One of the newest trends in parenting is baby sign language.  People in the deaf community have known for years that babies could communicate through sign long before their vocal cords allow them to speak, but the trend didn’t really catch on because of the false assumption that signing led to later verbal language development.

We now know better that not only does signing not keep a baby from talking; it actually can help them to start talking sooner and have better language skills! 

By using sign young children can learn how to express themselves with words, and some will even start to put words together in sentences before they turn one. 

Sign Language is also great for relieving some of that frustration you and your child face  when they try and tell you exactly what they want.  Just imagine that your young baby is ill and they can actually tell you where it hurts with sign!

Now before you start teaching your baby to sign, you should decide what signs to use.

This is important.

While the logical choice would be American Sign Language, some people discourage this because the signs are too complicated for developing hands and fingers.  If you want to use simpler signs, there are books and videos with signs that are easier for babies to perform.  And sometimes your local library may have a class or two on baby signing (we went to one).

Or you can make up your own signs, whatever works best for you. 

Just be careful with non-ASL signs.

Some parent’s have unknowingly taught their children their own brand of sign language only to find out they taught their child to use offensive language. Boy! How embarrassing!

But even if you use a sign from a baby sign book, that doesn’t mean you’re safe.  It is best to check with someone who knows ASL (American Sign Language) before teaching a new sign to your child. 

Once you’ve decided what signs you are going to use, you need to take the time to learn them.  If you do decide to use ASL, you can find many resources online to learn from.  There are online ASL dictionariesspecific resources that include only signs babies will need videos so you know you’re doing them right. 

To learn the signs, you might want to start using them even before your child is ready.  This way you’ll be prepared and ready when they are. 

The important part is to be consistent.  Once you choose a sign, stick with it.  And use it whenever you’re with your baby.  That way your baby will think sign language is a normal part of communication. 

Teaching a child sign language can take a little time, but is fairly simple.  If you use hand signs, you can start teaching your baby when they are around 7 to 8 months; however signs involving the lips and tongue can be taught starting at birth.  You can teach your child to stick out their tongue for pacifier, or purse their lips if they want milk.  To teach a sign, simply make the sign or facial expression every time you use a word.  To keep your child from getting confused, teach them one word at a time.  Once they’re successfully using that word, add another. 

Since this process might go slowly, teach them the most important words first, like: milk, wet (diaper), and ouch! (pain).  These will also be the most useful words to you.