You can start signing to your infant as soon as you like, but you won’t get a signing response until they are at least 6 months old. The younger they are, the longer it will take for them to pick up signing. It might even take weeks or months, especially if they are younger than 6 months.
Most parents are learning the same signs at the same time their baby is, so make sure you start with baby steps, just like your own baby!
Start with one or two simple signs that you know you will use every day. For example: MILK & BATH are two great signs to begin with. Use the sign MILK every time you give your baby milk, and you can sign BATH at bath time. Using the same sign every time you say the word will encourage your child to soon start signing back to you.
Once you’re confident with the first one or two signs you’ve chosen and more importantly, your baby has started signing back to you, you can start adding in new signs; as many as you feel comfortable with. Make sure you don’t drop the signs you already know when you add in the new ones, and you’ll find your sign vocabulary will expand quickly, just like your baby’s.
For example if you have been using MILK, you can add the sign for EAT at lunch time, and then add BANANA and soon you’ll be using three or four signs in a sentence!
The more signs your baby knows, the easier it will be for them to pick it up - especially when your baby realises that they can get what they want before they can even manage to speak it.
As with speech, when your baby, first starts signing they may use the same sign for everything. That’s very normal. They’ve realised that their gestures actually mean something and gets them results. Just keep showing new signs and your baby will eventually start using the right signs in the right context.
Watch what interests your baby especially from 7 months to 8 months onwards, and introduce the signs for the things that capture the baby’s attention. For example: If a helicopter goes by, you can sign HELICOPTER. Or they love to see their brother, so when he is close by you can sign BROTHER.
Always say the word when you sign, and make sure your baby can see you clearly. Be sure to make eye contact.
Let your face be expressive. Use your expressions to make the signs bright and fun.
Speak slowly and clearly in a natural way and get down to their level so they can see you easily. Some examples are offered on the SignBaby DVD.
Be consistent in the signs you use, and try to incorporate them into your daily life. You can encourage other people (especially those who spend a lot of time with your baby) to join in with the signs you are using and encourage them to sign too. Make it a game for the whole family.
"Showing Sofya on SignBaby DVD"
If you speak more than one language in your family, the signs can become a common ground for everyone to use with the baby. Grandparents can learn signs just as easily as your baby can.
If your baby signs back to you differently from the correct sign, accept their sign – they will eventually sign correctly as they get more confident and agile with their hands. You can try shaping the sign on their hand from time to time, but only if it remains a fun activity for the baby. Make sure to give them what they’re asking for: they will quickly realise signing actually works, and they'll continue using sign.
As with talking, try to avoid getting your baby to sign “on command” like a performing bear.
Be patient! It does take time, especially with the younger babies, and don’t expect them to sign back to you before they are 6 months old. Some babies get it within days (especially if they’re older and toddling) but others may take weeks.
Be persistent – but only if you enjoy using the signs. If you find it stressful, let it go for a while and come back to it when you are ready. Use lots of praise when they start signing back to you and they will love it as much as you do.
If you have any concerns about your child’s language development at any time, be sure to seek professional advice.
