American Sign Language for Babies

Why use American Sign Language for babies when other signing methods can work just as well?

We absolutely acknowledge and agree that using any form of hand signs and gestures to help baby communicate is beneficial. However, we feel that specifically using American Sign Language for Babies (ASL for babies) is better. Why, you ask? Keep reading to find out why we believe in using ASL for babies over homemade signs and gestures.

Did you know that ASL is the third most spoken language in the United States, fourth in North America? Though there are some regional variances, the language maintains its consistency throughout the nation. Therefore, whether you live in Seattle, Washington or Key West, Florida, with a few exceptions, the signs will always be the same.

When you use homemade signs or gestures, your child is limited to communicating only with those who know your signs. You also have the task of trying to remember what your signs are and what word or concept they go with, which may not be so easy if you've created quite a few! Unless you have written your signs down, you won't have a way to look them up if you do forget. This will not happen if you use ASL signs as plenty of resources are readily available.

ASL is the 3rd most used language in North America, 4th in the US. The language maintains its consistency throughout the nation. Using homemade signs, limits your child to communicating only with those who know your signs. American Sign Language for Babies makes remembering signs easier.

Another thing worth noting about using homemade signs is that you can never be sure if a sign you made-up might be considered offensive or disrespectful to members of the Deaf community. As far fetched as this may sound, it has actually been known to happen on more than one occasion! By using ASL you never have to be concerned about the appropriateness of your signs.

Many high schools and Universities are now allowing ASL to be used to fulfill second language requirements. Using American Sign Language for babies lays the foundation for bilingualism.

Our baby signing BABY!

The best reason of all for using ASL signs is that Learning them is easy. Many of the signs for words are iconic, meaning the action or gesture looks similar to the word it represents. For example, the sign for BABY looks like you are cradling a baby in your arms.

As a standardized language, ASL signs are readily accessible and commonly known. When you want to learn a new word all you have to do is look it up in an ASL dictionary, which can easily be found on line or at your local library or bookstore. Alternatively, you can always ask someone who knows ASL as most are more than willing to share their knowledge of this beautiful language with others.

If you are already using a signing system with your baby that is not entirely ASL based and it is working for you, we certainly don't recommend abandoning your program unless it is what you want to do. The truth is, your baby will benefit from signing regardless of which signing program you use. We simply feel that if this is your first experience with using baby sign language, and you are starting from scratch, why not learn something that is the basis of a bona fide natural language? The ASL signs you and your baby learn now can be used for a lifetime.