Hello!! That is what my daughter would sign to you if you saw her out and about these days. This past Sunday we went out for brunch and I heard the people behind us giggling and talking about a little baby who was waving HELLO to them. It took me a moment until I realized it was MY baby doing the waving! This was her first time using this sign without being asked. It was very exciting, not to mention pretty cute. I must have given her some serious positive feedback because she hasn't stopped signing it since. She says HELLO to me when I come to get her from her crib, to herself in the mirror, everytime she gets the chance! I don't know who is prouder of her, me or herself.
Waving HELLO is a very normal skill for most babies hearing and deaf, signing and non-signing. If you have been waiting for the right time to begin teaching Baby Signs (although it's never too early) waving HELLO is a signal that your baby is ready to begin. Using positive reinforcement everytime the baby waves HELLO will encourage them to keep uising it. Simply introduce a new sign or few signs at this point and use the same encouragement even if they simply mimick your hands. There is nothing better than pleasing Mommy and Daddy, so they will want to use the gestures all the time if they get rewarded with a smile, cuddles and a little excitement.
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