Communicate with your baby using sign language

Why your child needs Sign Language?

A new trend in communication with babies or tots, is the use of baby sign language. Many parents are now recognizing that sign language really helps to facilitate communication with their little ones.

It has proven to be a very effective means of communication. Babies and toddlers are very limited in being able to tell others what they want and need. Using baby sign language is an effective way to help a little one process language and introduce the basics of learning the spoken language as they develop.

Baby sign language leads to better understanding and so better behaviour.

Using baby sign language helps to reduce the number of tantrums that a toddler has. Often, a toddler will become very frustrated because he or she are unable to tell others what he or she  needs. They do not have the skills required to express his wants and needs, through speech.

Gestures are much easier for a baby to use and follow and the gestures we mean don’t need to be the ‘American Sign Language’ designated signing for objects and activities.  A baby can use, for example, a waving gesture, to ask mom for a cookie. Just as long as his mom or dad know what this gesture means, it works fine, and everyone is happy.

Parents should start off as soon as they can, to sign to their kids.

Parents can begin at an early age, using baby sign language through modeling. Sign language, as it implies is very visual and is easier for your baby or toddler to remember, than the spoken words. The baby soon begins to connect the spoken word with the gesture and then understands the object or activity very quickly. My daughter doesn’t use sign language yet, but she sure understands signs for the words “more, want, help, ball, play” and “eat” on sight. She Gradually, will begin to imitate the baby sign language and finally she will interpret the signs and use the words.

Let them learn the sign language gradually, and always make it fun!

My daughter doesn’t like it when I use hand-over-hand prompts, to help her use sign language and many babies don’t. They need to observe the gestures and pick them up gradually. Baby sign language should not be forced upon them and it should not be structured. It should be a fun experience for the toddler and for Mom or Dad. I find the best approach to using sign language for babies, is to connect the words with the signs and with the object or the activity.

One of the first signs to teach is “more” because it is very easy for your baby to understand. If you, for instance, are swinging a baby in a swing, take a moment to stop the swinging and then sign “more”, before continuing the activity.  Don’t necessarily to require the baby to use sign language. Modeling or demonstrating the signs is a good way to introduce them to sign language. The baby will eventually begin using the sign language on his own as he or she learns to imitate you.

Your little ones will soon begin to ‘sign’ you!

When the little one eventually begins to use baby sign language, you will find that he also will also begin to articulate the words that are associated with the signs. Be sure to make it fun. Involve the baby in activities and things that he or she loves and you will have a great start in building your child’s confidence and communication skills. Remember baby sign language is the first step to the development of good communication skills, language and in turn, good behavior.

The development of language is far quicker , if you start with Baby Sign Language.

The earlier that you can  communicate with your baby or toddler, the sooner you can get to know his or her likes and dislike, such understanding is vital in their early development.  It is well the effort, give it a try, and make it fun for you and for the baby.