They may not be able to talk, but infants are constantly communicating with the world around them, and boy are they eager to let parents and caregivers know what they want at any given time. As a parent, it won’t take long to decipher your baby’s code—you know, those high-pitched gurgles that tell you your little one is hungry, or the eye rubs that let you know nap time is near. When you miss a subtle signal or two (and you will, trust us), you’ll be made well aware by your baby’s not-so-subtle cries. That’s when you think: Wouldn’t it be great if they could TELL me what they needed? That’s why some parents turn to sign language for babies as a more consistent way to communicate with their kids before they know how to “use their words.”

What is baby sign language?

Baby signs are very simple hand gestures, often based on American Sign Language (ASL), that help babies who aren’t yet speaking to communicate basic needs to hearing parents. Each sign corresponds to a word that is super relevant to an infant’s life, like wanting “milk” or needing “help.” Teaching your baby sign language allows your child to communicate their biggest needs and make sure they’re met, explains Laura Payne, MDE, a baby ASL expert and teacher.  This lessens frustrations for both kids and parents and builds trust.

Payne explains that teaching your baby a few useful signs and building from there is a wonderful way to introduce them to a beautiful language while also helping them express their wants and needs throughout their daily routines. In doing so, you can consistently meet those needs, strengthening your attachment and boosting your confidence as a parent. 

When should you start teaching sign language to your baby?

When are those adorable little hands ready to start forming signs? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests teaching your baby sign language beginning at 6 months. This is thought to be a good window because developmentally infants are learning how to gesture around this time, but this milestone really kicks into high gear at the 8-month mark. Payne stresses that you’re never too early or too late to start. “Babies are born needing to communicate with us,” she says. “So you can start at 6 months or you can start when they’re learning to walk.” You know your baby better than anyone, so give it a go when you feel ready.

5 of the best signs to teach your infant:

The best way to teach your baby sign language is to choose signs that are important to you and your family and ones that you use a lot. Payne suggests starting with “high-functioning” words because they help your little one communicate their basic needs.

1. Milk

While keeping your hand steady in front of you, form the shape of a “C.” Then open and close your hand twice, ensuring your thumb closes over your fingers. You can start modeling this sign before your baby is old enough to do it themselves, and once they’re familiar with the sign you might see their eyes widen with excitement when they realize it’s milk time.

2. Eat

Make a rounded “O” with your fingers and then flatten your fingers out. Turn your fingers to face your chin and move them to your lips like you’re eating.

3. All Done

When signing “all done,” start with your palms facing in and the top of your hands facing out. In a quick motion, turn your palms to face out, and now you’re all done. Remember that you can use this sign in all kinds of situations, like during play and at the park—it’s not just for mealtime.

4. More

Bring your fingers and thumbs to touch and flatten both your hands—like the flat “O” when signing “eat.” Next, tap your fingers together and then pull them apart several times. Remember that your baby could be attempting this sign in any number of ways, from clapping their hands to tapping a single finger into the opposite palm.

5. Help

Your dominant hand is going to sign the letter “A” in ASL, or you can remember it as a thumbs up. Make a flat palm with your other hand and place it under your dominant hand. Raise both hands together to sign the word “help.”

How do you teach your baby sign language?

Payne recommends signing while saying the word at the same time, always remembering to embed the word in context. The next time you and your tot sit down to eat, this can mean signing the word for “eat” while using it in a sentence like, “It looks like you love to eat bananas” or “I see you eating those sweet potatoes.” This gives your little one the context of what the word means supported by the sign language. “I’d also recommend using statements over questions when you’re modeling [sign language],” Payne advises. 

It’s important to incorporate signs into your daily life and be sure to repeat them, according to Baby Sign Language. Research shows that repetition can be critically important for learning, so try to sign before, during, and after an event, like a meal. Another great way to help your baby learn to sign is when you read together. Payne says to sit your child on your lap so they have a clear view of your hands and the book. This way your baby can see you sign words you’re introducing (or already using) as you read.

What are the benefits of sign language for babies?

As far as baby sign language goes, there are benefits for everyone involved. Babies can express their thoughts and needs more effectively, which means less frustration and fewer tantrums due to communication barriers. It also saves parents a lot of time and frustration. If your baby signs “eat” you’ll know to prepare their favorite sweet potatoes instead of jumping into trial-and-error mode, changing diapers and searching for favorite Loveys. Teaching your baby to sign sets everyone up for better communication.

