X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping

Help your child 'speak' to you through sign language for babies and toddlers

3 min read
Help your child 'speak' to you through sign language for babies and toddlersHelp your child 'speak' to you through sign language for babies and toddlers

Learn and enjoy "talking" to your toddler and baby through basic sign language.

As every mother can attest, it can become quite frustrating trying to figure out what your fussy, crying toddler wants. But there is a way to open up the lines of communication, even if your child hasn't learned how to speak. There are those who advocate teaching your child sign language, and it's not as hard as you think.

All it takes is a little patience, repetition, and commitment. And it's all worth the time as learning the simple signs for "more," "drink", and "eat" can spell a world of difference for parents who feel helpless.

According to Nancy Cadjan of signbabies.com, babies can understand basic sign language as early as four months old.  And by the time they're seven to nine months old, when they have better hand coordination, they can manage to sign basic words on their own.

In addition to helping establish communication, sign language for babies helps strengthen the bond between parents and child, and boosts brain development.

Here are a few simple commands and gestures that you can adopt to grow both your vocabularies.

More

Bring the fingertips together and tap them together twice.

dabfff7822700e1e21c1f706ccfe314071e9fecd832b8ac1a842b9d55afbb843

Sleep

Bring the palm over the face, and close the fingers as if you're signalling their eyes to close.

6292d5ba540e9be1e88fee00bad6dfd30980436920c635bd4eee4a1c46035d06

Medicine

Swirl your forefinger in the palm of your other hand as if "to mix." This becomes especially useful when your baby wants to tell you that he/she feels unwell.

050960e218a6e08a131de69999495ec711c489c92566ac6dfcf8ded87f919530

Learn more sign language gestures on the next page...

Eat

Bring your hand to your mouth.

1e1faf9de086d6072cf0059d3a3db2b617cc1115b04b9a5e868e825362d1a2bc

Milk

Make a grip and make the motion as if milking a cow.

5be5b78185041d07eab8eb0557ab60163c7ef76d6b84ff7a7c845e46db521063

Water

Using three fingers, make a "W" and bring it to your mouth. Make a drinking gesture.

4c901e9b82d60929c7fc0ead15ded3223f4410debb6e209c9280221673e7f6f4

Check out more gestures to help you communicate with your child on the next page...

Please

Move your hand in a circular motion on your chest.

f372be98a41a2ac0ab9bcd4f4f9c16bccbe0ff2c414f3dac70aeaeca22a2052e

Thank you

Tap your lips and bring out your hand like you're blowing a kiss.

90923a279e15fc3ec9d727b0cbbaba5822b873af484b8784c4a9640783cf89bd

Book

Put your palms together and make the gesture as if you're opening a book.

Partner Stories
Newest narzo 50i Prime for only 4,399 this Aug 15!
Newest narzo 50i Prime for only 4,399 this Aug 15!
Global Video Streaming Service Prime Video Increases Investment for Viewers in the Philippines
Global Video Streaming Service Prime Video Increases Investment for Viewers in the Philippines
Postpartum Hair Loss: 5 Most Effective Tips To Restore Your Luscious Locks
Postpartum Hair Loss: 5 Most Effective Tips To Restore Your Luscious Locks
Swak sa Budget, Swak for Kids! Try these affordable and nutritious recipes
Swak sa Budget, Swak for Kids! Try these affordable and nutritious recipes

81e99c0b47f4be0fbb0791f09733cebc81c92ea6d25a98c6fcb65702ac9f8bd0

Done/ Finished

Put your palms to your chest and push out as if shooing a fly.

1348b971b0dd172d1af0441ba2573e2b0d04c8f4dbcb4d3c85bda752d9973ad2

Have fun!

READ: Mom teaches her 3-year old and baby how to sign 

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Kaydee Dela Buena

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Help your child 'speak' to you through sign language for babies and toddlers
Share:
  • Iba't ibang uri ng discharge sa ari ng babae

    Iba't ibang uri ng discharge sa ari ng babae

  • 8 na posibleng sanhi sa pagkakaroon ng sungki na ngipin at paano ito maaayos

    8 na posibleng sanhi sa pagkakaroon ng sungki na ngipin at paano ito maaayos

  • Can I eat Papaya during pregnancy? Here's what experts say

    Can I eat Papaya during pregnancy? Here's what experts say

app info
get app banner
  • Iba't ibang uri ng discharge sa ari ng babae

    Iba't ibang uri ng discharge sa ari ng babae

  • 8 na posibleng sanhi sa pagkakaroon ng sungki na ngipin at paano ito maaayos

    8 na posibleng sanhi sa pagkakaroon ng sungki na ngipin at paano ito maaayos

  • Can I eat Papaya during pregnancy? Here's what experts say

    Can I eat Papaya during pregnancy? Here's what experts say

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.