Infant sign language has been around for over 40 years. It is a very helpful tool for infants to enable them to communicate with those around them before they have the verbal skills to do so. Nothing is more frustrating for an infant that to want or need something and not be able to tell you. Sign language helps bridge that gap.
You can start signing to your child as early as you want – this will help make the practice second nature to you. Most people recommend you start teaching your child and having them repeat the signs when you feel they are developmentally ready – typically between 9-12 months. If you start using the signs earlier, many of these signs will already be familiar to them.
Also, don’t feel like you have to use the exact technical sign for an object – if your child develops a sign for a object and uses it – go with it. The sign is a representation of an object and if that sign links that object in his/her mind, then you are on your way.
Repetition is key, and remember to have fun!!
– Abbie
Tags: baby signs, infant sign language, repetition, verbal skills, vocabulary
