old you can start to teach baby sign language. It's never too late to start signing though. Even if your baby is 14 months introducing signs will still be beneficial since babies at this age have a very limited vocabulary.

2. Pick a few key words when you start to teach baby sign language. Some of the more popular signs are for "milk," "more," "food," and "drink." Try to stay away from concept words, like "hungry" and "happy", when you start teaching your baby sign language. These words are difficult to understand because there is no object to go along with the sign.

3. 

   Parents can teach themselves a few basic American Sign Language signs by using a baby sign language dictionary or other baby sign language books. If you need help understanding the action of the sign you can use sign language dvds or check out websites (many use video clips to teach signing). Remember you don't have to use ASL signs. You can make up sign language gestures to use with your baby just as long as you both understand it.

4. 

   It's best to teach a baby sign language by simply incorporating the select words into your day to day activities. Before you breastfeed your baby or offer a bottle, for instance, get your baby's attention; make sure you make eye contact. Then as you say "milk" make the sign language gesture (open and close a fist as if you're milking a cow) several times. Then offer the milk. Repeat the signing and the word as the baby nurses or drinks the bottle.

5. You may choose to manipulate the baby's hands to help them learn sign language. For "milk" gently close the baby's fingers (they will probably pop back open) while saying the word "milk." Repeat a few times every time you offer milk or a bottle.

6. 

   After a few months you can introduce more ASL signs. This time teach the baby sign language for objects he's interested in like "ball," "airplane," or "dog."

7. Be patient when teaching a baby sign language, it can take a few months for a baby to pick up on what you're doing. Remember a baby has to connect the object, the sign, and the word before he can starting using them to communicate with you.

Resources

• Everything Advice for New Moms & SAHM

[geeknerdiness]

on 3/13/2009 GREAT article! I've been teaching my baby sign language and it's such a nice feeling to have them sign back to let you know (or give you an idea) of what they need or want. It's so nice to be able to communicate with them before they are able to speak! 5*

[elyria]

on 3/7/2009 Great article, I will save it for the future and share with my friends who already have little ones. 5* and recommended!