Frequently Asked Questions – Baby Sign Language

Baby sign language is a communication method that uses simple hand gestures to represent common words and concepts, allowing infants and toddlers to express their needs and thoughts before they can speak. It’s a valuable tool for early communication, helping to bridge the gap between a baby’s ability to understand language and their ability to verbalize their thoughts. By using baby signs, parents can better understand their child’s needs, potentially reducing frustration and strengthening the parent-child bond.

To learn more about baby sign and start using it with your little one download our Baby Sign App today: please click here.

While baby sign incorporates elements of formal sign languages, it’s not considered a full language in the traditional sense. Baby sign is more accurately described as a communication system or tool. It lacks the complex grammar and extensive vocabulary of true languages like Auslan or ASL (American Sign Language) or spoken languages. Instead, baby sign focuses on key words and concepts that are most relevant to an infant’s daily life and immediate needs. This simplified approach makes it easier for babies to learn and use, and for parents to implement in their daily routines.

Our baby sign app takes this accessible approach to early communication and makes it even easier for families to incorporate into their lives. With our user-friendly interface and carefully curated selection of signs, you’ll be communicating with your little one in no time! Download our baby sign app now, exclusively available on iPhone, and start your journey into the world of early communication today!

Did you know that babies can typically learn to sign before they can speak? Many infants can start using simple signs as early as 6-8 months old, giving them a head start on communication! This early ability to express needs and wants can reduce frustration for both babies and parents.

To make it easier for parents we created the Baby Sign App for parents and babies in Australia. To download our Baby Sign App please click here.

There’s no set time to stop using baby signs. Many families naturally phase out signing as their child’s verbal skills develop, usually around 2-3 years old. However, some families choose to continue using signs alongside speech, enhancing overall communication. The beauty of baby sign language is its flexibility – you can adapt its use to your family’s needs.

Yes, baby sign language can be particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Signs provide a visual way to communicate, which often aligns well with the visual learning strengths of many autistic children. Baby signing can support language development and reduce frustration for autistic babies who may struggle with verbal communication. if you have an older non-speaking / pre-speaking child you may want to use key word sign, for more information on key word sign please click here.

While baby sign language borrows signs from formal sign languages, it’s typically a simplified version designed for ease of use by infants and toddlers. Baby signs focus on basic concepts and everyday items, whereas full sign languages like ASL (American Sign Language), Auslan (Australian Sign Language), or BSL (British Sign Language) are complete languages with complex grammar and vocabulary. In baby sign it is also essential to talk when you sign to avoid a potential speech delay and often use one sign per sentence for very simple concepts. Whereas sign language usually requires you to have your voice off with the signs not following the same structure as spoken languages.

While baby sign language borrows signs from formal sign languages, it’s typically a simplified version designed for ease of use by infants and toddlers. Baby signs focus on basic concepts and everyday items, whereas full sign languages like ASL (American Sign Language), Auslan (Australian Sign Language), or BSL (British Sign Language) are complete languages with complex grammar and vocabulary. In baby sign it is also essential to talk when you sign to avoid a potential speech delay and often use one sign per sentence for very simple concepts. Whereas sign language usually requires you to have your voice off with the signs not following the same structure as spoken languages.

Research overwhelmingly supports the benefits of baby sign language. It can enhance parent-child bonding, reduce frustration, potentially boost cognitive development, and give babies a way to communicate before they can speak. While it requires some effort to learn and use consistently, most parents find baby signing to be a positive experience.

Baby sign language is typically based on a combination of gestures natural to babies (like waving “bye-bye”) and simplified signs from formal sign languages. Our app draws inspiration from various sign languages to create an easy-to-learn system tailored for babies and parents.

No, research consistently shows that baby sign language does not delay speech development. In fact, some studies suggest it may even enhance verbal language skills by fostering an early understanding of communication concepts.

Yes, baby sign language can make a significant difference in early communication. It can reduce frustration, enhance bonding, potentially boost vocabulary, and give babies a way to express themselves before they can speak. Many parents report feeling more connected to their child’s thoughts and needs through signing.

1. Parents use baby sign language for various reasons:

• To communicate with their baby before verbal skills develop
• To reduce frustration and tantrums
• To strengthen the parent-child bond
• To potentially enhance cognitive and language development
• To make parenting more enjoyable and interactive

Ready to start your baby signing journey? Download our baby sign app now, available exclusively on iPhone! Our app makes learning and using baby signs fun and easy for both parents and little ones. Click here to download the baby sign app and unlock a world of early communication with your child!