The Surprising Benefits of Teaching Your Child Baby Sign Language

When you're pregnant, you're filled with so many questions. What will the baby look like? What will they like to eat? Will they be a good sleeper? One question that often doesn't cross expecting parents' minds is whether or not to teach their child baby sign language.

But what if we told you that baby sign language has a ton of benefits for both parents and children? Keep reading to learn more about the surprising benefits of baby sign language.

What Is Baby Sign Language?

Baby sign language is a form of communication that parents use to bridge the gap between themselves and their nonverbal babies. It involves teaching your child basic signs that correspond to words and objects in their everyday lives.

The benefits of baby sign language are many old. For one, it can help reduce frustration for both baby and parent, as it provides an alternate form of communication when words are not yet understood. Baby sign language can also help babies learn to speak sooner, as they are already familiar with the basic structure of language.

In addition, baby sign language can promote better emotional development and stronger relationships between baby and parent. Babies who sign tend to be more alert and engaged, and they experience less frustration and stress. The bond between parent and child is also strengthened as they learn to communicate with each other through this unique form of communication.

Once your baby is born, you can start teaching them sign language. It may seem daunting, but it's easy to do and a great way to communicate with your little one.

1. Start with the basics. There are a few basic signs that every baby should learn, such as "milk," "more," "sleep" and "hungry." Start by teaching your baby these signs, and then expand on their vocabulary as they grow older.

2. Make it fun. Teaching sign language should be fun for both you and your child. Sing songs, play games, and make learning sign language into a fun activity.

3. Use visual cues. When teaching your child a new sign, use visual cues to help them learn it faster. For example, show them how to make the sign for "milk" by making the motion of milking a cow.

4. Be patient. It may take a little time for your child to learn all of the signs. Be patient and keep practicing regularly.

Benefits of Teaching Your Baby Sign Language

Your child will learn to communicate sooner.

Babies who sign typically start to speak sooner than their non-signing counterparts. This is because they've been able to communicate their wants and needs long before they've learned how to speak. They're not frustrated because they can't tell you what they want—they just use sign language to do so. My son started signing at about nine months old, and he started speaking at about 11 months old.

They'll be better communicators as adults.

Not only do babies who sign typically start speaking sooner, but they also tend to be better communicators as adults. This is because they're used to communicating their wants and needs verbally, as well as through sign language. When they need something, they know how to ask for it—and they're not shy about it!

They'll be more literate.

Studies have shown that babies who sign are more literate than their non-signing counterparts. This is likely because of the increased exposure to language that they get when signing. Babies who sign are exposed to more than just spoken words—they're exposed to written words, as well.

Tips for Successful Teaching of Baby Sign Language

Teaching your baby sign language doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it can be done in just a few simple steps. First, pick a few signs that you want to teach your baby and start using them in your daily life. It's important to use the same signs consistently and use them often so that your baby can learn quickly.

Another tip is to gesture along with the sign language words you are teaching, as this will help reinforce the meaning of the words. As babies become more familiar with a sign, start introducing new signs gradually. You don't have to bombard them with dozens of signs at once—start with one or two and expand as they become more comfortable with them.

Finally, make it fun! Put on some upbeat music, do some finger play and use silly voices while teaching your baby sign language—this will keep their attention and make it an enjoyable experience for both of you!