You may
well have seen articles written about sign language for
babies. We have learned that babies are actually able to
"say" things with gestures much sooner than they are able
to speak with words. By using signs, parent and babies can
actually communicate, which can help decrease some of the
frustration that your baby experiences when s/he cannot
get needs met.
To teach your baby signs you need
to use the signs when you say the words and fulfill whatever
the meaning of the word/sign calls for. For example, if
you are using the sign for "more" you should ask the baby
"more?" while making the sign, and then give the baby more.
When about to give the baby a bath, talk about "bath" while
making the sign and then immediately put your baby in the
bath.
ALL
DONE
Hold both hands up at shoulder level, palms toward you. Rotate
them back and forth, away from you and toward you, using your
wrist only. Say "all done" either as a question or a statement.
MORE
Place thumb and fingertips of each hand together, making a
"point." Bounce the two "points" together and apart, while
asking or saying "more."
MILK
Hold your right hand up in front of your chest in a relaxed,
but slightly open way. Squeeze you hand shut, then open
repeatedly while saying or asking “milk?”
PLAY
With palms facing towards you, bend fingertips in, except
for thumb and small finger, which should both be extended.
With hands in this position, rotate away from you and towards
you repeatedly while saying or asking “Play?”
EAT
Place fingertips on end of chin and thumb under chin. Keep
hand in that position, tap chin while asking or saying “eat.
BATH
Place hands shoulder height with palms facing you, thumbs
up and fingers curled. Slide hands up and down about six
inches and back again. Repeat while asking or saying “bath.”