Another benefit is that learning sign language is in line with your infant’s physical development. Payne says the muscles in your baby’s arms and fingers develop faster than those in their mouth, throat, and nasal cavity, so they can sign long before they actually say their first words. Some folks believe that using sign language with babies can delay their verbal communication, but research has shown just the opposite. According to recent studies, it can actually facilitate rather than hinder the development of voice language, per The National Library of Medicine. As Payne sums it up, “language supports language.”

Since sign language is multisensory—communicating through seeing, hearing (saying the words you’re signing), and creating movements—it also nurtures your kid’s cognitive development. “Children feel their body moving and it allows for a multisensory approach, which helps them learn best,” says Payne. And if all that wasn’t enough, signing also helps to strengthen the bond between a child and their parents or caregivers.

What if your baby seems disinterested?

All children learn at a different pace, so if you feel your infant isn’t picking up the signs you’re putting down, don’t panic. There are a number of potential causes if you’re feeling discouraged, like maybe your baby just isn’t ready to start signing, or they’re already signing but you haven’t realized or aren’t positively reinforcing their attempts. These are important pieces of the puzzle to consider. When your baby does start to show interest, positive reinforcement is key to building their self-esteem, which encourages them to sign more. 

If you’re concerned about your baby’s ability to learn sign language, Payne suggests you seek out a professional for help. “Reaching out to an expert in the field can help parents and caregivers troubleshoot.”

Wondering how to get your toddler talking? Theses games and strategies will move them beyond babbling in no time

Your child may not have any words yet, but they find ways to get their point across. While furious sobbing or tossing a bowl of applesauce may not be your preferred form of communication, trust me, these are good signs! When your child cries, gestures, or uses a facial expression, they’re expressing something: hunger, discomfort, frustration. They’re using nonverbal language, and that’s a stepping stone to speech.

Even before saying their first word, children make connections between their actions and getting their needs met. When your child cries and points to a toy, then you hand it to them, they’re figuring out these relationships so they can more easily communicate their needs later.

So never fear—at some point, your child will be able to express their wants more clearly than with screeching or tears. And as their caregiver, there’s a lot you can do to help that process along. Nurturing your child’s language development is time well spent. Not only does it help your child communicate, but it also supports literacy and comprehension, ultimately improving their academic success along with their emotional development.

Now for the best news: To help your toddler develop their language skills, the name of the game is play. Here are six fun and interactive playtime ideas to try at home. None of these is hard to build into your routine—and chances are, you’re doing some of them already.

1. Turn your home into a zoo—a noisy one.

Who doesn’t love animal sounds? They’re a perfect way to help your kiddo become more verbal. That’s because imitating sounds is a stepping stone to imitating words, and most kids get a kick out of meowing and mooing. To practice, gather up any toy animals you have. Or you can cut out pictures of animals from magazines or find some online to print out. Take turns showing these toys or pictures to your child and either making the sounds yourself or having your child mimic them.

If you’re feeling really creative, act out the animals as well. You can turn your hands into claws and “meow” like a cat or get on all fours and say “baaah” like a sheep. Encourage your child to copy you! One reason imitation is so important is that it teaches your baby the back-and-forth of communication, which is a foundation for early conversational skills.

Related: 7 Phrases to Avoid Saying to Your Toddler

2. Sing lots of songs (actual musical talent not required).

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” “Itsy, Bitsy Spider,” and “The Wheels on the Bus” are classics for a reason. Children love singing simple songs and nursery rhymes. Not only do they provide some great bonding time, but songs can also build vocabulary and help children learn and recognize the natural rhythm of speech.

There are lots of opportunities throughout the day to liven things up with music: Think car rides, chore time, bathtime, or waiting in line. And nursery rhymes that include hand gestures are another great way to teach your child imitation.

3. Get theatrical with a puppet show.

Inject some drama into your day with good old-fashioned puppets. Whether you’re using socks, brown lunch bags, or stuffed animals, it’s a great way to strike up a mock conversation between two lovable characters. Make sure your puppet asks your child’s puppet all sorts of questions (using silly and imaginative voices, of course).

4. Play a game of telephone.

And we don’t mean scrolling social media. For this, you can use a toy telephone, create one out of LEGOs or cardboard, or even use an old cellphone if you have one. Pretend that the phone is ringing and have your child “answer.” Whether they’re babbling into the receiver or using simple words like “hi” and “bye,” this activity helps set the stage for early conversation skills.

