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Baby Signing

Baby Signing classes are a fairly recent phenomenon, with classes springing up all over the place as the idea grows in popularity. The idea is that babies can learn to communicate through signing, long before their vocal chords develop enough to allow them to speak.

Why sign?

Baby Signing is said to help alleviate a baby’s frustration at not being able to communicate effectively with its caregiver, and to help the development of verbal language skills. Signing enthusiasts also claim that Baby Signing can:

• Increase a baby’s IQ
• Teach them how to initiate a conversation
• Improve their creativity
• Reduce emotional outbursts and tantrums

Which signs to use

The signs babies learn are a much simplified version of the sign-language used by the hearing and speech impaired. While there are standardized signs for babies, such as British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL), it isn’t necessary to teach your baby a recognized signing language – after all, your baby will mainly be communicating with you. Any signs which help that communication will be just as effective.

How to start

If you do choose to teach your baby a standard set of signs it may be worth taking classes together. Babies are welcome from birth, although what they may learn when they are a few weeks old is debatable. Lots of signing classes combine the signs with singing of nursery rhymes and lullabies, which can be soothing for young babies – and a great way to brush up your singing skills!

Many Baby Signing websites offer videos and pictures, however, if you prefer to have a go yourself. The official sites of ASL and BSL are good places to start. (Different countries have their own standards which take into account cultural differences. The above sites include links to other countries’ Sign Language disciplines.)

Take time to learn the signs yourself, and then use them consistently whenever saying a particular word or phrase. Your baby won’t learn the signs overnight – continuity is key. Don’t forget, there are signs for emotions as well as objects, such as ‘tired’ or ‘bored’. Get creative and use your own parental instincts to help you show your child how to communicate with you.

Remember that it is fine to make up your own signs. As long as you are consistent, keep the sign easy for a baby to copy, and say the word along with the sign, your baby will learn it just the same as an ‘official’ sign. Use your tongue and mouth, and your eyes, as well as your hands.

Does it really work?

Critics of Baby Signing argue that signing leads to later verbal development, but there is no evidence to support this. Nor is there evidence to suggest that signing helps to bring about verbal communication sooner. One signing website enthusiastically claims that your baby will be able to tell you whether he wants to wear blue socks or red socks – at one year old! Do we want to be giving our babies these choices so young? Whatever your view, as a tool for helping a parent and baby ‘speak’ to each other in a useful and meaningful way, there is no doubt that Baby Signing is here to stay.

More Things To Do With Your Baby

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Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

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