Sign Language

But My Baby Isn’t Deaf!

Sign language is a method of communication that can be learnt and understood long before your baby can speak. It enables her to communicate her wishes when she is old enough to know what she wants but not old enough to know how to say it.

How Does Sign Language Work?

Between the ages of six and nine months your baby is beginning to understand particular words that you are using to describe certain objects and activities. They have also learnt to coordinate their hands and fingers, they can wave, grab and pick things up.

By attending a signing class both you and your baby can learn to sign one or two words a week. Many classes use rhymes and songs to reinforce the learnings. Most signs are introduced using the word at the same time. Babies will start to use the signs themselves, understanding what they mean four to six weeks later. More signs can then be gradually introduced.

What Are The Benefits Of Teaching My Baby Sign Language?

Some child development experts believe that toddler tantrums occur when children become frustrated that they can’t communicate their needs adequately. Signing enables you child to communicate accurately with you from a much younger age. Signing also helps your baby to understand you better. By reinforcing the words that you’re using with a sign you are increasing the likelihood of being understood.

Be aware that if your child spends time at a nursery or in a playgroup with children and people who don’t understand or use sign language, they might make gestures and not be understood which could be upsetting.