What is Baby Sign Language?

Using Signs to Communicate

If you are taking the time to visit this site then you are probably already interested in teaching your baby how to use sign language as a form of communication. I really don't need to t ell you how wonderful it is, or all of the benefits that you will achieve, do I? Just in case you are still thinking about whether or not baby signing is for you, here is a little bit of information on what this craze is all about.

Most babies use some form of sings as communication even if their parents haven't formally worked with them on a program. for example, most babies know how to wave bye-bye, shake their head "yes" and "no" and move their hands or bodies along to their favorite songs. These are all baby signs. The difference between these and baby sign language is just the signs they use.

Baby sign language uses Americal Sign Language signs (sometimes adapted for babies) to help you and your chid communicate before they are able to fully talk. Many babies can make the motions with their hands long before they have the motor control needed to form the words with their lips.

Many people fear that if they use sign language with their baby they will end up delaying their speech. Several studies have shown that the opposite is actually true. Babies that use sign language have a larger vocabulary at an earlier age. Their are also several studies that show that babies who sign also benefit from a slight boost in their IQ scores. Early introduction to a second language boosts cognitive skills and sign language is an even graeter boost than another spoken language because it ustizes both sides of the brain (one side for the audotory and one side for the visual..this creates more of those ever so important neural connections!)

Other benefits include less frustration from both parents and babies because they understand wants and needs, a sense of satisfaction on the parent's part because they can meet their childs needs, and a closer bond between parents and baby. Researchers think that because you are both signing AND saying the word, you actually spend MORE time talking with your baby.

I have been using sign language with my son since he was about 7 months old. He used his first sign, "milk", when he was 10 months old. He is now 20 months and has a vocabulary of 100+ words and 30+ signs. It remains to be seen if his being able to communicate with me will decrease the "terrible twos". Stay tuned, and I'll let you know!

Megan Hubbard, DPT © 2007   |