Communicating with your baby or toddler doesn't have to be an obstacle anymore!

Through a few simple signs, or gestures, two-way communication can be established with babies and toddlers. Since babies can understand language before they can express themselves verbally, incorporating signs into our daily lives can give our children a very natural way to communicate with us. Babies have control over their hands long before they develop the fine motor skills required for speech so Sign Language can be useful and rewarding. Signing can reduce frustration and give a child the tools he needs to let us know what he wants, what he needs, and what he is thinking about.

You can begin to sign as early as 6 or 7 months of age. At around 6 months babies are just beginning to understand the world around them and may be able to follow some simple commands. They are also beginning to master some gross motor skills such as being able to open and close their hands and clapping their hands together. Consistent exposure to signs at 6 months of age can produce results (baby signs back) at about 8-9 months. Continue to speak to your child about your daily activities and routines, adding just a few signs to reinforce what you are saying. Every child is different, and the signs won't be perfect. Keep it positive and be patient. A child will recognize and understand the signs long before they sign back.

Talk to your child while showing these Signs:

MILK - opening and closing one hand repeatedly. Like milking a cow.
EAT - bring your fingertips (flattened O shape) to your mouth. Like putting food in your mouth.
MORE - bring fingertips of both hands (flattened O shape) together in a repeated movement.
ALL DONE- show both open hands (five shape) palms up and then palms down.
UP - pointing index finger straight up.
DIAPER CHANGE - both closed hands twist together, changing positions.

These signs are different from each other and something specific will happen when you say and sign these to your child. These signs meet many of your child's needs so they will be able to request something from you when they are ready.

Get in your child’s sight line and use facial expression. Keep it fun!