allow me to introduce you to: baby sign language

Hello, fellow bloggers, readers, and those who popped by for a quick visit.  I really don’t feel like myself today, probably because I’ve been busy for the last three days straight.  Okay, I realize that some (most) of you are thinking “big deal”, but for a stay at home mom who actually stays at home most of the time, that’s a lot.  It hasn’t been all bad, though—Judah has gotten a lot of sweet Daddy time.  Today’s post, however, is not about me.


I have the awesome opportunity to introduce to you an incredible parenting resource—the Baby Sign Language website (you may have noticed the new button over there on my left sidebar).  One of the best things about motherhood, in my humble opinion, is seeing my baby learn new things.  His face lights up with excitement and my heart skips a beat.  It’s amazing to think that this little guy came into this world knowing absolutely nothing.  Often I feel helpless to teach Judah things because, well, I don’t exactly speak Baby.  That’s why Baby Sign Language is so exciting!  But I’m not going to attempt to sell you on it when my new friends from BSL do such an excellent job below.  Enjoy!
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The When, How, & Why of Baby Sign Language
Baby sign language is a cool way to communicate with your baby before your baby can actually talk.  To learn baby sign language you need to learn a system of signing that both you and baby can understand.  The most popular system is American Sign language for babies, which is used all over the world.  Read on to find out more about the when, how and why of baby sign language…

When to Start Signing and What to Expect
You can start signing with your baby at any time, even from birth.  The earlier you begin, the sooner your child will start signing back to you.  The important thing when you start signing is to be patient.  Don’t expect too much too soon—from your baby or yourself.  Have realistic expectations.  Research by Dr. Joseph Garcia, one of the founders of Baby Sign Language, found that a typical baby who starts learning signs at seven months old needs about two months of repetition and exposure to a sign to start using it.

How to Get Started with Baby Sign Language
First of all, you need to remember to make the sign every time you say the relevant word to your baby.  It’s important to say the word that goes with the sign clearly, using good eye-contact, while pointing to the thing or person you are describing.  Sign when your baby is alert and not fussing.  Remember to practice the signs beforehand so you feel confident and clear about what you are doing. 

What Signs Should You Teach First, and How?
When you are first starting with Baby Sign Language it’s best to begin with signs you can use every day, such as Mommy, Daddy, Milk, and More.  Signs that represent something exciting and meaningful to baby will be easier to learn.  Start the signs mentioned above.  These signs are simple to learn and are really interesting to your baby.

To sign Mommy, extend and spread apart your fingers.  With your little finger facing out, touch your thumb to your chin.

signing "mommy"

To sign Daddy, extend and spread out your fingers on your strong hand.  Tap your hand on your forehead.  Done right, you will look like a turkey.

signing "daddy"

The sign for Milk is a lot like milking a cow, but without the vertical motion—you are just squeezing the udder.  Take both hands, make them into fists, relax, and repeat.  You will notice most babies have trouble moving their fingers together this way, but any kind of repeated squeezing and relaxing of the hand is likely “milk”.

To make the sign for More, flatten out your hands, then bring your thumbs under to make an O shape.  Bring your hands together and separate them repeatedly.  Baby will often simplify “more” by clapping her fists together.

Why Should You Teach Baby Sign Language?
Baby sign language makes life with a young baby or toddler so much easier.  It gives you and your baby the tools you need to communicate with each other, even before your child has learned to talk.  Baby Sign Language can also help with a baby’s sleep, mealtimes and weaning, and can even help combat toddler tantrums.
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See?  Wasn’t that insightful?  I am so excited to see how Judah takes to this whole process.  I’d also love to hear from you, readers, if you are also taking on this challenge.  Just drop me a message using the handy dandy contact link at the top of this page. 

Happy signing!