Guest Post: 11 Things You Should Know about Baby Sign Language

Please welcome Misty Weaver here today to share some great information about baby sign language!  I love sign language and know a fair amount of ASL, however, I haven't used baby sign language.  After reading this information, I think I'll try harder with Scrunch! 

11 Things You Should Know About Baby Sign Language

1. Research shows that babies who learn sign language learn to speak at an earlier age than those who don’t learn to sign. While some naysayers claim that sign language will hinder your baby’s speech development, studies show that just the opposite is true.
2. Most parents start to introduce signs to their babies when they are 6-7 months old, but there is no harm in starting earlier than that, if you want to. Babies often continue to sign until they are 3 or 4, so if you have a toddler who hasn’t started signing yet, it is still not too late to start!
3. Common signs for babies to learn include: milk, eat, drink, juice, more, help, hurt, diaper, bed, please, and thank you. But no parent is limited to these signs. It is easy to pick and choose which signs work for you and your family!
4. Baby sign language is simply American Sign Language, adapted for babies. Signing babies are actually learning a second language!
5. Babies and toddlers who sign have fewer tantrums than non-signing children. They are able to tell you what they need, so they do not become frustrated as often.
6. Despite what you may have heard Baby Sign Language can be learned quite well in a home with two working parents. Many daycares offer baby sign language, and even if yours doesn’t, chances are good that your childcare provider would be willing to learn and reinforce a few basic signs. Especially if you promise that her efforts will result in less crying!
7. Toddlers who know sign language usually potty train easier and at an earlier age than their non-signing peers. Many children are ready to use the potty before they learn to talk, yet most parents wait until their child can verbally ask to go potty. With baby sign language, a child can ask without speaking. There are many signing two-year-olds out there who no longer wear diapers!
8. Baby sign language helps to build verbal vocabularies. Studies show that a signing toddler knows about 50 more (verbal) words than her non-signing peers.
9. Studies show that children form stronger attachments to their parents when they believe that their parents understand their thoughts and interests.
10. It seems the benefits of Baby Sign Language continue for years. One study showed that eight-year-olds who grew up signing had higher reading levels than children who did not.
11. Baby sign language is something that you can do for your baby that is absolutely free. There are lots of available tools out there: baby sign language classes, books, and DVDs, and these are all great, but all you really need are willing hands and a good attitude! Baby sign language doesn’t have to cost you anything. You can find all the resources you need, free of charge, online at websites like Baby Sign Language . The best things in life are free, right?

My name is Misty Weaver and I am mother and advocate for baby sign language.  I love to help mother's and father's with their signing questions and hear of all the success baby signing has given families. In my free time I love to curl up on the couch and read a good book and let my mind wander.

Thank you, Misty!  So glad you shared this great post with us!

So, do you plan to use baby sign language?  Have you used baby sign language?  What are some successes you have had?  What struggles did you have?