baby sign language - Stuff Parents Need

We taught Darah some basic sign language when she was pre-verbal, and it was a really awesome experience to be able to communicate clearly with our baby. I believe that it contributed to Darah’s strong verbal skills as a young toddler, and I also believe it was a key player in helping us potty train her very early (20 months). We knew without a doubt that we would do the same with our second.

What we have found this time around is that our 3 year old really enjoys being reminded of the signs she learned a used a few years ago, and she REALLY loves showing the signs to her little sister. Seeing Darah serve in the role of teacher gave me an idea: I needed to find a signing DVD that she and I could watch together to enjoy, and also to brush up on our skills so that we could broaden Layah’s signing vocabulary.

I Can Sign is the DVD we are using, and I really like it. I personally would not choose to put my infant in front of the television to watch it, but it is really great for an older sibling (age 2 and up, I would say). I have been watching with Darah so that we can practice together. At this point we’ve only been showing Layah the signs for milk, food, more, diaper, and sleep. She’s been signing milk since she was 4 1/2 months old, and I believe that she understands all of the rest of them. But I Can Sign has reminded me that there are many more signs that would be helpful to teach her.

If you have the desire to teach sign language to your baby, this is a good DVD for parents. But I would say it is an EXCELLENT DVD for an older sibling who also wants to be involved. It retails for $14.99 and can be purchased online. While you are checking out this DVD, be sure to look around at other great products from Baby First TV. I’m really interested in their DVDs about my first gym at home. No doubt that could give parents who can make it to a toddler gym class for whatever reason (time, expense) some good ideas for recreating activities at home.

I think this DVD or several others from Baby First TV would make a great shower gift or new big sibling gift. If you’d like to get the latest information from the company, be sure to follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Since we announced that Darah is working on potty training, and that sign language is really helping out with this endeavor, today I’m bringing you a helpful guest post on this very topic! Misty Weaver is the Chief Editor of Baby Sign Language, a FANTASTIC online resource center for parents and family members who want to use sign language (just a little, or even a lot!) with their young children to help communicate. Check out her helpful tips on using sign language to help with potty training!

For stress-free potty training, try teaching your baby sign language. Baby sign language is a fun way to communicate with your baby, and the signs are easy to learn. Best of all – Baby Sign Language really works. Signing is ideal for times when words aren’t enough – times like potty training! Read on for a some great signs to use when potty training…

When To Start Signing For Potty Training
At least three months before you plan to begin potty training, start using the signs for wet and dry, pee and poo, diaper and potty. Use the signs for wet and dry when bathing or washing and drying hands. This will help when it comes to showing your toddler the difference between a wet diaper and a dry one, so he can understand when he has done a pee. Eventually he will understand enough to be able to tell you – or sign to you – that he has a wet diaper.

First Steps
When you begin to sit him on the potty, make a big fuss whenever he does a pee in it, and show him the sign for Potty. Encourage him to sign Potty when he needs a pee, even if he does it in his diaper. The same for poo. When there are accidents (and there will be!), stay calm and merely sign Wet, so he knows what it feels like to wet himself. It’s important to sign calmly, with good eye contact, so your toddler can tell you aren’t angry with him.

Overcoming Frustration
It can be difficult for toddlers to get the hang of using the potty, and anything you can do to reduce any frustration is a good thing. This is why Baby Sign Language is such a great tool, as it doesn’t depend on a child’s ability to communicate verbally – an extra stress when trying to learn a new, important skill. Once he gets the hang of going on the potty, it will be easy for your toddler to tell you with sign language when he needs the potty, or if he’s had an accident, whatever his language skills at the time.

Make It Fun
Baby Sign Language can be an important part of communication for parents and babies, but it works best when you make it fun. Don’t take signing – or potty training – too seriously. Sign as part of your everyday routine and enjoy it!

Signs For Potty Training
Potty: To sign potty, make your hand into a fist with thumb peeking out between the index finger and the middle finger. Hold the fist out and shake it around a little.
It is like baby is ringing a bell to let you know it is potty time.

Diaper: Sign diaper by taking your hands and placing them down around your waist. Take your index fingers and middle finger together from each hand and tap them on your thumbs. It is like you are playing mini castanets at waist height.

Wet: The wet sign is made by reaching up with your hands bringing your fingers and thumbs together while pulling down. Use the wet sign for baby to tell us when she has wet her diaper and needs the diaper changed.