Baby Care

The short answer is:  whenever you want.  The truth is, it is never too early, and it is never too late.  (Okay, well, if you are signing to your son while you are chaperoning his prom, that might be a little weird, but in general, it’s never too late!)

Many moms want to get a head start, and while a newborn won’t necessarily know what you are doing, it still doesn’t hurt.  It might even help your baby’s brain develop, and it sure gives mom the practice.

So here’s the long answer:  Most experts recommend starting to teach your baby to sign when she is six months old.  But as you know, each baby is his own creature, and each baby responds differently.  Some babies start signing at four months old, and some (like my son) show no interest at all until their first birthday, when they want more cake.

But six months is a good rule of thumb.  If you want to start earlier than that, then bravo!  Just don’t have unrealistic expectations about the results you will see!

Here are some signs that may (or may not) be helpful in determining if your baby is ready to start signing:

• Does your baby look at your face when you talk to him?
• Does your baby seem curious about the world around her?
• Does your baby point to things he wants?
• Does your baby already make her own gestures, such as waving goodbye?
• Does your baby imitate things that you do?
• Can your baby pick up small objects with his thumb and finger?

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