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Why Use Sign Language with Your Baby & Toddler?

Using American Sign Language with Babies

Signing with your baby, using American Sign Language vocabulary along with your speech, will not delay your baby's speech and language development. Studies show that it can enhance language development.

The area of a baby's brain that is responsible for understanding what is seen (visual area) develops before the area that is responsible for what is heard (auditory area). This means that babies can understand what is being shown to them earlier than what is said to them. So if you consistently show your baby the sign for MILK while saying the word, it is most likely the case at 4-5 months that she'll be calming down because she understands what she is seeing, not necessarily what she is hearing, yet. Keep in mind that all babies develop differently though.

The gross motor ability to sign starts developing around 6-7 months (every baby is different) while the finer motor skills need for speech develop from 12 months onward. This of how easy it is to sign FISH, one hand moving as if imitating the tail of a fishing swimming. My son signed this at 9 months. He started attempting to say it at 12 months, /pish/, and it wasn't until he was two years that he clearly said /fish/

Using American Sign Language with Toddlers and Older Children

During the terrible two's most of the challenging behaviors that occur happen because a toddler can't make themselves understood (and they are transitioning out of naps!). She wants your attention, and can't get it appropriately; she wants to escape a situation (e.g., diaper changing) and can't do it appropriately; she wants something and can't communicate this effectively and/or appropriately. Sign allows toddlers to communicate clearly and appropriately � no more 20 questions and melt downs are lessened.

Sign also allows you to communicate with your family is places where you need to be quiet, at church or at the library. It allows you to communicate through glass windows.

I remember giving my children, who were in the backyard, instructions while in the house one winter. I signed "STOP. NO SNOW on DOG. SHOVEL DOWN!"

I signed "I LOVE YOU" to them when I dropped them off at gymnastics today as well � they were in the gym already and I was in the parent viewing room and we were separating by glass.

I can sign to my son when he's on the hockey rink. He started to laugh so hard when he realized he couldn't sign "I LOVE YOU" back with hockey gloves on!

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Sara Bingham is the author of The Baby Signing Book and the founder of WeeHands, a sign language program with instructors across North America. She is a frequent contributor to parenting magazines and baby-related professional websites.

Since 2001, WeeHands has taught thousands of families and caregivers across North America to sign with their infants and toddlers. Get the latest news on baby sign language at www.weehands.com.

Article Source: Main Articles

www.weehands.com/

You have a new baby, and you are a proud parent. Do you sometimes feel excited but also a little nervous about taking care of your new baby? Then you are like most parents. Even in the first days of life, your baby is starting to find out who you are.

Research has found that very young babies know the difference between their parents and strangers. There are many changes that take place and new things to learn when you become a parent. It doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself. The love you have for your baby will help you learn to become a good parent. Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no one takes care of a baby in exactly the same way. Be a loving parent. Do your best. Enjoy your baby! Ask questions if you need help.

Newborn Health Screening

Your baby is tested for certain medical conditions when she is born. Many conditions can be treated if they are found early enough. Early treatment means your baby can grow up healthier.

Newborn tests are given in the hospital right after birth. The tests are given again at your baby's first checkup.

The second series of tests is important. It must be done one or two weeks after the first tests. Be sure to take your baby to the doctor or clinic for this second series of tests. At this visit, your doctor will also check other things to make sure your baby is doing fine.

A small amount of your baby's blood will be taken. It will be tested and you will be told if there is any cause for concern.

If you don't have health insurance for your baby, you can learn about resources in your state by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Insure Kids Now Program.

Newborn babies don't usually look like the cute babies in diaper ads. Newborns' heads are often more pointed than round. Their skin may be wrinkly and reddish in color. This is normal.

In the center of your baby's head is a "soft spot" where the skull bones have not yet joined. This allows your baby's head to be flexible during the birthing process. The skull bones will grow together to cover this spot as your baby grows. Meantime, the soft spot allows your baby's brain to grow.

Sometimes there are dark red patches on the baby's eyelids. They can also be on the bridge of the nose or back of the neck. No one knows what causes these. They usually go away during the first year.

Some babies are born bald, some have thin hair, and others are born with thick, dark hair. For many babies, this first hair rubs off. For others, the color may change.

Eye color can also change after birth. Eye color is usually set by the end of the first year.

The umbilical cord that is left on the navel at birth will drop off in five to 10 days. The place where it falls off will become your baby's belly button.

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