5. Make time for storytime.

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s hard to overstate the importance of reading, even with babies and toddlers. Children start building the foundation for reading and writing in infancy. So when you establish a reading routine, you’re creating a good habit that will last a lifetime. Make storytime fun by choosing books that stimulate the imagination.

As you read, make sure to point to and label the pictures. If the page shows, say, a firetruck, you can engage your toddler by asking, “What sound does a firetruck make?” This will improve your child’s comprehension and expand their vocabulary.

Related: 40 of the Very Best Books for Toddlers

6. Turn “I Spy” into “I Hear.”

Choose a few everyday items that your child is familiar with—a toy, a banana, a cup, a spoon—and place them on the table. Next, say to your child, “I spy something that starts with ‘bbbbb.’” Really exaggerate your sounds and give your child enough time to find the correct item—in this case, a banana.

Provide encouragement and a little assistance if needed, and if your child gets it right, pour on the praise! This game expands your child’s vocabulary and helps them make associations between sounds, words, and objects.

What if your child’s language doesn’t seem to develop at the rate you expect? Consider speaking with a speech-language pathologist. These communication experts can work with you and your child to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a potential language disorder or other communication challenge.

The earlier these issues are recognized and treated, the more progress your child will make. Make sure, too, that your speech therapist gives you additional language-building exercises to use at home with your child. When it comes down to it, you are your child’s best communication model.

Leanne Sherred, CCC-SLP, President and Co-Founder of Expressable, is acutely aware that communication is fundamentally human and vital to how we connect with others and express our feelings. Leanne champions parent-focused intervention and has developed a unique clinical model that is core to Expressable's product offering and value proposition.

These amazing baby nappers use smart technology to help babies sleep so tired parents can rest too. By using motion, sound and light, these smart bassinets mimic a mother’s calming womb or a parent’s comforting arms to create the ideal environment for newborn’s sleep. Prices vary. A lot. Find the right one for your budget below.

SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet from Happiest Baby

Tamara Leigh Photography

Created by pediatrician and child development expert Dr. Harvey Karp, the SNOO is a responsive bassinet that combines gentle rocking, white noise and safe swaddling for a womb-like environment. Smart technology gives the bassinet the ability to automatically respond to baby’s cries with increased motion and sound. The bassinet comes with a mattress, three organic cotton swaddles that keep newborns in a safe sleeping position, an organic cotton sheet, and a water-resistant cover. The mobile app allows caregivers to view sleep patterns, customize settings, and receive helpful tips. While buying it carries a hefty price tag, you can also rent this sleeper for $129 per month.

Check out our review of the SNOO here

Available at happiestbaby.com, $1,595.

mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

4moms

With five unique motions—car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing, and rock-a-bye—that mimic the natural movements of parents and other caregivers, this bassinet is designed to help newborns fall asleep fast and stay asleep. There are also five speed options and four white-noise choices that can all be controlled with the Bluetooth-enabled 4moms app. The firm, flat sleep surface comes with a water-resistant mattress and sheet.

Available at 4moms.com, $375.

Chicco Close to You 3-in-1 Bedside Bassinet

Chicco

The 3-in-1 design makes this combination bedside sleeper, portable bassinet and changing pad a real deal. Keep baby close by and adjust to the right height for your bedside, or roll it into any other room and lock the casters into place. Soothing melodies and vibrations lull baby to sleep. When it’s time for a diaper change, flip the quilted mattress over to the waterproof changing-pad side. The fabrics are machine-washable. This sleeper accommodates babies up to 20 pounds, or until they push up on hands and knees, and the changing pad is for little ones up to 35 pounds.

Available at chiccousa.com, $300.

HALO Luxe Plus Series Vibrating Bassinet

HALO

This bassinet has a 360-degree swivel and lowering bedside wall that make it easier for new moms to tend to their newborns. The soothing center includes four sounds, two levels of vibration, a nightlight and floorlight, and a timer. It comes with a newborn insert that provides a snug sleeping surface that mimics the womb. The fabric is machine-washable and the sleeper includes a waterproof pad and fitted sheet. The bed itself can be removed from the stand, so baby can nap wherever you are.

Available at halosleep.com, $200-$350.

Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology

Graco

The built-in microphone hears baby’s cries and automatically adjusts the bassinet’s setting to lull baby back to sleep. The Sense2Snooze includes a head-to-toe soothing motion with three different speeds, two-speed vibration, and a variety of noise options. You can even save your newborn’s favorite combination of settings for quick calming action. There is a dimmable light and a reversible canopy for optimal light options. A storage space keeps all the essentials close at hand.

Available at gracobaby.com, $232.

Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet

Fisher-Price

The gentle swaying motion of this sleeper can be activated by parent or baby to send your little one off to dreamland. An overhead mobile rocks along with the bassinet, and light features include a projector that can be removed to use as a tabletop soother. Calming vibrations, songs and sounds all help create the right sleep environment. The removable sheet is machine-washable and the pad can be wiped clean.

Available at fisher-price.com, $180.

Cradlewise 3-in-1 Smart Crib

Cradlewise

Combining a bassinet, crib and baby monitor all in one, the Cradlewise adjusts as baby grows. The noiseless bouncing mechanism can respond to baby's wake-up cues before they cry and does not disturb sleeping parents. The built-in monitor has video, audio and a night-vision camera that can be monitored from home or remotely. Once your newborn grows out of the higher bassinet level, the mattress can be dropped to crib level for use by a toddler. In addition to a customizable app, the sleeper can be operated with hand gestures.

Available at cradlewise.com, $1,800. 

Katie L. Carroll

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On a hot summer day, Nixon was born a tiny baby fighting his emergency entrance into this world—a warrior brought into the world early. On that day, I worried that we both would lose a fighting battle against our bodies. He was whisked away to the NICU, hooked up to monitors, under lights, and the protective glass sheltering him from the scary outside world. Me, recovering as my body failed me, not strong enough to hold or see my tiny baby.

I wondered if he would miss me being there, his mother, the person who should be the first person to shelter him from the outside world. Was he as scared as I was?

Nora was born on a brisk day in December, I held her shortly after birth. She healed my wounded heart from her brother’s birth experience. I worried that my emotions from our NICU experience would cast a dark shadow on this tiny baby. That I would miss all the special moments as I sat in that worry.

I wondered if she would feel my heart reaching out to her as I held her in my arms. Would she know that the love I felt for her was deep to my core?

Our son has always had a sweet open spirit. He is the type of boy to share his last cracker, to wrap you in a long hug after he has faced his day. His jokes, sometimes unintentional, make me laugh till tears roll down my cheek. I worry that the people outside our front door won’t see what a truly magically spirit he is.

I wonder if he will find a special connection to another how I share one with his father.

With her fierce embrace of the room, our daughter takes in the world with a breathtaking magnification. She draws you into her space with simple hand gestures and her full spirit. I worry that she will dive into that space a little too deep as time goes on.

I wonder if she will move mountains and make waves in a world that needs her embrace. If she will make her mark like fierce women who I admire and have come before her.

I worry that I will make a mistake parenting both of these beautiful souls.

I worry that I will, in some way, push what I want on them too powerfully.

I wonder what qualities they will grasp onto from both their father and me.

I wonder if they will speak of us in a way that I cannot see from this side.

I know that the worry will often shift to wondering. That the mountain of fears will change to mountains of success, the sadness will be reshaped to alternate expectations.

I hope that we all can shine our light with who we are, what type of people we want to be, and are embraced with a clear understanding by others.

That they will surround themselves with people who want to know them as much as we do.

I will continue to worry, and I will continue to wonder as we walk this path together.

Tabitha Cabrera, lives in Arizona with her husband, and two beautiful children. She works as an Attorney and enjoys spending her time in a public service role. The family loves nature and ventures outdoors as much possible. Come check out her little nature babies

Since the world will never be completely free of bullies, the rest of us need to arm ourselves and our children with tools to mentally combat the abuse of bullying as much as possible.

One way to combat bullying is being mentally prepared ahead of time through intentional learning. Intentional learning is the persistent, continual process to acquire, understand, and use a variety of strategies to improve one’s ability to attain and apply knowledge.

Below are 5 cognitive tools to share with your child. Education is empowerment. Understanding a bully gives your child the emotional edge.

1. Understand the 3 types of bullying:

  1. Verbal bullying:  For example, name-calling, taunting, inappropriate comments, threatening to cause harm, etc.

  2. Social bullying/Relational bullying: This focuses on hurting someone’s reputation and relationships. It could be spreading rumors, telling others to specifically leave a person out of group activities, embarrassing someone in public/social media on purpose. It’s more common for women to use this type of bullying

  3. Physical bullying: Things like hitting, kicking, spanking, pulling hair, pinching skin, tripping someone on purpose, making obscene hand gestures, inappropriate touch etc. More than not, men are the ones who use this form of bullying.

