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Gives preverbal way to communicate before babys can speak

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Which baby signs should I start with?

Personally as a mom, I only used 4 general signs with my babies - more, all done, help and please (used for "I want that!"). They seemed to be applicable in nearly every situation and it was easier for me to learn and reinforce just a few. It also makes it easier for my babies to communicate with other caregivers, who could understand their requests after only a 30 second crash course in baby signs.

However, Ayelet also describes using more specific signs in highly motivating activities - "if your little one loves bubbles, you can integrate not only the sign for "bubble," but also the sign for "big," "little," "pop," "more," "blow," or "play," to name a few!"

Won't my baby just use signs instead of words?

A common concern regarding baby sign language is that this method of communication will take the place of verbal language for your baby. However, Aylet says that sign language will actually accelerate your baby's verbal skills: "If your little one is growing up in a house and community full of people who use speech as their primary means to communicate, then when your baby or toddler can speak, he/she will.

ALL the developmental research that's looked into this is in agreement: Sign Language facilitates verbal language for young children. It does not hinder it, it does not make them 'lazy talkers.' It is a means towards completely functional verbal language skills."

My son did continue to use a few of his signs even once he knew the words, but I think that's because they're easier for him to access when he's flooded with emotion, which got more and more frequent as he transitioned from baby to toddler. At two, his language is great, so retaining a few signs for a few months didn't slow him down.

What if my baby doesn't do the sign the right way?

While I know the American Sign Language signs for words, I also know that some of them are not a proper physical match for the coordination skills of a baby or young toddler. So I didn't hesitate to modify the signs and teach a variation of them.

A good example is the sign for "help," - which uses two hands. My little one most often had his hands full when he wanted help, so I came up with a super easy one-handed sign that worked for our family (that looked like waving one arm).

If your little one doesn't exactly imitate the sign correctly, Ayelet encourages you to,
"continue to model the more advanced or precise version of the sign, but by accepting your baby's attempt (just as you'd accept his/her attempt to say "wawa" for "water"), you're validating that communication!"

How can I learn more about Baby Sign Language?
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A great starting point is Ayelet's Strength in Words podcast episode called, " Why Sign?" which features an interview with a fellow pediatric speech-language pathologist who has a special interest in Sign Language. You'll also find the printable Sign Language Motivators on her DIY Blog.

She also recommends these books to learn some signs appropriate for your little one:
My First Signs (Baby Signing), by Child's Play Intl Ltd
Play Time (Sign About), by Child's Play International Meal Time (Sign About), by Child's Play International Getting Ready (Sign About), by Child's Play International
Finally, there is a great Sign Language course for motivated parents and caregivers, in which you can learn 300 of the most commonly used signs, based on American Sign Language

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Why, When, and How to Start Baby Sign Language | CanDo Kiddo

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Everything you need to know about starting sign language with your baby.

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Helps a childs understanding of language

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increases a child's communication opportunities

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decreases a childs frustration

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Decreases a caregivers frustration with not fully communicating

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Strengthens social and emotional bonds.

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Helps child learn that movements have meaning.

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ASL Alphabet Song | Slow ABC Song (song only)

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Sing along with Sign Language- Music for children, kids and Toddlers

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Teach Baby Sign Language “More,” Sing Along “The More We Get Together,” Baby and Toddler Learning

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Helps them move onto developing words and phrases sooner

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beneficial to their memory and increases the amount they can remember.

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Creates visual stimulation