Baby Product Guides

Now that you're ready to start teaching your baby sign language, you'll need to find the reading materials that will assist you with this goal. You can order a baby sign language dictionary from the American Sign Language association (see our link section) , and there are also a number of retailers in your area that will give you the materials that you need to be a successful teacher. Here are some of the basic signs you should be teaching, as well as some components of the dictionary that will be helpful.

One of the most important signs in the baby sign language dictionary is 'eat'. Your baby will need lots of nutrition, especially during the first year, so it's important that you're about to know for sure each time your baby is hungry. You should start teaching sign language when you infant is around 6 months, and should use the 'eat' sign each time you feed your baby. Before you know it, your little one will be signing when they are hungry instead of crying or whimpering.

Other signs in the baby sign language dictionary include the sign for 'more'. After your little one has eaten, they may want more of the snack or meal that you've given them. Introduce the sign for more (using the dictionary as a reference if you need to) each time you sit down with your little one to eat. Again, this will help to prevent tantrums, since your baby will learn how to communicate with you in a way you can both understand.

The baby sign language dictionary will also teach your baby how to ask for specific foods. However, it is not recommended that you start teaching your baby these signs until they are a little older--shortly after your baby's first birthday may be ideal. For instance, the sign for 'cookie'  will require your baby to use both hands. The non-dominant (which is usually the left hand) should be held facing up, and the right hand is in a cupping position, similar to the motion for turning a door knob. The right hand, in the cupped position, goes in the palm of the left hand, and the right hand should make a twisting motion to imitate the shape of a cookie.

As your child grows, the baby sign language dictionary will provide you with tips and instructions on how to teach your baby the signs for 'mother', 'father', 'sister', or 'brother'. The dictionary will also teach your children how to have manners by saying 'please' and 'thank you', and you can use the dictionary as a reference for years to come. Visit the American Sign Language site for more information.

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