Your Easy Guide to Baby Sign Language
Start Your Free Baby Sign Language 3-Day eCourse Today
Baby sign language is a simple and fun way to help your little one communicate before they are able to say many words. Babies naturally use gestures to get our attention, so adding a few simple signs can give them another way to express what they want and need.
First, Start With Simple Signs
You don't need to teach your baby dozens of signs at once. Start with a few useful words that fit naturally into your daily routine. MORE, MILK, EAT, ALL DONE, HELP, and SLEEP are great signs to begin with.
When you say the word, make the sign at the same time. For example, when your baby is hungry, say “eat” while making the EAT sign. Repeating the word and sign together helps your baby connect the movement with its meaning.
Use Signs Throughout the Day
The easiest way to teach baby sign language is to make it part of your everyday activities. Sign MILK during feeding, BATH during bath time, BOOK when you read together, and SLEEP when you're getting ready for bed.
Try to make eye contact with your baby while signing and use an enthusiastic facial expression. Babies love interacting with their parents, and your positive reaction can encourage them to pay attention and try signing themselves.
Be Patient
Every baby learns at their own pace. Your baby may watch you sign for quite a while before attempting a sign - and that's completely normal. Celebrate every effort, even if their version doesn't look exactly like yours.
Most importantly, keep talking while you sign. Baby sign language isn't meant to replace spoken language. Instead, it gives your baby an extra tool for communicating while their speech and language skills are developing.
With consistency, patience, and lots of encouragement, signing can become a natural and enjoyable part of your baby's everyday routine!