Help them understand what constitutes bullying so they can identify it when it happens to them or a peer. Also, it’s important to know what bullying is so that your child doesn’t inadvertently do it; such as tickling someone even when they say stop (parents are notoriously bad at this…if your child tells you to stop please respect that so they learn “no means no”), snapping a girls bra strap, or even hugging someone who has told them before they don’t like being hugged. The intent may come from a kind and loving place, but if the other person doesn’t want it it can still be considered bullying.

2. Fake it til you make it. 

A mantra used by many from Hollywood celebrities to therapists in offices. There is a two-fold meaning. First, science has shown that acting differently can change how we feel about ourselves and even change our neural pathways (eg. Individuals with depression are sometimes suggested to act as if they aren’t depressed. Get up, go for a walk, make a healthy breakfast, etc. Many patients have found a decrease in depressive symptomatology when they do this.) Consequently, acting like a bully doesn’t scare you actually makes them seem to feel less scary and rewires your neural pathways toward courage instead of fear. Secondly, bullies feed off the fear of their victims and the responsive drama. Once they stop getting a dramatic response from their victim they often move on to someone.

3. Courage comes before confidence. 

Just like many others in the world, I too have been bullied. It isn’t easy facing people who treat us badly. That being said, some of the most empowering moments in my life came when I faced a person who was bullying me and I stood up for myself. Over time, I began standing up for others whose voice wasn’t as powerful as mine. With each encounter with a bully, I felt my confidence grow. Remember rule #2. Sometimes we have to fake our first acts of courage. Don’t doubt that confidence will follow. Even if you get punched in the face (like me) stand tall and walk away knowing it takes greater strength to do so than to fight. Share a story with your child(ren) about when you were courageous in the face of fear.

4. This isn’t about you. 

Remember, a bully’s actions do not reflect the worth of their victim. Whenever someone verbally attacks me I never take their words to heart because I’ve learned over time that their behaviors toward me reflect their own internal battle. It isn’t about me, it’s about them. I know it’s hard to not feel personally attacked…just reflect on a time when you lashed out at someone else in a moment of anger. The other person may have not even done anything to you (eg. unintentionally cuts you off in traffic) and yet you find yourself losing your mind on a stranger one car ahead of you. That driver didn’t deserve the anger you unleashed (they probably didn’t even hear it, which is good) yet you still released your own issues onto them. When someone is bullying your child, reminding your child that this abuse “isn’t about you” helps protect their developing ego/sense of self. Again, offer examples that are age appropriate for your child(ren).

5. Teach them who has their back.

Give your child(ren) phone numbers and names of people they can call as resources if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation or need to talk to someone.  Knowing there are people in the world, aside from a parent, watching out for them gives your child a sense of community and belonging resulting in feelings of security and empowerment.

Bullies have been around forever so until there’s a time when there are fewer bullies, help protect your children by arming them with education. Knowledge is their power.

 

I am a 42-year-old biological mother of two young children in a same-sex relationship, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in neuropsychological assessment, a music therapist, a trainer of therapy dogs and ex-communicated Mormon from Indiana with a wicked sense of humor. 

Babies may not speak words, but they sure can say a lot with the sounds they make. One viral video of a baby speaking gibberish is proof that it doesn’t require words to have a conversation.

This adorable video of a dad and his son having a little “talk” on the couch was recently shared to Facebook by his mom, Shanieke Pryor. It has since gone viral and it’s not hard to see why. It’s impossible to watch the back and forth “conversation” between the pair without smiling.

It’s not just the baby talk that makes this video so stinking cute. The hand gestures and looks on this little one’s face are the real kickers. What really makes the whole thing so heartwarming, however, is the way dad speaks normally to his son, as if he can understand absolutely everything.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Ian E. via Unsplash 

 

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Parents, admit the truth: sometimes you scratch your head and wonder who is this creature in your midst, running around in circles chanting undecipherable words? Today you have permission to just go with it. Follow these tips to transform your tiny earthlings into something out-of-this world.

