We have all had that moment of angst when your baby is wailing, you are suffering from over exhaustion, and you cry out, “Please just tell me what you want!”
Babies would love to be able to give you a detailed report of their needs so they could be quickly met, but it doesn’t work that way.
At least, not exactly. There is a means of increased communication you and your baby can acquire that will keep you informed of all the basic needs as early as a few months into motherhood.
Baby sign language is utilizing a simplified version of American Sign Language that you teach to your children in order to help them communicate what they want.
Romper tells us when the experts say to begin the education process of teaching your baby sign language:
“Laura Berg, founder of My Smart Hands, a baby sign language program and author of The Baby Signing Bible, tells Today’s Parent the ideal ages to begin signing with your baby is “between four and eight months.””
It typically takes a bit longer for your baby to achieve the coordination to sign back to you, between 6 and 8 months, but all the while they are absorbing what they are seeing you do.
The Mayo Clinic gives us an important reminder about when you begin this exciting journey:
“Keep in mind that, as you teach baby sign language, it’s important to continue talking to your child. Spoken communication is an important part of your child’s speech development.”
Every child has their own pace of learning. Don’t get frustrated if the 8 month mark rolls around and your baby is still not signing back to you.
Patience is vital in learning any new language. Give your baby time to implement what they are learning.
Pick only a handful of signs to start with. If you are really into it, and have the time to dedicate to staying on top of all the signs, incorporate more. Just make sure you are realistic with your goals, and consistent in the signs you decide to use.
BabySignLanguage.com reported:
“Research on baby sign language has found that teaching baby signs improved cognitive and emotional development. Far from slowing down speech, baby sign language actually increases the rate of verbal development and at the same time increases the parent/child bond.”
A common argument against using baby sign language is that if a baby is working on communicating with their hands, then their speech is going to be lacking.
Dr. Shari Garrett tells ABC News, as reported in Romper:
“You should say the word as you’re signing the word. What we’ve found is that children will actually start speaking sooner when you pair both the gesture and the word. And typically once they have the verbal words, they’ll drop the sign out.”
So, we see the evidence proves otherwise. Children actually have a more acute awareness of language when exposed to baby signing early on.
Dr. Joseph Garcia founded the “Sign With Your Baby” system that has a proven method of teaching your baby signs in easy to follow lessons.
Dr. Garcia highlighted two of the most beneficial takeaways from his system when speaking with ABC News:
“Along with signs, they learn the importance of eye contact, and how how to stop, look and listen.
The more signs babies learn, the more it could reduce those tantrums that come with the “terrible twos” — they’re not as frustrated with communicating what’s on their minds, Garcia said.”
Communication is a key aspect to relationship building. We become closer with our children as we strengthen the interaction between one another.
It is, also, extremely relieving and satisfactory to be able to promptly meet the needs of your baby, without going through the usual list of necessities.
Consider these other lists of perks if you aren’t sold yet on adding baby sign language to your repertoire of mommy tools.
A higher IQ, expanded vocabulary, and psychological benefits “such as improved confidence and self-esteem”, have all been backed by research, according to Romper.
Many moms have reported to have deeply enjoyed this fun bonding and educational, experience with their babies.
Life can get busy, especially if you are a working mom or have multiple children (or both!), so you may not have time to incorporate a new thing right now.
That is ok. If you think of it, try to use the basic words: hungry, thirsty, milk (can be used for when they want to nurse too), tired and more.
Please let us know in the comments section if you have used baby sign language and if it has been beneficial to you.