Should You Start Sign Language Now?

If you have decided to sign with your baby, you must be wondering how this will affect your interaction with your baby. You might be surprised to learn that when you sign you will probably talk with your baby more than you would if you did not sign. It may seem like a paradox at first, so let me explain. Parents who sign with their baby intentionally engage their baby in conversation. They make a conscious choice to explain to their baby that they are going to change the baby’s diaper or give the baby a bath. Many non-signing parents do these activities without explaining to their baby what they are doing or why. Or, they speak to their baby with their back turned. Parents who sign, face their babies so that their babies can see their lips and hear their voices more clearly, both of which help babies learn to speak.

The choice to sign with your baby should be based more on your state of mind rather than on your effectiveness. If you are feeling stressed out, tired, or otherwise not yourself, don’t worry about signing yet. Babies are developing their visual acuity at this time and their motor skills are limited. What this means is that your baby probably won’t see much of your attempts to communicate and won’t be able to sign back. So, relax and just hold and hug your baby. Talk with her; let her know how much you love her. The more low-stress environment you can give her, the better.

The bonding you can do with your baby at this age is more important than signing. When I was a first-time mom, I used to read books that told me not to worry about the dishes in the sink and the mess on the floor and just embrace my baby. That was hard for me to do because I felt that I had to get everything done like I used to. I have since learned that the wonderful, close time of the first three months goes by so fast. No one remembers that the dishes didn’t get done or that you ate takeout and frozen foods. What does come from this time is a feeling of security and trust for your baby, and a feeling for you that you are going to be a good parent. Relax and enjoy your baby, and the time you have together -- no matter how much it is.