1. Dress to impress. Since technically no one knows what extraterrestrials look like, they could wear anything but we think a nice green onesie would do the trick. Something shiny or silvery works well too. You’ll want a nice pair of shiny sunglasses (get the kind on a band for your on-the-go infants). Tutus and rainbow socks (or suspenders) fit the bill too, and sequins are encouraged.

2. Greetings, Earthlings. Practice your Vulcan salute or other unique hand gestures. The Vulcan salute is done by creating a V shape with your fingers. Press your index and middle finger together and keep them separate from your fourth and pinky fingers, which you also press together. You can also try the “nanoo nanoo” salute of Mork & Mindy fame. Basically, just do a Vulcan salute sideways.

3. Act the part. Everything is new to an alien: this strange new world they are exploring requires only imagination. Take them to the playground and have them explore the foreign landscape. Ask them what their world is like? What color is it, is it dry or hot or icy? Let them draw a picture of it. Then teach your kiddo how to blend in, what proper Earth behavior is, as you go about your day to day tasks like grocery shopping. (Really, it’s a great way to get them to behave!)

4. Eat anything and everything. This is the perfect excuse to rebrand the veggies they keep refusing. Introduce your cuisine with a flourish: broccoli or cauliflower florets from the Black Forest in Germany, harvested by garden gnomes on a Saturday. Would they like arctic ice melt (water) or moon juice (milk) with their sandwich? Your kids will be impressed and you’ll be able to dust it off again for weeks: tendrils of a giant beanstalk grown under watch of a witch (green beans) anyone? This is how Earth grows its food.

What strange, alien-y things has your kiddo done? Share them in the comments below!

feature photo: leafhopper77 via flickr

 

Well before they utter their first words, infants as young as six months can learn to sign. Baby sign language is thought to reduce baby’s frustration level, boost self-esteem, and bolster language development. And you don’t need to be an expert. Begin with three to five signs, saying the word as you sign it. Encourage other caregivers and siblings to join in. Then repeat, repeat, repeat. Your little one’s motor skills may not allow her to perfectly mimic the sign, so watch for hand gestures that indicate she’s trying, usually within two months of being introduced to it. Here are some great starter signs.

Photo: ckmck via Flickr

All in the Family
Show your little one the sign for a person he knows, like mommy, daddy, brother, grandma or baby. It doesn’t matter if you plan to use mommy, mama, mother, or mom, the sign is the same — using an open palm with fingers spread, tap your thumb on your chin. For “daddy” and its variations, use the same hand position, only tap the forehead. Remember to point to the person as you sign.

Video: Baby Sign Language.com 

Easy as Pie
Food is a great motivator. Teach your little eater the sign for her favorite food or the ones for eat, milk or bottle. When Baby’s plate is empty, “more” and “all done” allow her to set the pace for the meal. To sign “more,” press the thumb and fingertips of each hand together, and then tap the fingertips of the two hands together several times. Look for baby to put his fists or palms together as she starts to get the hang of this sign.

Video: Baby Sign Language.com

Monkey See, Monkey Do
Animal signs are fun because they often mimic some aspect of the animal. Baby will love learning the signs for her beloved pet or for the animals around the neighborhood. Dog, cat, fish and bird are all good candidates. You can even have a favorite stuffed animal act out the motions for its sign. The baby sign for “dog” is patting your hand to your hip, as if calling a dog. This is a slight modification from the American Sign Language version, which includes a snap that is too difficult for emerging motor skills.

Video: Baby Sign Language.com

Mind Your Manners
It’s never too early to introduce your little bundle to being polite. “Please” is a great word to start with. Try this technique when it’s clear he desires something specific, like a toy or a drink, and he’s not upset or in any distress. Say that you will get it and ask if he can say “please,” demonstrating the sign as you do so. Then give him the item, regardless if he does the sign or not. Eventually the concept will begin to sink in and he’ll be doing it on his own. With a flat hand and thumb extended, sign “please” by moving the palm of your hand in a circular motion in front of your chest.

Video: Baby Sign Language.com

The Daily Grind
Use the repetition of baby’s routine as an opportunity to teach her the signs of daily life. Learn “sleep” for naptime and bedtime. Let baby know it’s playtime by signing “play,” and then show her the sign for whatever you are playing with, be it a ball, blocks, or a book. The sign for “bath” mimics the act of washing. To do this sign simply move both your fists up and down in front of the chest as if scrubbing it.

Video: Baby Sign Language.com

Have you tried baby sign language? Share your tips in a comment.

–Katie L. Carroll