Baby Signs®

Infant Sign Language: A Helpful Tool for Communication

Infant sign language is a way for babies and toddlers to communicate before they are able to speak. It can be a helpful tool for both babies and parents, as it can help to reduce frustration and promote bonding.

Babies are born with the ability to learn language, and they can start to learn signs as early as 6 months old. By signing to your baby, you can help them to develop their language skills and learn about the world around them.

There are many benefits to using infant sign language. Some of these benefits include:

  • Reduces frustration: Babies who can sign can communicate their needs and wants, which can help to reduce frustration.
  • Promotes bonding: Signing can help to promote bonding between babies and their caregivers.
  • Can help babies learn to speak earlier: Studies have shown that babies who are exposed to sign language may learn to speak earlier than babies who are not exposed to sign language.
  • Can help babies with special needs: Sign language can be a helpful tool for babies with special needs, such as hearing loss or autism.

If you are interested in teaching your baby sign language, there are many resources available to help you. You can find books, websites, and even classes that can teach you the basics of sign language.

Here are a few tips for teaching your baby sign language:

  • Start early: Babies can start to learn signs as early as 6 months old.
  • Be consistent: The more you sign, the more your baby will learn.
  • Break down signs into small movements: Babies may have difficulty making complex movements, so break down signs into smaller, easier movements.
  • Be patient: It may take some time for your baby to learn signs.

With a little patience and consistency, you can teach your baby sign language and help them to communicate their needs and wants.

Here are some basic signs that you can start teaching your baby:

  • More: Tap fingertips together. Watch this video clip to learn the sign for “more”.
  • Milk: Open and close your fist as if you’re milking a cow. Download this free poster with the sign for “milk”
  • Eat: Touch your fingertips to your lips.

These are just a few basic signs that you can start teaching your baby. With a little practice, you can help your baby to learn sign language and communicate their needs and wants.

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    Meet Liz Shaw, a dedicated Baby Signs® instructor based in Michigan. Liz’s journey into the world of Baby Signs® began after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Deaf Education and earning a master’s degree in Early Childhood from Oakland University. Discovering the Baby Signs® Program felt like a natural extension of her…

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  • Welcome to the Baby Signs® Blog!

    Welcome to the Baby Signs® Blog!

    We are so excited to have you here. This blog is dedicated to providing information and resources for parents who are interested in teaching their babies basic sign language. We know that teaching your baby sign language can be a great way to help them communicate their needs and wants, build a stronger bond with…

  • Ashley Green, Lactation Consultant, Fosters Early Bonds with the Baby Signs® Program

    Ashley Green, Lactation Consultant, Fosters Early Bonds with the Baby Signs® Program

    Ashley Green, a dedicated Registered Nurse and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, is making waves in early childhood education as a Baby Signs® instructor in San Antonio. With a passion for integrating Baby Signs® into Latched Support‘s monthly Baby Time and Toddler Time events, Ashley provides a nurturing environment where families can bond and learn…

  • Meet Liz Shaw: A Passionate Advocate for Baby Signs® in Michigan

    Meet Liz Shaw: A Passionate Advocate for Baby Signs® in Michigan

    Meet Liz Shaw, a dedicated Baby Signs® instructor based in Michigan. Liz’s journey into the world of Baby Signs® began after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Deaf Education and earning a master’s degree in Early Childhood from Oakland University. Discovering the Baby Signs® Program felt like a natural extension of her…

  • How Long Does a Sign Last?

    How Long Does a Sign Last?

    One of the questions that our Baby Signs® Instructors hear frequently from parents is how long a sign stays in a baby’s repertoire before the word appears. Of course, the answer is that it varies enormously. If the sign is substituting for a relatively easy word like “ball” or “more,” the word may appear relatively quickly. But…