Baby sign language?

Question

I've heard that a baby has a natural sign language ability. Like my son does a thing where he opens and closes his hands-and I've heard that when he does that it means he wants you to continue doing what you are doing to entertain him such as saying a word or making a face he likes. Is this true? Does anyone know?

Answer 1

Usually when a baby opens and closes his/her hands it means they want to hold or grab onto something like a babys first grasp he wants you to give him something to hold maybe like a toy or a hand or his bottle

Answer 2

I'm a teacher who has worked extensively with infants. In my experience, babies make up their own sign language, just like they eventually make up their own words. The gestures your child is making could mean a lot of different things, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out based on context after a while. I've seen babies as young as 7 months learn signs for "milk" "eat" and "more." You can try to teach them baby signs (which are easier for baby's little hands than ASL) or just do what works for you and your baby. Good luck!

Answer 3

it is definitely a natural ability!! my two best friend's mothers are deaf and they were each taught sign language from birth and caught on very quickly. it's the easiest form of communication for an infant/toddler who hasn't learned to speak yet. the opening and closing of his hands shows that he is excited and wants more so keep doing what you're doing!!!

Answer 4

I taught both of my girls sign-language starting at 5-6months and I definitely recommend it to everyone- it makes communication  less stressful between child and parent and it also develops their communication skills... but be sure to make your child talk as well as sign so that if someone in your family doesn't know the sign, your child will still be verbalizing themselves/ their requests. I also have never heard of a"natural ability" but both of my children picked up on it very quickly.

Answer 5

idk about NATURAL ability, but they can understand it easy and easier than words. my friends mom had a baby and he used it when he wants food and stuff like that. i think the open and closing of the hand thing is milk but im not sure. i know it isnt more. he could understand the sign language around 6 months and used it, but you have to teach it to them. like when you give them milk, show them the sign for milk. you can buy books and dvds on it and theres even a tv channel for it (but you have to pay extra for it)

Answer 6

I'm not sure about a natural ability. I thought teaching a baby sign language was crazy until my son was diagnosed with a speech delay. We started teaching him ASL at 27 months old and he was signing to me in a week or less. His frustration level went from 110% down to like 20% in that week.  I could not believe how happy he became. We used a very awesome set of DVDs called "signing time"