Sign Language for a Baby

Is it appropriate to use sign language for a baby? A number of linguistic experts offer a resounding "YES"!

At first, you may wonder about using sign language for a baby. After all, isn't sign language difficult to learn? And don't you need to have a great deal of hand coordination in order to be able to express yourself effectively?

The fact of the matter is that there is a growing body of evidence to indicate that baby sign language is an entirely appropriate method of communication for infants.

To begin with, babies have a natural inclination to sign. They may point to toys that they want, or wave goodbye to Grandma. As a result, it shouldn't be surprising that it is entirely possible to teach American Sign Language to babies.

Popular Myths

Of course, there are a number of myths surrounding sign language use among children. For instance, some parents falsely believe that sign language will prevent their babies from learning to speak. In fact, if you're careful to sound out a word as you sign it, your baby might actually learn how to talk sooner than he or she would have otherwise.

Another myth is that sign language is too complicated for babies to learn. In fact, sign language can be quite simple and, in a sense, it is easier for a baby to grasp sign language than the spoken word. Also, the more signing is used in a home, the easier it will be for a baby to pick it up.

Practice Makes Perfect

There is little doubt that, over time, your baby can mature to the point that he or she uses sign language easily. However, such a milestone won't be reached unless you practice using sign language with your child. You may be surprised at how much your baby's vocabulary will expand over time through the use of sign language.

An Element of Fun

It is also important to note that using sign language for a baby can be a fun activity for your infant. It gives your infant the opportunity to use his or her entire body in order to express an idea. Don't be surprised if your child gets a case of the giggles when using baby sign language. The laughter indicates that signing is an enjoyable activity for baby. Use American Sign Language for a baby and expect communication miracles to happen.