How to Start Baby Sign Language in the New Year

Ever wished you could understand what your baby wants before they can talk? That's where baby sign language comes in! It's not just about avoiding those frustrated cries (though that's definitely a plus). Teaching your baby to sign can open up a whole new world of communication and connection. And guess what? The new year is the perfect time to start!

Why Baby Sign Language? It's Not Just About “More Cookies”

Let's be real – watching your baby struggle to tell you what they want can be heartbreaking. Before they can form words, babies understand so much more than they can say. It's like they're trapped in a game of charades, but nobody told them the rules!

Baby sign language bridges that gap. Think about it – your little one already communicates through gestures naturally (hello, pointing at everything!). We're just adding some structure to what they're already doing.

The Benefits That Might Surprise You

Less frustration for everyone (happy baby = happy parents!)
Earlier communication (sometimes months before first words)
Stronger bond between you and your baby
Potential boost in vocabulary development
A fun way to engage with your little one

When's the Right Time to Start?

Here's the thing – you don't need to wait for the perfect moment. While many experts suggest starting around 6-8 months, you can begin earlier. Your baby won't start signing back right away, but that's okay! Think of it like planting seeds – you're laying the groundwork for future communication.

Signs of Readiness

Look for these clues that your baby might be ready:

Makes eye contact regularly
Pays attention to your face and hands
Shows interest in communicating (like pointing or reaching)
Demonstrates understanding of simple words

Getting Started: Keep It Simple!

First Signs to Try

Start with these everyday words:

“More” (bring fingertips together)
“All done” (hands out, palms up, turning back and forth)
“Milk” (squeezing motion with one hand)
“Eat” (bringing fingers to mouth)
“Please” (rubbing flat hand on chest)

Don't try to teach all these at once! Pick one or two that match your daily routines.

Making It Part of Your Day

Mealtime Magic

Meals are perfect for signing practice! Try these easy steps:

Show the “eat” sign before each meal
Use “more” and “all done” during the meal
Sign “milk” before nursing or bottle feeding
Be consistent – use the signs every time

Playtime Practice

Turn signing into a game:

Sign while singing songs
Use signs during peek-a-boo
Practice during diaper changes
Include signs in storytime

Common Mistakes (We All Make Them!)

Don't Worry About…

Perfect hand positions (baby signs often look different from adult ones)
Teaching too many signs at once (quality over quantity!)
Your baby not signing back right away (it takes time)
Using “baby signs” versus official ASL (both are fine for starting out)

Keeping It Fun and Natural

Remember, this isn't about creating a tiny Shakespeare – it's about communication and connection! Some tips to keep it enjoyable:

Make It Playful

Use silly faces while signing
Create games around common signs
Celebrate when your baby attempts any sign
Don't force it if your baby isn't in the mood

Building Your Sign Language Routine

Daily Opportunities for Signing

Morning routine:

Sign “good morning” when they wake up
Use “eat” at breakfast
Sign “change” before diaper changes

Throughout the day:

Sign “play” before activities
Use “more” during favorite games
Sign “outside” before going out

Bedtime routine:

Sign “bath” before bathing
Use “book” for storytime
Sign “sleep” at bedtime

When You Start Seeing Results

What to Expect

Every baby is different, but typically:

First signs might appear around 8-12 months
Signs may look different from yours (and that's okay!)
Some babies might prefer certain signs over others
Progress isn't always linear

Dealing with Challenges

Common Hurdles and Solutions

Baby seems uninterested? Try signing during their favorite activities
Inconsistent signing? Create visual reminders around the house
Family members not on board? Share success stories and benefits
Feeling overwhelmed? Scale back to just a few key signs

Expanding Your Sign Vocabulary

When to Add More Signs

Once your baby starts using basic signs consistently, you can gradually add more:

Follow your baby's interests
Add signs for favorite toys or activities
Include emotion words like “happy” and “sad”
Add signs for family members

Making It a Family Affair

Get everyone involved:

Teach signs to siblings
Share basic signs with grandparents
Create a family sign chart
Make videos of family members using signs

Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success

Remember, every small step counts:

Keep a sign language journal
Take videos of early signing attempts
Celebrate first signs (even if they're not perfect)
Share progress with family and friends

Final Thoughts

Starting baby sign language doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming. The key is consistency and patience. Some days will be better than others, and that's perfectly normal! Focus on making it fun and natural, and the results will come.

Remember, you're not just teaching signs – you're opening up a new world of communication with your little one. And there's nothing quite like the moment when your baby first signs back to you. It's worth every silly face and repeated sign!

So go ahead, pick a sign or two, and start your signing journey. Your future self (and your baby) will thank you!

New Mommy Media