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Teaching baby sign language is great for both parent and child. It is a great bonding activity, it is physically and cognitively stimulating, and, perhaps most importantly, it allows parents to communicate with their preverbal baby. In this article, we cover some tips for teaching baby sign langauge. We also provide you with a few basic words so you can get start signing with your baby today!

When to Start

Every baby is different, developing at his or her own pace. Most experts agree, however, that a baby will not be able to distinguish signs in any meaningful way prior to reaching 6 months in age. Generally, you may begin to introduce basic signs at age 6 to 10 months. Your baby could start signing back to you as early as 6 months, but most don’t begin signing until age 10 months or later.

Recognize your baby’s cues and use your intuition to know when your child is ready to begin the learning process. When he starts sitting up and showing interest in the activities around him, baby is likely ready to begin learning signs.

First Words

Once you decide when to start signing with your baby, you must choose which words to start with. Choose a a few signs to begin teaching your baby. Do not overwhelm your baby, or yourself, with a large number of signs. At any given time, you should only be working on three to four new signs. Once your baby learns a sign you are working on, add another sign to teach him.

Always introduce and reinforce new signs at the appropriate moments in time. Again, working on just a few words introduce them before, during, and/or after an activity. A great time to teach “milk”, for example, is when you are giving baby milk and after he is finished drinking his milk. Conversely, you should never teach a sign out of context. If baby is playing with a toy truck, do not try teach the sign for milk. Notice the things that capture your baby’s attention, and you will know what signs to teach.

Have Fun!

As with all activities, a key element for success for teaching baby to sign is attitude. As the caption says, Have Fun! Get excited and have a good time with your baby when you are showing him a sign. Teaching your child how to sign is more about attitude and persistence than any scientific technique.

Don’t get frustrated if baby is not signing back to you right away. If you recognize teaching opportunities, and you stick with it, your baby will be signing before you know it. Also, don’t get frustrated if your baby does not use the perfect technique. Rather, recognize what he is trying to say and praise him for it. Your baby will refine his technique as he continues to develop. The learning process should always be fun for both you and baby.

Everyone Involved

One of the most important keys to succeed in teaching baby sign language is to get others involved in the process. For most parents, lots of people take part in caring for your child on a daily basis, including daycare providers and other family members. These people have a big impact on your child. In our family, we could not get by without regular help from wonderful grandparents. Make signing a “family affair” and get both your immediate and extended family involved in the process.

Ready, Set, Sign!

Now that we have learned some basics for success with baby sign language, lets get started with a few basic words. The following signs are three of my favorites.

Mother

Obviously, baby needs to be able to call for Mommy and Daddy. We start with the ever popular “Mommy” (or “mama” where I come from). Seeing baby make this sign will make mommy so proud. Spread your fingers in an “open-5.” While still holding your five fingers out, place your thumb on your chin.

Daddy

Of course, after baby learns to say mommy, she must learn “Daddy.” Dad will be even prouder than Mom. Make an “open-5.” Next, leaving your fingers extended, place your thumb on your forehead.

Milk

Now that baby has mom and dad’s attention, she can ask for more “milk.” You may have seen this fun one on Meet the Fockers. Simply open and close the fist of one or both hands, pretending that you are milking a cow. Holy cow, it’s that easy! This will be a popular sign for your baby. She will use it with one of her favorite activities, drinking milk.

Have fun signing with your child. For over 100 signs, all demonstrated by our sign lanaguage expert and video host, check out our baby sign langauge book and DVD.