Teaching Your Baby Sign Language

One of the most frustrating things about taking care of an infant is their inability to speak. Instead, they will flail their arms, cry, scream and kick. But what do these obviously angry signs mean? Do they want a bottle? Do they want a new toy? Are they hurting in some way? Baby sign language can help bridge the gap between mum and bub during those early months when babies are not quite ready to voice their opinion.

Many parents are exploring the world of baby sign language which, essentially, uses various hand signals to communicate a need. The hand movements are quite simple and easy for a baby to recognise and mimic in time.
When to Start
Experts recommended starting the baby sign language process around 6 to 9 months. Before then, babies do not possess the motor control needed to actually use their hands to communicate. If your baby can hold their attention for ten seconds, then they are probably ready to start the training process.
Where to Get Started
There are several different baby sign language books, DVD’s and programs out there. One of the most popular ones is known as AUSLAN which is the official sign language of the Australian deaf community. You may be able to learn baby sign language through a program put on by a qualified AUSLAN teacher or through an Early Child Education course. This is a great way to get to know other parents and interact with your baby. Most programs will include flash cards, a program book and a poster to help you identify the different signs for common words like “bottle,” “wet,” “cold” and “Mum.” You can also purchase baby sign language DVD’s and program guides in book stores and online.
Benefiting Your Baby
Learning how to communicate through sign language provides your baby with a wonderful skill for the future. You can expect the communication level between you and your bub to be much higher and will hopefully have a better time understanding their cues and needs. You may find that your baby is less frustrated as they are able to communicate their desires easier and their needs are being met much faster.
Baby sign language has also been linked to higher self-esteem and confidence in young children and an easier transition to the spoken language.
Benefiting Mum and Dad
Learning how to sign and communicate through your gestures is a beautiful skill to have. However, the process can be a little tedious and frustrating, especially if your baby is having a hard time focusing. The good thing about baby sign language is that there are different teaching and learning methods you can try to see what works best with you and your baby. The better news is that once you and bub have the hang of it, you’ll be the envy of all those baffled mothers on the playground that can’t figure out what their little one wants!