Jump-Start Your Baby’s Language Learning with Baby Sign Language

Jump-Start Your Baby’s Language Learning with Baby Sign Language

By Lanni Reisinger, SLP-CFY

Kids Place Pediatric Speech Therapist

Teaching your baby a few basic signs can help jump-start their language learning at an early age.  By 6-months of age, a baby’s ability to understand language is more developed than their ability to speak.  They are great imitators of motor movements by this age, and typically will enjoy making signs and being able to make their intentions clear.  When exposed to signs at home, many babies are able to produce signs before they are able to verbalize true words.  

You can model simple signs for your baby as early as 3-months-old.  Begin by modeling the sign in familiar routines throughout the day until they are able to produce the signs on their own by 9-12 months old.  Choose signs that make sense for your family and will motivate your baby to learn.  

"MORE"

A good place to start is with the sign for MORE.  You make this sign by flattening your hands then bringing your thumbs underneath to make an “O” shape.  Bring your fingertips of both hands together and apart in front of you repeatedly.  Try modeling this sign during highly motivating activities such as mealtimes.

"EAT"

Another early sign you can try is the sign for EAT.  To make this sign, use the same flattened “O” hand shape as in the sign for MORE, but bring the sign close to your mouth (as if you are taking a bite!).  This is another sign to begin modeling during mealtimes.  

"ALL DONE"

A third, simple sign to try is the sign for ALL DONE.  Make this sign by beginning with both hands flattened and facing forward, palms facing up.  Rotate your palms inward while moving your hands apart until both hands are facing down.  You can begin modeling this sign at mealtimes or at the end of an activity (“We are ALL DONE bubbles/milk”).

If your baby appears to be motivated to use signs and is catching on, some other early signs to try include: HELP, PLEASE, MOMMY or DADDY.  Often, when babies do begin talking, the words they sign will be the first they verbalize.

The “Baby Sign Language” website is a great resource and online signing dictionary to explore more signs (http://www.babysignlanguage.com).