If you’ve been hanging out with me online for any amount of time then you probably know that my love for sign language started when I was very young.
But, I didn’t know anything about BABY sign language until I was expecting my first daughter.
When I became pregnant I had already been signing for five years, but I had no idea how to take what I’d learned about sign language – and teach it to my baby. Not to mention WHICH signs I should teach her.
I’m guessing you feel the same way.
I purchased a beginner’s guide to baby sign language, and after reading the book, I had a solid understanding of why sign language for babies is so effective.
I learned that the best signs to teach your baby are ACTION and OBJECT signs.
Since my past signing experience was with adult conversation, the next step was to brush up on common signs that a baby would find useful.
The very first sign you should teach your baby is MILK.
Why? Because every baby and toddler drinks milk.
And it doesn’t matter whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, your child only has to sign the word MILK and you’ll know what instantly what she wants.
Watch this video: You’ll learn how to sign MILK in ASL:
*This is a sample video from Adventures In Baby Signing.
I found that signs I used most often were learned more quickly because of the repetition and practice from using them.
5 commonly used signs in my house were: MILK, EAT, MORE, UP, HELP
The first time your baby signs to you – you’ll be hooked!
It feels even better then then first time you hear ‘MAMA’!
Don’t believe me? You’ll just have to try it and see for yourself 🙂
Once you have the basics down, move on to signs for objects and baby sign language activities that your child has shown an interest in. This could be a game, toy, book or other activity.
If you don’t have access to a local baby sign language class and you want to learn more about baby sign language, check out my signature program, Adventures In Baby Signing.
P.S. If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends!
Much love and support along your signing journey,
Marcie
Like it? Share it!
