Basic Baby Sign Language for important signs

Most of Babies enjoy basic baby sign language,because it is easy, practical, helpful and fun. Signing these basic signs helps babies feel good about themselves. They begin to gain a sense of independence. In order to reach success on teaching basic baby sign language to your little one, have teaching plan and guidelines are important. Here, I'd suggest you in the beginning stages, teach your baby the signs that he (and you) really need. In other words, teach him the following signs before you venture into the good manners and good grooming categories. You can always show him the sign for "toothbrush" next week.

Basic baby sign language for HURT/PAIN

The sign for HURT/PAIN is one if the one of the most important signs you can teach your baby. Once he learns his sign, not only will he be able to tell you when he is in pain but also where it hurts. Instead of simply crying, your baby will have a valuable tool to help him communicate the source of his pain. He will simply make the sign at the place on his body where it hurts. The bad news is that in order to learn the sign for HURT/PAIN, your baby must make the association between the sign and pain itself. Unfortunately he will have many opportunities to learn first hand when he is crawling and starting to walk.

Instruction for HURT/PAIN sign

Bring the tips of your index fingers together a few times.

Techniques to teach HURT/PAIN

1) When your baby has stubbled his toe or bumped his head, give him some cuddles and comfort and, of course, make sure that is is only a superficial injury. Then while you are soothing him, make the sign for HURT/PAIN where it hurts. If he injures his knee, for example, make the sign in front of his knee, saying sympathetically, "Did you HURT yourself?" Does it HURT? I'm sorry it HURTS." Remember to stress the word HURT each time, always signing at the point of injury.

2) If the injury is outside your baby's line of vision, such as nose, forehead, etc. Gently touch/rub the spot where he was hurt and then make the sign for HURT at that same location on your own body focused on his pain. Repeat this several times, talking to him soothingly. Another alternative is to take him to mirror so he can see you make the sign at his own nose or forehead. That will help him make a more personal connection

3) Pretend to hurt yourself while your baby is watching. Bump your knee, for example, then over-react by hopping around, gritting your teeth while making sign for HURT at your "injury".

Another time, pretend to walk into a wall and hit your nose. Over-dramatize the situation watch time signing and yelling "HURT" as your baby watches from his ringside seat. By the way, all babies really enjoy this game. The heartless little creature get a real chuckle out if someone else's suffering.

4)Use a teddy bear as a "crash dummy" and have him injure his head or paw. Then make the sign where he was hurt and top it off with a colorful band-aid to reinforce the point.

Basic baby sign language for HELP

HELP is another sign you will want your baby to learn. Knowing how to use this sign will eliminate a considerable amount of crying and frustration on your baby's part. Also you will not always guess why your baby starts to cry. Is he hungry? Tired? Does he want to have something to play? want to have your hug? What kind of HELP he wants?

Instruction for HELP sign

Pat your chest with your palms open a few times

Techniques to teach HELP

1) Look for situations where your child may actually need help; When a help is needed, you come over and ask/sign, "HELP?" Do you want Mommy to HELP you?" Then do whatever needs doing to rectify the situation.

2) Watch your child at play. If you notice a situation where you think he may need help, go to him and ask/sign, "Do you want Mommy to HELP?" If your baby don't actually need your help. Then leave him to play. Don't forget your baby also needs to learn independence.

3) Become more creative, you may create some funny stories which your characters need someone's HELP.

Basic baby sign language for DIAPER CHANGE

When you introduce the sign for DIAPER CHANGE, your goal is to get your baby to communicate when he is uncomfortable and wants you to change his diaper. Can a baby really "tell" you when he needs his diaper changed? Yes, if he wants to. DIAPER CHANGE is not as essential as the other signs but it does benefit your baby.

Instruction for DIAPER CHANGE sign

All fingers except the thumb curl into your palms. Your knuckles rest against each other and pivot in opposite directions

Techniques to teach DIAPER CHANGE

1) When your baby has a wet that he needs to change it. Put him on safe place. Then say/sign, "DIAPER CHANGE? Do you want your DIAPER CHANGED?" Repeat this a few times making sure you stress the words DIAPER CHANGE as well as sign.

2) Remove your baby's diaper, all the while saying/signing something like "I am doing a DIAPER CHANGE!"

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