Absolutely anyone can learn how to baby sign and the signs can be learned at home using Bamba’s First Comforts. It’s easy for grandparents and all the family to learn.
Archive for the ‘Advice and Tips’ Category
Can you teach baby signing at home?
Monday, January 25th, 2010 When will my baby sign back to me?
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010The average baby is physically able to make the signs when she is around 6 months old but it might be two to three months before she actually signs. However, your baby will understand and respond to your signs long before she can sign herself.
When can I begin to sign?
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010You can begin to sign with your baby from birth – in fact, the earlier the better as it becomes a natural part of your communication
What are the benefits of baby signing?
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010It reduces the need for your baby to have to cry or point to get his or her message across.
It reduces frustration for both babies and parents.
It strengthens the bond between you and your baby – and happier babies mean happier parents.
Tips for 2010
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010
Happy New Year to all our bloggers and customers
As you’ll know using gestures with your baby is simple and fun so keep it up through 2010 and let us know your success stories.
Don’t forget to send us photos if you’d like them to be up-loaded to the site.
If you’re new to baby signing then the benefits are:
signing promotes talking skills – signing babies typically speak earlier
it promotes understanding of spoken language – you sign and speak simultaneously. Baby sees and hears what you are communicating.
it promotes play and interaction.
Bamba’s First Comforts are fun and educational. They’re great for busy parents and are designed for quick and easy start up.
Keep signing and let us know how you get on.
Yvonne
Teaching your baby using Bamba
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009Don’t expect your baby to produce accurate signs straight away. Accept his version, respond appropriately ie show him ”Bamba” if he roughly signs Bamba correctly, or if he signs “drink” show him the bottle and model the correct version for him.
It may take several weeks or a couple of months for your baby to learn their new signs; don’t give up babies love repetition.
Your baby will gradually stop using signs and use speech only as his verbal communication becomes more proficient. Unless of course there’s a younger sibling when he will start signing to the new baby and then you’ve already got a head start.
When your baby makes the sign praise him and encourage him to make the sign again. Plenty of smiles will help. Let him know you’ve understood for example say okay let’s get you some food and a repeat the sign.
Amanda
Follow Bamba’s advice
Saturday, September 12th, 2009
Don’t expect your baby to produce accurate signs Accept his version, respond appropriately and you might like to model the correct version for him. Follow the signs in Bamba’s booklet or follow the simple diagrams on the box lid.
It may take several weeks or a couple of months for your baby to learn their new signs; don’t give up babies love repetition and will enjoy playing and having your attention.
Yvonne
Speak and sign together
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009Remember to use the signs outside of playtime, so for example use baby’s own spoon to remind him of what it represents – food!
Cuddle his blanket as you sign or say “bedtime”. The sign should be used just before and during an activity.
Your baby will now be learning that there is a specific hand movement to represent an important concept and it won’t be long before he will want to try it out for himself.
You can choose your own words to accompany the signs but be consistent, so for example it’s OK to say “num-nums” rather than a more formal (and probably unlikely!) “food time”.
Amanda
Bamba’s special toys
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009Teach your friends and relatives the signs from Bamba’s book. They can join in.
Try to set aside two 10 minutes sessions a day with your child and Bamba’s First Comforts. Try not to have any background noise for example TV, music, washing machines. Babies will love your undivided attention. Don’t forget to play.
Show your baby a toy a from the box. Make the corresponding sign as you say the word. Allow your baby to choose a toy and again make the sign and say the word. Be guided by your baby’s interest.
Try to return the objects to the box at the end of playtime. These are special toys for a special time with your baby.
Baby Signing – The Rules
Saturday, August 8th, 2009Always speak and gesture together so your baby can hear and see what you’re saying.
Make sure that your baby is looking at you, so again they can see and hear you.
Use body language and facial expression to clarify your word or sign
Often it helps to have Bamba near your face so that your baby can see your facial expression and gain eye contact – essential ingredients of developing language. Then give Bamba to your baby and sign “Play time”.
Amanda