![]() ![]() This nonverbal communication is incredibly important and helps set the stage for eventual speech production. Crying, pointing, and babbling are examples as well. Remember, signs are just one of many forms of nonverbal communication your child already uses to express themselves. Teaching a baby sign language in conjunction with words helps promote language growth. Baby signs simply allow children to easily express themselves when the word might not yet be available. A child is always learning and developing language. Signs aren’t intended to replace verbal language. If anything, teaching a baby sign language in conjunction with words helps promote language growth. This is a misperception that's not rooted in fact or research. Some parents are hesitant to teach their baby signs because they worry it could delay their speech and language development.Īfter all, if a baby can express their needs with simple gestures, won’t they be less motivated to learn words? Sign language encourages infant independence as well as their nonverbal communication, and it leads to a happier, less frustrated baby.Ībby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP 8 MINUTE READ Can teaching baby signs cause delayed speech development? It can also increase the bond you have with your child by making you more responsive to their needs. Using common, simple gestures makes it easier for everyone involved to interpret your baby’s desires. And when less familiar caregivers are involved, like extended family members or daycare staff, it can even be more challenging. We make educated guesses based on our experiences, but we don’t always get it right. And no one likes to see a frustrated baby or toddler. Parenthood is often consumed by trying to figure out what our child needs at any given moment. The goal isn’t to be perfect or become fluent in ASL, but simply to help children better express themselves through gestures while also learning the associated words. You can even create your own gestures with the goal of making it easier for your little one to communicate. While they are not considered true ASL, and therefore don’t include the rules and grammar of ASL, they are easily performed and can help children articulate their needs before they say their first words. These signs are a modification of American Sign Language (ASL), but have been simplified and adapted for use by babies and toddlers. Let’s dive in.Ībby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP 6 MINUTE READ What is baby sign language?īaby signing is a collection of simple gestures that help children communicate their needs nonverbally. Research has shown that a baby’s ability to use gestures and signs is one of the stronger predictors of language success, and children that produce more gestures early on will develop larger expressive vocabularies as they age.īest of all, teaching your baby signs is easy, and many kiddos catch on quickly. It can also help cut down on any frustration your child is experiencing. That’s the idea behind teaching baby sign language! It gives parents a peek inside their baby’s thoughts, and provides a new way to help them communicate what’s on their mind. Here's the good news: You can help your child communicate much sooner, even before they've said their first word! Many parents and caregivers find themselves living with this mystery until their baby is able to use real words. ![]() How often do you wish your baby could communicate their needs-whether they’re hungry, thirsty, tired, or want a toy-without the cries and temper tantrums? How many times have you looked at your baby and wondered what they were thinking? ![]()
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