Learn How To Use Sign Language So Your Baby Can See You
Daily life doesn’t always present the most obvious ways to use sign language to where your baby can see you. Most of the time, baby is not just directly in front of you. That’s when we get creative so that your baby can see your signs!
If you don’t already, please follow me on Instagram for more about how sign language can be a game charger for your baby / toddler’s early communication skills.
Using sign language in baby’s visual space
Finding a way for your baby to see your hands clearly is the key. Let’s break down these 3 positions.
Sign in front of baby: This is best used when you are holding them, sitting with them in your lap, or they’re in the high chair. Make sure the hand you are using to make the sign is in baby’s line of vision.
Sign on baby: When you’re behind your baby (like when reading a book), you can actually put the sign on your baby’s body if it would otherwise be behind them and out of sight.
Sign on baby’s level: If they’re doing tummy time, get down there and join them! Being on eye level with your baby has many benefits, too.
Want to use sign language with your little one?
Get Started Now with 10 functional ASL signs to start using with your baby or toddler right away. Learn 3 tips to ensure you are using signs correctly and with realistic expectations. Whether you have already started signing, or just warming up to the idea, this free guide will take you one step closer to your goal!
Look Who’s Signing Now is my signature four part course that teaches you the exact blueprint I use to teach my own children sign language. Beginning with the foundation of why and when to use baby sign language, how to implement it, and what signs to use. With this self-study e-course, you will have the confidence to sign with your baby and boost their early communication while reducing frustrations, tantrums, and time wasted playing the guessing game.
Check out my online resources for parents! Browse my current offerings.
How do you use baby sign language when your hands are full?
I get this question often: "How do I use sign language consistently when my hands are always full?"
Give these a try:
📖trying to read a book together? position the book + baby so they can see the signs and the pictures at the same time
👛one hand is full? you can still use that hand to sign, even if the handshape isn't fully formed
👌dominant hand isn't free? it's okay to use your non-dominant hand in the moment!
🥴too much headache? waiting until your hands are free is totally okay, too!
Want a visual for these? Watch the reel I posted on Instagram!
Optimizing baby’s meal time for sign language
To help make sure you can more easily sign so your baby can see you during meals, give these seating arrangement tips a try. (To learn more about using sign language during meals, read this blog post.)
✅Sit either directly in front or at an angle to your child in their highchair or at the table.
🚫Sitting next to them requires additional steps from your baby. You don't want to make it more complicated for them.
✅Make sure your baby has a clear view of your hands and face.
🚫Remove centerpieces, drink cups, etc.
✅Be in close proximity to offer support and guidance as you sign and communicate.
🚫Sitting at a distance can cause more frustrations for both of you.
🌟If there is another adult, they can sit on the other side of the baby, for the same benefits.🌟
