We all want to be able to communicate with our babies, grandbabies or siblings as soon as we can beyond the babbling and cooing. It's nice to be able to know what your baby needs and be able to provide that for them quickly. Start out using signs that will help you learn what your baby wants from you, whether it be food or milk or changed or some other sign that would indicate his/her needs.

Begin with just a sign or two till you all get the hang of it. Use the sign for food when it's meal time or you are feeding your baby or show them an object and the sign for that particular object so that they can begin to make the connection between the object and the sign for it. Consistency is the key. If they see the sign every time you use the word they will quickly learn that sign. Saying the words out loud also encourages speech development. It's important for children to hear those words as well

Benefits for You & Your Baby

Studies have shown so many benefits to babies who use sign language. They learn to speak earlier, have less frustrations (a benefit for both baby and you) less frustration = less crying, increased vocabulary, a greater interest in books, greater self-esteem, higher IQ points and my personal favorite a closer bond with family members (which I have enjoyed first hand). Sign language will help in the development of your child's vocabulary and can be a huge benefit to them in the future allowing them to communicate with both hearing and non hearing individuals.

And by the time they are two and into the "terrible twos" which is mainly due to frustrations of not being able to communicate their needs and wants for most kids, being able to communicate thru signs even if they can't communicate their thoughts fully to you verbally, may help in reducing those frustrations, whining and temper tantrums. Teaching your baby sign language is an easy, fun and exciting way to begin communicating with your newest little member of the family. Make the most of your time with your little one. Sharing, bonding and learning together as a family.
About the Author

Nanette Gomez is owner of http://www.BabyTalk-Learn2Sign.com Your online resource for information and products to help you teach your baby sign language.