What if infants could clearly tell us what they want before they can talk? With simple sign language, they can! Teaching infants signs gives them a voice even before they have words. Research shows that babies as young as 6 months can learn simple signs, which can lead to reduced frustrated crying and support early language development.

Babies have ways to communicate by making facial expressions, crying, and making sounds. However, they can be hard to understand, leading to lots of frustration. By teaching them signs that match their needs, the child is able to communicate better and sooner. Infants learn signs easier compared to learning spoken words, and studies have even confirmed that learning sign language has helped the child develop speech.

Beginning around 6 months, adults can model signs and gently physically prompt the baby to mirror the sign. Prompts and rewards can be motivating but should be gradually delayed to encourage independence. Some useful, simple signs to introduce are “more”, “please”, “up”, “food”, and “all done”. This process of teaching will eventually lead to independent signing from the babies in real scenarios. Communication will become more specific and calmer.

Even if you don’t have a baby to teach, taking the time to learn basic sign language is a small step that can make a big difference. It’s a language everyone can use to connect.

If you would like to read more, click here!

Grace Hoey

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

When is that magical moment when a child goes from coos and babbles to real words? HELLO Lab’s latest episode, “When Do Kids Say Their First Words,” looks at this question using research and real footage from their lab! 

This episode explains that before words fully emerge, babies spend several months practicing sounds, listening closely, and learning how communication works. Word learning is a long, yet important process. The video discusses the milestones babies reach before they begin to talk. All the small steps lead to the child learning about the purpose of communication.  

Although the moment at which children begin talking varies, most babies develop important communication skills throughout infancy before spoken language emerges. 

Watch more here!

Grace Hoey 

UConn KIDS Research Assistant