Waiting for your baby to say their first words is exciting and fun, but the idea of being able to finally communicate with them might be most exciting. What if there was a way to communicate before your little one started talking?
From Bump to Baby is brought to you by The Pregnancy & Parenting Center
While baby sign language is not technical sign language, such as ASL (American Sign Language) or BSL (British Sign Language), it is a similar and helpful tool for communicating with your baby. “Baby sign language is a set of simple hand gestures and movements, otherwise known as signs, that correspond to common words you use with baby every day.” (source)
You can start baby sign language with your little one as early as 4 to 6 months old. Teaching your baby sign language can:
- enhance bonding between caregiver and baby
- reduce child tantrums and parent frustrations, since your baby can communicate on a basic level
- strengthen baby’s cognitive skills and improve their understanding of language
There are some who fear that teaching sign language may delay a baby’s verbal development, but experts says as long as your baby is developing at a standard pace, sign language will only enhance their understanding and communication skills.
Source:
- the Bump. “How to Teach Baby Sign Language: 25 Signs to Know.” [Online] Available at: https://www.thebump.com/a/how-to-teach-baby-sign-language
- Baby Sign Language. “Basics.” [Online] Available at: https://babysignlanguage.com/basics/
The Pregnancy & Parenting Care Center is the place for families to receive the support and resources necessary to make life affirming decisions and build stronger families. For more information, please visit https://thepregnancyandparentingcenter.com/services/.
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting