artificial insemination syringe
Parenting
Begin Communicating With Your Baby Using These Simple Baby Sign Language Tips
by Emma Richards
Updated: Aug. 9, 2021
Originally Published: May 13, 2021
Until babies learn to speak, their means of communication is quite limited. Unfortunately, crying becomes their go-to method, which can lead to stress for both you and your little one. As babies use tears to express needs like hunger or a diaper change, understanding what your non-verbal child wants can be quite a challenge. This is where baby sign language comes into play, helping to bridge the communication gap before your child’s first words.
Though baby sign language has existed in various forms since the 1800s, thanks to linguist William Dwight Whitney, its recent popularity might make it seem like a trend. In reality, baby sign language can be a valuable resource for enhancing communication with your child, provided you manage your expectations. A quick online search will reveal numerous programs claiming to boost your baby’s IQ or enhance their chances of attending an Ivy League school. However, it’s crucial to remember that signing should focus on improving your baby’s daily life rather than turning them into a prodigy.
Most importantly, signing can be enjoyable for both you and your little one, fostering a strong parent-child bond. It’s also relatively easy for parents to learn, as the signs for preverbal babies are simpler than the more complex signs used in American Sign Language (ASL). Instead, the basic hand motions paired with commonly used words—like milk, mom, dad, and hungry—are straightforward for you to master and teach your child. Additionally, it’s important to understand that signing should complement, not replace, verbal communication. There is no evidence that baby sign language delays speech development in children, so be sure to speak the words aloud while signing, helping your baby grasp both the sign and its verbal meaning.
When to Start Teaching Baby Sign Language?
The good news is that it’s never too late to introduce sign language to your baby. If you want to start with your 12-month-old, don’t hesitate! As long as you view signing as a fun way to connect, the experience will be positive for your little one. Ideally, you can start showing signs between 4 to 6 months, but don’t expect immediate results. At this age, babies are just learning to use their hands, so they might not start signing back until around 8 months. Until then, focus on teaching signs through repetition. For example, when teaching the sign for milk (clenching two fists and flexing fingers), demonstrate the sign, say the word aloud, show your baby the bottle, and then give it to them.
Don’t wait for your baby to sign back before handing them their milk or toy. Remember, teaching your child to sign requires practice and patience. If you consistently practice the signs multiple times a day (ideally during mealtime or playtime), you’re on the right track.
Which Basic Baby Sign Language Signs Should You Start With?
Now that you know when to teach your baby to sign, consider which signs to introduce. Thankfully, the internet is filled with easy-to-follow baby sign language tutorials, along with several books and classes available if you and your child are interested.
Baby sign language emphasizes simplicity, so you won’t be teaching your baby complex sentences. Instead, focus on the words you and your family frequently use, such as milk, hungry, more, yes, no, play, mom, and dad. If your baby enjoys signing, you can expand their vocabulary with signs for animals or simple phrases like “I love you.” For instance, to show your baby how to sign “please,” hold your flat hand and rub it in a circular motion on your chest. To teach them “thank you,” touch your fingers to your chin and pull them away with your palm facing up.
Teaching your baby to sign opens a new channel of communication between you and your child. The beauty of baby sign language is its adaptability; you may even notice your child inventing their own unique signs. If you’re looking for a way to connect the gaps between baby babbling and first words, baby sign language could be a wonderful fit for your family.
Is Sign Language Beneficial for Babies?
Absolutely! Not only is this a valuable skill for children, but it can also help them articulate feelings they lack the vocabulary for. Baby sign language allows kids to express frustration, potentially reducing crying and tantrums. As you teach your child to sign, remember to speak aloud. Sign language is not a substitute for verbal communication, so ensure you talk while signing for your child to learn both forms of expression.
What’s the Difference Between ASL and Baby Sign Language?
There are a few key distinctions between ASL and baby sign language. American Sign Language is a standalone language with its own grammar and structure, while baby sign language enhances the language babies already know. It consists of specific signs aimed at communicating a baby’s needs.
How to Teach Your Baby Sign Language?
As babies are eager learners, here are some tips for teaching sign language effectively:
- Start early.
- Speak and sign simultaneously.
- Use baby sign language regularly.
- Reinforce their correct gestures with praise.
For more engaging insights, check out our other blog post here and learn more about the various aspects of baby sign language. If you’re interested in home insemination, Make A Mom is an authority on the topic. For great resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit NHS.
Search Queries:
- Learn baby sign language
- Benefits of baby sign language
- Teaching sign language to infants
- Baby communication tips
- Early childhood communication skills
Summary:
Baby sign language can significantly enhance the way you communicate with your child before they learn to speak. By introducing simple signs and consistently integrating them with verbal communication, parents can foster a deeper bond with their little ones. This approach not only helps reduce frustration but also encourages emotional expression, paving the way for easier communication as they grow.
Keyphrase: baby sign language tips
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]