Baby Sign Language Myths

Here are six common myths surrounding baby sign language — the information provided should alleviate any personal concerns, and could be used to respond to the misgivings of family members or friends.

Myth 1: Sign language will delay speech

This myth stems from the misconception that sign language replaces verbal communication. This is not the case since speech always accompanies signing. While teaching signs, parents consistently repeat words to help babies make the association between the sign and the word. Sign language actually exposes babies to more speech. Research has shown sign language to accelerate the development of babies’ oral communication.

Myth 2: Baby sign language is a fad

The history of baby sign language reaches back almost 100 years. It has gained popularity as of late (Robert DeNiro’s shenanigans with his signing grandson in Meet the Fockers may have had something to do with this), but baby signing is no passing fad. Speech therapists have been using sign language for years, and children of deaf parents have had generations of first hand use and success.

Myth 3: Baby sign language is not endorsed by educators

Early child development organizations are increasingly incorporating sign language into their curriculum. Many educators with a background in language acquisition consider sign language essential when it comes to early childhood education and development. They cite many cognitive and developmental benefits. Language abilities are also improved as sign language can serve as a bridge between two languages.

Myth 4: Teaching will take too much time and effort

Teaching baby sign language does not require taking time away from daily routines and scheduled activities. Parents need not set aside ‘baby sign language lesson time’ or devote special days or times to focusing on signs. Baby sign language is easily incorporated into daily routines and existing schedules. Parents sign while reading bedtime stories, during mealtime or bath time. Babies are little sponges. If used consistently within daily activities, baby sign language will require little additional effort and show quick results.

Myth 5: Teaching babies sign language is pushing too hard

Critics might argue that teaching babies sign language pushes them to learn an unnatural skill. They might liken baby sign language to trying to teach a baby how to do long division! However, babies have a natural inclination to gesture as a way to express needs. Babies will raise their arms when they want to be picked up and point to an object they want to hold or eat. Using sign language taps into this natural ability. Babies often surprise parents with how much they are capable of learning and comprehending.

Myth 6: Baby sign language will confuse baby

One might think babies will not understand what parents are signing. This is partially true: early on, they will not understand what parents are signing or what they are saying. However, as parents continue to talk and sign, comprehension and association will set in. They learn to sign just like they learn to talk; only they have the motor skills to sign much earlier. As we discussed earlier, they’ll soon develop the oral skills and talk nonstop! These questions will come up repeatedly.

Each myth will be explored in greater depth in future articles.
Meanwhile, please feel free to share this with friends and family.