Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier than we think. They have an instinctive need to communicate. Baby signing is a pre-verbal form of communication. Babies can control their movements much earlier than mastering speech and can express all sorts of emotions, desires and wants with their hands! Baby sign language is key to learning how to interpret what your baby is telling you, eliminate the guesswork and to bond and enjoy life with your baby.

Imagine your baby being able to tell you they're thirsty or hungry. Or that they'd like to read a book or tell you that they've just seen a bird in the garden. Or for you to be able to guide them on safety using signs like 'hot' or 'stop'. All this is possible by talking to your baby and using appropriate baby signs. There are so many new experiences for your baby every day ? new sights, new sounds, new objects, new people. And so much to talk about!

Scientific studies show baby sign language to be effective and beneficial for hearing babies in amazing ways. Research shows that signing babies had larger vocabularies, learned to talk earlier, showed less frustration, had more self-confidence, understood more words and scored higher in intelligence tests than non-signing babies

Signing with your baby is also rewarding for you. Imagine your joy seeing your baby 'talking' to you with signs. Of course it doesn't happen overnight. It's a new skill for you and baby to master. But the months of learning together helping your baby to discover this skill will bring you closer together.

10 easy ways to get started with baby sign language.

1. Start early. Start using baby signs in your everyday routine with your baby, even from a few weeks old. Remember to say the word as you make the sign and point to the object. Over time it will just come naturally. Babies tend to develop the gross motor skills to be able to shape their hands and make signs sometime from 6 months upwards.

2. Keep it fun! The more relevant the signs are for your baby the more likely your baby is to want to 'talk' to you. Most babies enjoy pointing at objects they like in books. Use those visual clues to build your baby sign language vocabulary. Sign and say words from the books that you're reading together.

3. Concentrate on a few signs at a time. Start with some simple signs like milk, car, home. You can build more and more signs into your baby sign language vocabulary over time.

4. Always say the word that you are signing. Baby signing helps with early language development as the signs are always done at the same time as the word is spoken.

5. Involve the family. Encourage older siblings, your partner, grandparents and other people that care for your baby. The more your baby is exposed to baby sign language the quicker he or she will learn.

6. Get together with a group of friends to sign. Better still go to a baby signing class if there's one local to you. It's very motivating to see other babies signing and it's a great social activity to get out and about and meet other mums in your area.

7. Don't let the sceptics get to you. People may try and tell you that baby signing slows down speech development. Baby signing was developed for hearing babies. If you're learning signing based on your country's deaf community language ? e.g. BSL or ASL ? then an added benefit will be that your baby is learning a skill that will enable them to communicate with the deaf community in later life.

8. Do what comes naturally. Adapt signs to suit you or your baby if you want. Above all have fun bonding!

9. Give it a go. If you don't you'll never know whether you could have reduced the frustration of the terrible twos, helped your baby's development or been a happier parent of a more confident, happier baby.

10. Don't give up. All babies develop skills and reach milestones at their own pace. Your baby will sign back to you when they're ready. And when that moment happens, you and your baby will feel like you've shared your own eureka.

© Jenny Davis Baby Experiences 2005

Jenny Davis is the founder of Baby Experiences which offers UK parents ideas on the world of activities, experiences and gifts to inspire, enjoy and bond with their babies. Baby signing is just one of the activities on offer at http://babyexperiences.co.uk

---

The 7 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes That Parents Make

When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues,... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

How to Have the Perfect Baby Boy Invitations

Baby boy invitations are the first thing you'll need to... Read More

Baby Room Themes: Fun Ideas Your Baby Will Love

Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be a... Read More

The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby

Your Libra Baby..September 23 - October 22Libras can be really... Read More

Childrens Bedroom Furniture - Three Mothers Share Their Buying Habits

Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three... Read More

A Baby Shower Cake is the Highlight of the Baby Shower

When you're holding a baby shower one of the most... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More

Human Milk Bank Donor Helps Premature and Sick Infants and Children

Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More

Tips For a First-Time Mom

Having a baby can be one the most life-changing experiences... Read More

Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional

Lists of baby names are always fun to look at,... Read More

Baby Shower Themes For Your Special Baby Shower

Do you want to provide a baby shower that is... Read More

Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination... Read More

Favorite Cake Flavors for Baby and Bridal Showers

A cake is an excellent treat at any party, especially... Read More

Fussy Eaters

The experts often tell us that in order to ensure... Read More

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear, And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced... Read More

Properly Care For Your Children

When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it... Read More

Oh Baby! Choosing the Right Baby Name

Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something... Read More

Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today

Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Swing

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,000 American... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower

Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More

Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More

Make Your Baby Shower a Success with the Perfect Table Setting Decorating Idea

The perfect table setting decorating idea will be determined by... Read More

Types of Baby Showers

There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More

On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get... Read More

Helping Your Baby Develop Character

How Can We Help Children Learn about Character?Children learn about... Read More

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts.... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More

Wooden High Chairs Offer Simplicity, Beauty, and Practicality for Todays Busy Families

Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a... Read More

Heres What to Expect at a Baby Shower

A baby shower is a great way to welcome a... Read More