The Benefits of Teaching Your Baby Sign Language

When I first started working in a pre-school/day care after I graduated college, the staff at the non-profit organization loved doing sign language with the babies. Some parents were hesitant, thinking that if their child learned sign language, then they would not ever talk because they would not need to. Actually, just the opposite is true, teaching your baby sign language is beneficial.

My daughter was born prematurely 9 weeks early- (3lbs. 9 oz.), and while she was born early, she was not developmentally delayed; she caught up rather quickly on the growth curve and mentally with increasing gains throughout the first year and subsequently. Regardless of whether of not she was language delayed, I wanted to start sign language with her.

I started with a few easy words, "More", "Yes", "No", and progressed to a few phrases, "No more" "Thank You" "You're Welcome" and "I Love You." She really liked doing sign language, she caught on quickly, and it helped her learn the words much quicker. I taught her the signs as well as the words for the signs. When I did the signs, I said the words too. Before she could even say the word, she would do the signs, mumble, and then she finally progressed to saying the words with the signs, and then she would just say the word without the signs. Doing sign language definitely helped my daughter learn to speak faster and with more accuracy. Others understood her and thought her signs were very cute.

The benefits of teaching your baby sign language are an increased acquisition of letters words, and phrases, social interactions at an earlier rate, and it can ease the parent getting frustrated not knowing what the child wants. Regardless of the age of your baby and the stage of their development, teaching them sign language can be a bonding experience for all!