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

---

Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu

There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of... Read More

The Mystery Around Colic

You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child... Read More

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... 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

The Top 10 Fun Things for Parents and Toddlers to Play With

1. Give your child a spray bottle of water and... Read More

Free Baby Shower Invitations

Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More

Keeping Baby Safe: Your Most Important Role As A Parent

Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety EquipmentOnce your... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

Protecting Your Baby and Toddler from the Sun

Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More

Baby?s First Year ? What to Expect

As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many... Read More

Dozens of Baby Shower Themes

Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More

Your Newborn Baby?s First Few Days at Home ? What You Should Expect

The first few days home from the hospital are important... Read More

Baby Nursery Furniture

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences... Read More

Baby Shower Gift for Dads

Gift for Dads: The mom is always on the limelight... Read More

On the Road Again

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

Wheres My Mother of The Year Award?

With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More

Baby Shower for Twins (Or More) Peas in a Pod

Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower

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

Baby Sleep Tips

Getting a baby to adjust to a normal sleep schedule... Read More

When Should Your Baby Wear Shoes?

There is actually a bit of controversy about this question.... Read More

Baby Dangers New Parents Need to Know About

This Spring many new parents will welcome new additions into... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More

Tips for Decorating Your Babys Nursery

Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Colic Baby Bootcamp - Parent Survival Tips

Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More