Sign language is beneficial for helping those who are hard of hearing to communicate. However, you also can use sign language to help your baby communicate. Since your baby's understanding and motor skills develop before her ability to speak words, signing can help her to communicate before she can talk.
Age
According to the website Babycenter, your baby has the physical and cognitive skills necessary to learn sign language at about 8 months of age. However, you can start the process of teaching sign language as early as 6 months of age. Your baby might be able to make the connections this early, but he probably will not be able to demonstrate the sign language yet.
Skills
Your baby might demonstrate some social skills that show she is ready to learn sign language. If she can hold your gaze and starts to babble, it might be a good time to teach her to communicate by signing. She also might seem to want to get your attention while she is playing and be more sociable around family members.
Benefits
Learning sign language can help your baby communicate things that he otherwise would not be able to tell you or ask for. If he is scared, thirsty or needs more food, there are signs that can convey those feelings. This cuts down on some of the frustration you and your baby might experience as you try to understand his needs.
Signs
Some simple gestures are also considered signs, such as waving, blowing kisses and pointing. Your baby can use these signs to say hello or ask for a toy. Touching her fingers to her mouth is a sign that she wants to eat, and holding her palms open flat is the sign for a book. You can decide as a family which signs will be most beneficial to teach your baby.
Recommendations
Begin teaching sign language with a word your baby is interested in, and always use the word and sign together so he makes the connection. According to the website Expectant Mother's Guide to Connecticut, you can use flash cards to help you and your baby remember the signs. Be patient and consistent when teaching sign language to your baby. It might take him days or weeks to start signing back.
