So, your little angel is crying. Unfortunately, you are stuck since you don’t know yet what’s making her throw tantrums. Does she want more food, or is her diaper uncomfortable? Luckily, she’s trying to communicate with hands up, but you are clueless. Finally, you figure out her problem after a couple of trials. It turns out she just wanted to play with the dog. But what if you knew the signs before? Other than the usual simple words of ‘mama’ and ‘papa,’ babies often communicate with their parents through signs. This article will elaborate on the importance of a sign language book and our recommended books.
(baby attempting to make a sign)
1. Why do you Need a Baby Sign Language Book?
The most apparent reason could be to reduce your babies’ tantrums since you’ll be familiar with what they want. Moreover, the sign compilation in books has excellent tips on memorizing the signs alongside teaching them to your baby.
Undoubtedly, there are options for media videos with the illustrations you may need. Equally important, you may be wondering why we’re specific on books instead of the sources. Well, the sign language books are self-sufficient. It is especially in terms of comprehension, constant reference, and tips on quickly retaining the information.
(a baby sign language book)
2. How to Choose the Best Baby Sign Language Book?
Now that we know the importance of a sign language booklet, we’ll look into the best books’ qualities. Briefly, some of the qualities you should consider when buying one include;
Clear illustration
Sign language books contain photos covered with sign illustrations. Therefore, a high-quality image will be sure to deliver the information as required.
Number of signs
A saying always has it that less is more. Indeed, when it comes to a baby sign language book, it is particularly true. As it is, your baby won’t forever use signs. Ultimately, an overload of the symptoms will take a toll on you. Therefore, consider a small number that encompasses essential and crucial characters.
Again, to reduce the bulk of searching for fitting signs, narrow down your scope to what your baby often does and that which you’re determined to know. Further, you may choose a book depending on your time limit – before your baby starts communicating in simple words.
Qualification
Certainly, with the era of information taking a toll on parents, it might be tedious deciding on a good book for your child. Thus, when searching for a signed book, be keen on the author and their publication’s companies. Eventually, the information you gain will help you know how experienced the authors are regarding babies. Also, it’ll rid you of the trauma of endless browsing of self-imposed online writers with less experience.
Additional features
The other few features you may need to consider are as follows;
Cost: Often, you’ll need to consider cost-effectiveness.
Quantity: what’s the number of signs you want to learn? And, is the purpose of retaining a short- or long-term goal?
Portability: In this case, you may look into other options like accessing an online video addition.
Extra materials: for example, flashcards can help you, and your baby learns and memorize the signs.
Portability: In this case, you may look into other options like accessing an online video addition. Extra materials: for example, flashcards can help you and your baby learns and memorizes the signs.
(baby flashcard)
References: some of the books make references to song lyrics or stories. Therefore, the signature becomes exciting and interesting.
3. The ten best-selling Best Baby Sign Language Books
Teaching your baby sign language can be hectic. However, with the help of these best-selling baby sign language books, the experience will turn to be fun for both you and your baby.
BABY SIGN LANGUAGE MADE EASY
Baby sign language made easy is a book that Lane Rebelo, a baby language specialist, wrote. The book comes with illustrations that are easy to understand. Also, it has 101 practical signs into thematic arrangements such as bath time and bedtime.
Advantages
- First, it signals you when you should start teaching your baby how to sign.
- It also teaches you how to capture your child’s attention so that they can see your sign.
- Then it has songs that you can sing while you are signing to your baby.
- It comes with a free online video dictionary.
- There’s a thematic organization with each chapter.
Finally, memory tips go with signs for easy recall.
Disadvantages
- It is a paperback version that can be relatively expensive.
- It has only one hundred and one signs.
THE BABY SIGNING BOOK
The Baby Signing Book is handy when you are having doubts about your signing skills. This book contains 450 American Sign Language signs. What’s more, the signs have an alphabetical arrangement making it easier for you to continue teaching your baby.
Advantages
- The book illustrates detailed hand shape, body space, and body movements for each sign.
- Further on, the illustrations are easy to understand.
- It has memory aids that help you easily recall the signs.
Disadvantages
- Only available in a paperback edition
- There’s no clear illustration of two-part gestures.
YOU ARE MY SIGNSHINE
You are My Sign Shine is a complete guide to communicate and connect with babies and children. Etel Leit is the author behind this book. Luckily, reviewers and customers have received it quite well, with both giving positive remarks.
Advantages
- Has illustrations that are easy to understand.
- Have a complete compilation of recent studies for informational use.
- It is rich in fun activities such as games.
Disadvantages
- Conversely, it is more expensive when compared to other books.
- It is a little complicated for newbies in sign language.
TEACH YOUR BABY TO SIGN
Teach Your Baby to Sign is an illustrated guide for simple sign language for babies. The book guides you on what signs you should teach your babies. And so, it comprehensively covers the common words for babies. Furthermore, it offers helpful tips for parents to use while teaching sign language.
