Over the last few years, baby sign language has become more popular. Parents are finding that it helps them communicate with their children on a whole new level. Essentially, we are giving children language early.

Contrary to some belief, it does not inhibit learning of spoken language, because every time you sign, you are supposed to say the word aloud. There’s no evidence that children develop a preference for signing when they are otherwise capable of speaking.

1. Fewer tantrums – A majority of tantrums are inspired when your baby struggles communicating with you. You probably know the feeling yourself: you’re trying to pass some meaning along, but no one seems to understand. Wouldn’t interacting with your child and caring for him/her be easier if they could communicate in a more sophisticated way? Sign language gives them that opportunity.

2. You’ll have a closer bond – Communication is an important part of life. Even a non-signing baby will enjoy mimicking your gestures (and you mimicking theirs) because there’s a feeling of closeness and interaction. You’ll be one of the few people in the world your child can communicate with, which will strengthen your bond.

3. A smarter baby – Earlier exposure to language (signing is just a different form of language) helps the reasoning and logic centers of your child’s brain develop faster. While other children are using basic grunts and yelling, your child can learn somewhat complex phrases. While most babies rarely sign more than two words in a “sentence,” you can easily teach 10-15 gestures for everyday things, like “hungry,” “thirsty,” “tired,” “teddy,” or “mommy.”

4. Meet needs faster – Ever looked at your fussy, cranky, whining child and ask, “What is the matter?” You’ve gone through all the typical needs and nothing is unmet, so what’s a mom to do? Through sign language, your child can just tell you. Maybe it turns out he is still hungry, even though he had a big lunch, or she admits that the nap she just woke up from wasn’t finished.

Teaching sign language is simple. Pick up any baby signing book for a list of gestures. These signs are slightly modified ASL to be made simple for babies. Start with basic words that your child would use multiple times a day, like “milk” or “hungry.” Stay patient, and repeat until your child learns that gestures are a manner of communicating. 

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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