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Baby Signs

Baby Sign Language Creates Lasting Bonds

By Nancy Cadjan

Baby signing also gives you the opportunity to see what your child is thinking about. Fourteen-month-old Jessica repeatedly signed "moon" when she and her mother went outside. Mom realized Jessica was interested in seeing the moon. One evening, she took her out to see it. After that, Jessica asked to see it every night. Their evening ritual continued for six months. This was their special time together.

Over 20 years of research shows that children naturally gesture to obtain things they want. Who hasn't seen a baby lift her arms up to be picked up? By tapping in to these natural tendencies and teaching your baby some basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs, you can open a line of communication with your baby and learn her needs, fears and wants.

Some parents worry using signs will slow speech acquisition. Studies conducted over the past 20 years show babies who sign generally speak at the same rates as babies who do not, but actually have an easier time learning to communicate. When they begin to speak, they already understand the communication game and generally learn to talk faster once they begin to speak.

Additionally, the research shows that babies who sign have a 12 point increase in their IQ. Extended research shows this IQ increase lasts through the child's educational years. Children who sign as babies also have larger vocabularies and greater interest in books. Plus, you get the benefit of being able to communicate with them while they are still learning to talk.

Want to see more?

• Teaching Baby Sign Language: 10 Tips to Help Teach Your Baby Sign Language
• Baby Signing Basics: The Immediate and Lasting Benefits of Teaching Baby Sign Language
• Baby Development Questions: Expert Answers About Your Child
• All Thumbs: What Does Thumbsucking Mean for Development?
• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!

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