Bethesda Country Day School of Bethesda, MD

As a new parent, you may be looking for ways to enhance communication with your child. Baby Sign Language is a great place to start! Using simple signs adapted from American Sign Language (ASL), babies can express their needs before they have the words to do so. This early skill can reduce frustration, build confidence, and support language development. 

Here are some practical tips to get started!

Choose meaningful signs. Start with practical words that align to your baby’s daily routine. In our Infant Program, we teach simple signs like: ‘mommy’, ‘daddy’, ‘more’, ‘happy’, and ‘all done’.

Say the word aloud as you sign. To reinforce the connection between signs and spoken words, say the word aloud while performing the sign. Our teachers, positioned at eye level with the baby, follow this approach to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Be consistent. Use signs regularly and repeat them often. Repetition helps babies more readily understand the meaning of the sign. At our school, families receive an End of Month folder with a Baby Sign Language sheet, allowing you to see the specific signs we’ll be working on with your baby and practice them at home.

Be patient. As infants reach 6-8 months, they will begin to recognize and sign back to you. Don’t be discouraged if your infant doesn’t catch on immediately. Not all babies use Baby Sign Language, but the exposure increases the comprehension of key vocabulary.

Teaching your baby sign language is a fun journey that not only facilitates early communication, but also strengthens the bond with your child. If you’re curious about other ways our dedicated teachers foster your infant’s growth and development, contact us today!