At Forty Carrots Welcome to Our World® group, Parenting Educators often hear that caregivers wish they knew why their babies cry. We know that babies are born with the ability to communicate with their caregivers, but in the early months, a baby’s communication is primarily crying or fussing when they have a need to be met. The good news is that once babies reach about 5-6 months and can hold a gaze for a few seconds, they can begin to learn basic sign language to help bridge the communication gap and reduce potential frustrations. Early introduction to sign language has many benefits beyond just basic communication.

Decreases Frustration:  For children unable to communicate their needs verbally, sign language helps reduce their frustration, which in turn can also reduce crying and tantrums.

Social Skills and Self-Esteem: Babies and children feel better about themselves when they can effectively communicate with the people around them. Parents also feel more confident if they can meet their child’s needs and wants. Successful communication with family members and people in a child’s environment and creates a sense of belonging and can increase self-confidence. 

Early Literacy Skills:  Baby sign language helps children develop some of the mental processes that are used when speaking. Studies have also shown that signing can lead to greater vocabulary growth.

Motor Development:  For a baby or child to make signs for the letters of the alphabet, words, and numbers, they are encouraged to use their gross and fine motor skills. It is good practice for them to further develop their skills.

How to get started:

Keep it simple. Find sign language books or websites to learn a few basic signs. Check your local library for baby sign language classes. Choose signs for words that are simple and used often, such as “more,” “milk,” “please,” or “all done.” Teach only 2 to 4 words to start.

Use signs as part of your normal everyday routines and activities. To help your baby to learn sign language, say the word as you make the sign during a typical everyday activity. For example, if your baby gestures or points for more fruit, say “more” while making the sign with your hands. Then give your baby the fruit to reinforce the sign. Be consistent and use the sign every time your baby asks for more (even toys or reading). Be sure to give lots of encouragement when your baby makes a sign independently. Say, “You did it! You want more!”

Follow your baby’s lead and go slowly. As your baby grasps a couple signs, add a few more. Keep in mind that this isn’t about making your child fluent in sign language but rather providing another way to bridge the communication gap until verbal skills develop. Stick with basic signs for words that your child uses every day and introduce only a couple at a time.

Be flexible. It’s possible that your baby will create their own signs. If so, use these rather than the “official” sign. It doesn’t really matter what the actual sign is, if you both understand its meaning.

Most importantly, remember to have fun and keep it stress free; you’re not formally “teaching” signs, but rather just adding simple gestures to everyday words. The value of teaching sign language is to reduce frustration, simplify communication, and connect with your baby in a meaningful way.

Check out these simple signs you can start using with your baby today!

More

More is signed by tapping your fingertips together. This is a very versatile sign useful in many contexts and is often the first sign learned. 

All Done

 

All Done is signed by twisting your hands back and forth. It allows baby to tell you they are finished eating (without throwing food).

Milk

Milk is signed by making opening and closing your hand, like you are milking a cow.