Many new parents can relate to the frustration of trying to figure out the exact needs of their baby. Are they hungry? Do they need changed? Whether it’s a piercing wail to have their diaper checked, or a cry out of hunger, parents are often limited until a baby speaks their first words. The answer? Baby sign language.
Baby sign language is a method of teaching simple gestures to children for the things they need and suddenly — a whole new world may open up for both babies and adults.
Lane Rebelo, baby sign language instructor and founder of Tiny Signs tells TODAY what parents (and parents-to-be) interested in baby sign language need to know before beginning their baby communication journey.
“A baby’s ability to speak develops later than his or her ability to comprehend spoken language, causing a lag between what they understand (receptive language) and what they can communicate (expressive language),” Rebelo tells TODAY.com
For some parents, baby sign language is a peek into the mind of their child, and an opportunity to begin connecting before speech is developed.
“Signing gives babies more refined tools than just pointing to express what they’re thinking,” Rebelo says. “Parents who use sign language end up finding their little ones understand so much more than they ever would have imagined once they get started.”
How to teach baby sign language
The first step for teaching your baby sign language is to say the word and make the gesture at the same time. For example, when you hand your baby milk, say “milk” while making the sign for it (an open and closed fist/milking gesture).
Pair the sign with word every time you say it — remember, repetition is key. Don’t be discouraged if your baby doesn’t gesture for her milk right away. It may take her some time to get the hang of it. But when she does, suddenly the level of communication between you two will expand.
“Most families begin with useful and practical signs like ‘milk,’ ‘eat,’ ‘more’ and ‘all done’ when they first get started,” Rebelo says. “I recommend that parents also include some playful signs like ‘dog,’ ‘cat,’ ‘ball’ and even ‘light’ as these signs are fun and motivating for babies. Babies want to communicate about what interests them, so many families find early success with these playful signs, which helps get the ball rolling.”
Parents can find opportunities to sign to their baby throughout the day, from mealtimes to walks in the park to just playing together at home. Give your baby an exposure to a variety of items that pair with the same gesture so she will understand that the sign she makes gets her what she wants.