Baby Signs Gets Endorsed by the AAP

Baby sign language allows early communication between parents, caregivers and infants. It includes baby friendly signs from American Sign Language, and signs that babies and parents have also created.

The AAP has endorsed the use of baby sign language: “Infant sign language really does deliver on its promise of improved communication.”

If you have ever spent any time with a twelve month old, you realize how much they understand. When they have tantrums, it is often because they are trying to share some important information, but they do not have the words.

I find that most babies hit the “terrible twos” well before two. Between 15 and 21 months of age, babies are frustrated with their lack of words. Tantrums are often triggered by frustration. I always tell my parents that “they have lots to say, we just do not speak their language.”

Good news, sign language may bridge that gap. Babysigns is a great site for information about signing. Babycenter can also get you started on signing here.

Babies who sign have been shown to have advanced language skills, better gross motor development and less frustration.

Signing does not decrease the rate at which toddlers learn to speak. When words are used along with the sign, the infant and/or toddler will learn both. Babies who sign have been shown to have as much as a 3 month leadover playmates in language development.

Baby signing was first researched by Dr. Goodwyn and Dr. Acredolo. They have dedicated 30 years to the development of baby sign language.

“We know that signing with young children reduces a child’s frustration, brings parent and child closer together, and even helps children achieve significant developmental milestones earlier,” said Goodwyn. “Signing creates happy, secure, loving babies.”

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It's raining, it's pouring!

Last night while my daughter was in the bath it started to rain so hard that we could hear the raindrops falling on the roof, the thunder and we could see the lightning. I could see the worried look on her face and decided to use the opportunity to teach her a new sign and try and take her mind off of her fear of the rain sounds. I flittered my fingers on the surface of the water and made my own rain sounds. Then while my fingers dripped water, I raised them up to show her the sign for rain. RAIN, RAIN, RAIN....the water fell from my fingers and helped make the sign fun! You could quickly see the fear of the rain disappearing and the wonderment beginning. We talked about rain through the whole bath, and when it was over we walked outside and held out our hands to touch the rain. My daughter's face lit up! I know she has heard and seen the rain before, but being able to talk about it somehow made it magical. Signing rain gave her just the distraction I needed to turn a fear into a curiosity. I know the lesson stuck because all day today she has been waiting for it to rain. She runs to the window and says, "Mommy, RAIN?" I felt bad having to tell her, "No, no rain yet." Now instead of feeling afraid of the sounds of rain, she can't wait to hear them again.

I need a few more arms Mommy!

My little signer is not only signing ASL more and more everyday, but creating her own signs as well. Today she waved her arms very seriously in each direction and then signed MORE. It didn't take me long to realize she wanted to watch her OCTOPUS movie again. Very clever!

LOVE

As I was kissing my little signing superstar goodnight as I do every night, she looked at me and signed LOVE with a big smile on her face. For her to not only understand what it means and then chose to sign it to me before we said goodnight was one of those mom moments that makes all of this even more amazing. Just when you think you've learned something new about love, your child surprised you and teaches you how much you still don't know.