Advantages
- It is available in a spiral-bound version.
- has about 200 signs in the text.
- It has clear illustrations and descriptions.
- The signs have an alphabetical arrangement.
Disadvantages
- It does not have digital copies.
- You cannot pair words such as mum and dad on the same page.
SIGNS OF A HAPPY BABY
Signs of a Happy Baby has been published recently in the year 2017. William Paul White and Kathleen Ann Harper pioneered in the writing of this book. These authors have taught more than 13000 families the American Sign Language since the year 2004. The book has continued to receive top-rated reviews because of its content that is of expert advice. Contrary to the norm, it is more informational than instructional, but it does contain a back dictionary of sign pictures.
Advantages
- Beneficial for parents considering the American Sign Language.
- Bas demonstrative pictures at the back.
- Instructs parents on how to incorporate the various signs into their daily activities.
- It is quick and easy to read.
- It is credible since it has provided data to support its claims.
Disadvantages
- Has a high cost.
- It is more informative than instructional signs.
- It cannot expansively teach basic or intermediate signs.
BABY SIGN LANGUAGE BASICS
Baby Sign Language Basics is an essential book for early communication for hearing babies and toddlers. Monta Z Briant wrote the book and included about 300 American Sign Language signs. It is very informational and teaches successful communication. Normally, it is often past the stand hand gestures.
Advantages
- It exists in two versions, the Kindle and the paperback versions. Fortunately, both of which are inexpensive.
- Has fun games to enhance communication between the parent and the baby.
- It includes signs for songs.
- It has community knowledge and safety signs, such as careful and hot.
Disadvantages
- Only food signs are applicable.
- The majority of the signs do not apply to infants.
- It has an element of repetition.
BABY SIGNING 1-2-3
Baby Signing 1-2-3 is an easy-to-use and well-illustrated guide for every stage and age. Generally, it has about two hundred and seventy words.
Advantages
- It has illustrations that are easy to read and understand
- You can categorize skill levels by age in months.
- Available in both Kindle and paperback versions.
Disadvantages
- The signs are in the glossary rather than in the text.
- The glossary doesn’t have an alphabetical arrangement.
TEACH YOUR BABY TO SIGN
Teach your Baby to Sign is in a flashcard system. The content ranges from beginner level to a more advanced communication level. It also has a total of 52 cards, and each card contains a sign and description.
Advantages
- Easily portable.
- Provides a stage by stage guidance.
- It has clear drawings.
- It has detailed clues to look for in children who cannot sign properly.
Disadvantages
- It lacks the action arrows that clarify the visual direction.
- You can easily misplace the cards.
MY FIRST SIGNS
It contains the American Sign Language. Furthermore, it has only 40 illustrations that target the key signs that babies can use.
Advantages
- It is inexpensive.
- Has simplified basic signs.
- It has eye-catching illustrations.
- You can easily hold it for the babies.
Disadvantages
- It lacks digital copies.
- Older toddlers can’t use it.
BABY SIGNS
Baby Signs is in the American Sign Language system. It has relevant signs for infants and toddlers, which only contains 13 characters.
Advantages
- Available in both Kindle and board copies.
- It has clear and colorful illustrations.
- The signs are relevant.
Disadvantages
- It contains only a few signs.
- It lacks action arrows.
- The instructions are in smaller fonts.
4.Other Problems With Baby Sign Language Book
Below are the frequently asked questions that we hope will further your knowledge of the sign language books.
Q: How old can my baby learn a sign language book?
By 8 or 9 months, you may start signing with your babies in cases where they develop an interest in communication. Nevertheless, starting earlier or later has no known consequence. Most babies will begin signing at 10 to 14 months.
Q: How do you make a baby sign language book?
- First and foremost, begin your learning process with the essential sign- often the important ones. These include eating or drinking.
- Then, ensure each sign has a synonymous word accompanying it. In this way, you’ll also be able to promote the verbal language to your baby.
- Thirdly, practice consistency—the purpose of repeating signs, words, or phrases as frequently as possible. Almost always, your baby may delay understanding what’s going on, but eventually, they’ll catch up with you.
- Lastly, use any suitable opportunity for teaching. In other words, do not limit your signing to a specific thing or situation. For instance, let’s consider this illustration; you point to a cup to let your baby know how a cup appears. If you don’t make an effort to show her any other cup you come across, be it on television, she may unluckily end up knowing only one specific cup.
Summary
Undeniably, communication is a paramount aspect of human lives. Babies, not being an exception. The right attitude and signing language book certainly make it far more comfortable and fun to ‘talk’ to your baby. Within no time, you would have created a deep connection with your offspring and increased his/her verbal communication chances. In conclusion, our team has a dedication to finding ways to improve the relationships between parents and their babies. And so, any inquiries on baby sign language are highly welcome. We do hope we’ll be of even more help.