Baby Sign Language Q&A

Q: I’ve seen books and DVDs about teaching sign language to babies. Why is sign language beneficial?

A: Infants and babies develop fine motor skills in their hands and fingers before they develop the ability to talk. Most babies voice their first word around a year, but they can learn to sign much earlier, around 9 to 10 months. Teaching your baby simple signs allows your baby to communicate with you, which leads to less frustration and builds a stronger bond between you and your child. Without signs, your child may sit in a highchair and scream because you don’t know what he or she wants. With signs, your child can sign “more,” allowing you to respond by giving him more milk. This, of course, eases the frustration that leads to temper tantrums.

Q: If I teach my child sign language, will it delay verbal language development?

A: Not at all. Sign language encourages language development. When you sign to your child, you always say the word that you are signing. Your child will hear the word and see the sign for that word, allowing your child to connect the visual with the verbal. At first, your child will only sign words to you. Eventually your child will sign and say words. Later, your child will drop the signs altogether.

Q: What signs are realistic to teach my child?

A: Start with simple signs that allow your child to express his or her daily needs. “More” is usually one of the first signs parents teach their children. “Milk,” “all done,” “eat,” and “hurt” are also good first signs. Once your child masters those signs, you might branch out to other signs such as “please,” “thank you,” and “I love you.”

Q: Who developed the signs?

A: The signs taught in baby sign language classes, books, and videos are based on American Sign Language. You can use those signs as a jumping off point and invent signs with your child as you go along. As long as you and your baby (and other caregivers) understand one another, that’s all that matters.

Q: When should I start teaching signs to my baby and when should I stop?

A: You can start showing signs to your child around 7- months of age. It may take a while - perhaps two to three months - before your child signs back to you. After that first sign, however, your child will pick up additional signs more rapidly. In terms of when to stop, follow your child’s lead. Your child will naturally progress to verbal communication without signs at some point between 2-3 years of age.

Q: Where can I learn more about sign language for babies?

A: You can find books, DVDs, and other helpful resources at Joseph Garcia’s web site, www.sign2me.com Garcia is one of the country’s leading experts in teaching sign language to babies. Ling Chow, a certified Baby Signs instructor, offers classes in the Lehigh Valley. You can find a class schedule at www.wesigntogether.com.