Baby Sign Language - Making It Possible To Communicate

Have you ever tried to soothe your crying baby and felt frustrated that you couldn't understand what she really wanted? Well you're not alone. In fact, many parents feel the same way. It's difficult at times to know what your baby really wants, and it's not only frustrating to you, but it's frustrating for your baby as well when she can't communicate what she wants or needs.

Well, one thing that has been helping to make communication a bit easier for parents and babies is baby sign language. Sign language allows babies to tell you if they're hungry, thirsty or have a wet diaper, but you may well be asking - Can your baby really talk to you?

Recent studies have shown that baby sign language works extremely well. It was created by Joseph Garcia through observing how a baby communicated with his deaf parents. This baby, who was not even a year old, was able to pick up his parent's sign language and "talk" to them. After observing how this worked, Garcia began to promote baby sign language for parents who had normal hearing.

Believe it or not, most babies actually can pick up the baby sign language rather quickly. As a matter of fact they find it easier to sign than to talk. This may be due to the fact that they are able to co-ordinate their hand movements at an earlier age than those of their mouth and tongue. You can actually start teaching babies sign language when they are about six months old, although some are starting even younger. Parents have been amazed at how quickly their babies picked up on the signs.

Teaching baby sign language takes away a lot of the frustration for babies. Instead of having to scream hoping that their parents will figure out the problem, it gives them the freedom to communicate what they need, which is a huge help to both of you.

A few parents have voiced concerns that teaching baby sign language may slow down their baby's ability to talk. Well, according to studies, this is certainly not the case. In fact, studies show that babies that were taught baby sign language actually start speaking more quickly. Some signing babies even show a higher IQ later in life.

Baby sign language can be easily taught to your child. There are excellent classes available that can help you to work with your baby on sign language, although some parents choose to teach the baby sign language to their baby by themselves. For parents who decide to do this at home, there are many helpful resources available. All you need are some basic tools - a sign language chart and an instruction manual. Flash cards with pictures can make the job easier.

If you are tired and frustrated at the lack of communication between you and your baby, then baby sign language may be a great choice for you both.


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Are you looking for some down to earth information on pregnancy and baby care that's refreshed every day? Have a look at Bottle Feeding Baby We have got heaps of articles to assist you to take care of your precious infant. Wendy Owen (HH Dip) is a holistic health therapist and sleep researcher with an extensive expertise on organic and homeopathic therapies.