How to Teach Sign Language to a Baby

Changing diapers in the middle of the night is not the only challenge of parenthood. You also have to deal with a crying, screaming, frustrated baby who is unable to verbalize her needs. It is not common for a baby to speak before 10 months of age. Even after that, the baby is equipped with limited vocabulary and hence cannot communicate most of her needs. However, teaching sign language to a baby can relieve her of unnecessary frustration and can also give you some peace. Though the development shown, by babies of same age differs. Babies above six months of age can successfully learn sign language. Some babies, who show outstanding development can start learning sign language at an early age of 2 months.

How to Teach Sign Language to a Baby

The first question that needs to be answered is, is your baby ready for a sign language? Here are a few signs that will help you to determine if your baby is ready or not.

• Your baby shows interest in her surroundings.
• You are able to hold her attention for more than 10 seconds.
• If she drops a toy or loses something while playing and she looks at you for more information.
• Your baby is able to make hand movements and shows development in other motor skills.
• Your baby is able to imitate your gestures.

If your baby shows most of the above signs, then she is perhaps ready for a sign language.

Once you decide to teach your baby sign language, you should proceed slowly. Do not try to make too many gestures at one time, that would only confuse your little one. Start with physical objects like toy, bottle, milk where you can show the object and its corresponding sign. The most important words that the baby should learn are food, milk, thirst, bathroom, more etc. Say the word while you make the gestures. Continue making the same gestures every time the baby sees that object or engages in that activity. Within a few weeks, the baby will start using the sign. Introduce a new sign, only when she has completely learned the previous one. Do not force the baby, if she does not respond to the introduction of sign language.

If the baby responds to the sign language in a positive manner, start adding new signs. You can also make use of colorful books and pictures to teach her new signs. It has been observed that babies who master sign language by the age of 3, have more vocabulary than other babies of the same age. Baby sign language also helps to improve the future communication skills of your child. If you carry on with this exercise, your baby will be able to communicate most of her needs and demands successfully. That would mean no frustration for your baby, as well as for you.

Teaching sign language to your baby requires a little patience on your part. If you manage to do so, life will be a lot easier for you and your baby.