How Early Should You Teach a Baby Sign Language?
- At 6 months, most babies can begin to make the connection between signs and the items they represent, although they won't be able to make the signs themselves for a while. Demonstrating signs between 6 and 8 months of age provides a great signing foundation for your baby, although there is no harm in starting even earlier if you wish.
- At about 10 months, many babies are ready and able to form their first signs. For that reason, try to begin actively teaching your baby signs at around 8 months so that he will be prepared to sign as soon as he is physically ready.
- Between the ages of 10 and 12 months, a baby is both eager to learn and physically capable of signing. This is a great time to really work on signing, even if your baby has been reluctant to sign to this point.
- Even if you have missed the optimal ages to teach your baby to sign, it is never too late to begin. Toddlers and even older children can still reap many benefits from learning sign language.
- The earlier you begin signing with your baby, the more likely it is to become a habit in your home. Keep in mind, though, that it is easy to get discouraged after weeks of signing to your baby and getting no signs in response. Just stick with it and soon your baby will be signing right back.