How To Learn Your Baby’s Sign Language

Many mothers struggle to understand their baby’s needs. However, it is necessary to have an open mind, and pay attention to your baby’s sign language. That way, you will understand that your baby has many ways to express himself.

Especially when they cannot speak, children express themselves through their body. Once you know these little signs, you can immediately understand what is happening or what your baby wants. 

Usually, a baby’s signals will become more intense when directed directly at the parents. The crying will be stronger, but on the other hand, the smile will also be better. Especially when the baby is reunited with his parents after being cared for by others.

Babies’ language begins with sign language

All babies make signs, show attitude and make sounds so they can be understood. For example, when you play together and he looks away, turns his head or bends his back, he tells you that he needs a break and prefers to play again later.

Crying not only means he is hungry. It can also mean that he is freezing, wet or tired. Every baby has a way of crying when they feel uncomfortable for some reason. Gradually you will get to know them. Therefore, be patient in learning these little signs.

Babies have many ways to show what they want. If your baby smiles when you are together, it shows that he is feeling well, is comfortable and happy. You will discover when you get to know your baby’s signs that it is very useful in establishing routines such as falling asleep. For example, you want to know when you need to help him fall asleep.

Your baby will learn over time

When your baby is close to 8 months old, you will probably notice that he is hanging around your neck, and starts crying when your friends or the pediatrician approaches. This indicates that he already distinguishes between people he knows and does not know. Strangers simply scare him.

In time, he will find that they greet him in kindness. He will get used to them, and in time accept them. However, it takes time.

It is very important to keep in mind that the same signals may have different meanings in different babies. Therefore, it sometimes takes time, dedication and patience to learn to play with your baby.

Being able to respond correctly leads to a great deal of devotion and will strengthen the bond. The key to being able to do this is by being observant, having patience and decoding your baby’s personal language.

Learn your baby sign language

It is important that the pace follows your baby’s pace. Make sure he’s having fun. The ideal time to start is when your child begins to become interested in communication. You will find that he becomes more social, starts babbling, making noises and expressions to get your attention.

When you say a word, make a sign or point to the one you are naming. Always use the same character. Repeat it many times. Emphasize the key word when making the sign so that your baby can clearly see and hear the connection between the two.

After a few days, your baby may start making the sign himself. However, it can take many weeks, so it is best to be patient. Make it fun for your baby. Your baby will have an easier time learning if he enjoys what he is doing.

Some characters that you can try

Different specialists recommend different signs when learning sign language. The “Draw with Your Baby” program is based on American Sign Language. The Baby Characters program uses a set of simple characters designed specifically for babies.

Both programs will work, just as a program designed by yourself will work. Any sign that clearly mimics the meaning of a word will work well. Here are some examples:

• Food: place your fingertips on your lips.
• It’s over / away: place your hands to the side with the palm facing up.
• Fear: pat your chest.
• Warm: stretch your arm out to touch something, then quickly pull your arm back.
• Where is it ?: shrug your shoulders and hold your palms up
• Rabbit: wrinkle your nose and point two fingers
• Car: turn an imaginary steering wheel
• Book: hold your hands together and open them up again with your palms facing up.