Baby Sign Language

A Fun Way To Communicate!

Imagine an 8-month-old baby being able to use baby sign language to say that he is hungry instead of whining...

Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Baby sign language is quite a new trend, and growing rapidly. Studies have shown that children that have learned to sign have a higher IQ, that they actually start talking earlier and with a better vocabulary and that they are less frustrated.

Sounds great, right!?

Well, I think there is another even stronger reason: Why not just try it out to have fun together with your baby and maybe to be able to understand him better and faster?

One mom also told me about another advantage: Her child, now old enough to play outside in the garden, can use signs instead of shouting to his mom, when she talks to him through the door or window.

How To Get Going With Baby Sign Language

• When to start
• But I need to learn too...
• Choosing language
• Start slowly
• Don't give up
• Get your family involved
• Shopping baby signing stuff online
• Web resources

When to start

Or you start later, when your baby is trying harder to communicate by use of words, faces and hands. This way you'll probably notice a result faster.

But I need to learn too...

Baby signing is not difficult! But it can be hard to actually get going, especially for someone has never used sign language before (like most of us). "I'll start tomorrow..."

Attending a baby signing class class is a perfect way to learn how to do it and to actually get around to start. And it's fun! But if you can't find a course that works for you, you at least need to buy a book or a DVD.

There are two different "scools" regarding baby sign language at present, represented by the authors Linda Acredolo and Joseph Garcia. The have both written very popular books, Baby Signs (Linda Acredolo et al) and Sign With Your Baby (Joseph Garcia). The difference between those is that only Garcia actually uses proper American Sign Language, so if that is important for you, go for his book.

However, if you're not American and you'll have to buy an additional book with your country's sign language, then either of the books may be a good help. Here you'll find Garcia's DVD and book kits on baby sign language.

And here's the link to Linda Acredolo's book.

Choosing language

I suggest you use signs from the sign language in your country. That way both you and your child actually learn a new language that is useful where you live.

Also, if your baby will go to a day care center at some point, chances are higher that the teachers will be able to interpret your baby's signs if they are the "real thing".

If this is not at all important for you, go ahead and make up your own signs! In this case, you may find the book Baby Signs by Linda Acredolo inspiring.

Start slowly

Don't be too ambitious. Pick only one or a few signs to start with. Signs for food, drink, sleep and pacifier mayby if your child uses one.

As you need to do the sign more or less every time you refer to that word, you will not be comfortable having sign in each and every sentence. At least not in the beginning before you get used to signing.

Don't give up

Depending on your baby's age and interest, he might start using the signs after only a few days or after several weeks. If it takes time, don't be discouraged.

Get your family involved

And it's fun!

Shopping baby signing stuff online

If you are at all interested in saving money, or using your money elsewhere, buy your baby sign language stuff online. The savings can be quite massive.

I think Amazon really has a great selection of baby sing language stuff.

If you know a better place, let me know!

Web resources

For example you are likely to be able to find pictures of specific signs in your country, as well as forums to discuss baby signing, classes to attend, books and more.

Below are a few links where you can find examples of signs in different countries.

• For American Sign Language, click here.
• For Australian Sign Language, click here.
• For Swedish Sign Language, click here.
• For Norwegian Sign Language, click here.

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