Babies are at a disadvantage.  When they are hungry, hurting, or just plain frustrated, they can only tell us by crying.  Many parents can’t pick up on exactly what the problem is and it is frustrating.  Wouldn’t it be great if there were another way for the baby to communicate with us?  There is – sign language.  Deaf people have known for years that babies pick up on sign language much quicker than spoken words.  Teaching a child sign language is a new trend, which is very popular today.  Signing helps babies communicate sooner yet it has no adverse affect on their learning to talk.

Babies a year old or younger are often able to communicate with their parents with words or even sentences.  Sign language is a great way to help both you and the baby understand what is going on.  It helps relieve the frustration felt by both of you.  If your child is sick, they may not only be able to tell you, but also tell you where they are hurting.

The first thing you will need to determine is exactly what signs to use.  American Sign Language (ASL) is used by most deaf people, but some feel the signs are too complicated for babies.  There are simpler signs that babies can perform.  There are countless books and videos with instructions on how to use these.  If you want, you can even make up your own signs for certain things.  Use caution however if you use signs that are non-ASL.  You don’t want to teach your baby a sign that others might see as offensive.  If you are unsure and know someone that is proficient in ASL, check with him or her first before teaching the baby the sign.

You will need to learn the signs first.  There are many ASL sign resources online if you do not have access to the books or DVDs.  You can search for baby sign language and in some cases, you can even find small online videos that show you how to perform the sign.  You will want to know all the signs before you start showing the baby.  Practice so you know you are performing the sign in the correct way and you begin to feel comfortable using them.  Then you can begin using the sign when the baby is in the room.  For example, you can ask the baby if he or she is hungry while performing the sign.

It may take a little time, but eventually, the baby will pick up on the signing.  Hand signs can be used on children as young as seven months, but signs involving your lips and tongue can be used on newborns.  Something as simple as teaching your child to stick out their tongue when they want a pacifier will make your life – and theirs – much easier.  It may be easier to teach one sign at a time.  Once the baby starts understanding or even using that one himself or herself, you can teach him or her a new word.  You will want to teach them the most useful words, like milk (or hungry) or ow (for pain) first.