The Power of Communication: Exploring the Benefits of Infant Signing
Welcome!!!
This is ChildCare Edu's very first post to our blog, why did we create one? Because we value knowledge of child development, its only going to improve your child caring experience. Saving you time, confusion, money (in some cases), and frustrations. This goes beyond a two three hour course and daycare, this space is inclusive for all that have chosen to care for and lead children. So lets kick things off with the youngest ones of the pack, INFANTS!!!
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How can we replace crying with communication?
The discovery of baby sign language offers a unique and effective way for parents to connect with their babies during the crucial early stages of development. By providing a means for pre-verbal infants to express themselves, this practice enhances communication, reduces frustration, and fosters a stronger bond between parents and their children.
Baby signing became mainstream in the 2000s, although discovered in the 1800s due to studies involving deaf families. But in the 1980s a Dr. Joseph Garcia rediscovered BSL (Baby Signing Language) and taught signing to hearing families. BSL starts as young as six months, were they communicate their needs oppose to crying. Signs include gestures of being hungry, wanting more, being all done, being too cold or hot, just wanting some love, and so on.
Benefits of Infant Signing include:
Enhanced Early Communication
Reduced Frustration
Stronger Parent-Child Bond
Early Language Development
Boosted Confidence In Care Giving
Cognitive Advantages (learning signs involves understanding abstract symbols and their meanings, fostering cognitive development and enhancing problem-solving skills.)
Give it try with these steps to get started
Start Early
Begin introducing signs around 6 to 8 months, when babies start developing motor skills and are more receptive to visual cues.
Choose Key Signs
Begin with simple signs that represent essential needs, such as "more," "eat," "milk," "diaper," and "all done
Repetition and Consistency
Use signs consistently in context and repeat them frequently during daily routines
Pair with Speech
Always say the word aloud as you make the sign. This connection helps babies associate the sign with its corresponding word.
Be Patient
Understand that it takes time for infants to grasp signing. Be patient and encourage their attempts
As the benefits of infant signing become increasingly recognized, more families are discovering its potential to empower and enrich the lives of both infants and their caregivers.
Be progressive in a real way that makes a positive impact to your life and the babies :) And check out these clickable links below to learn more:
How to Teach Baby 25 Key Words in Baby Sign Language