Baby sign language: the 5 myths

Several myths surround the use of signs, leading to fear among parents and caregivers. Here are some concepts that will challenge certain beliefs.

True or false?

1) Using signs will hinder speech development:

Research shows that using signs does not hinder speech development. Instead, it facilitates communication. The use of signs can be temporary or prolonged, depending on the child's developmental profile. When speech becomes functional for the child, they naturally stop using signs.

2) If a child has fine motor difficulties, signing is not a method to favor with them:

It is entirely normal for a sign to be imperfect while the child is learning it and developing their fine motor skills. The sign remains functional if communication partners have been informed of 'how' the child produces the sign. Just like with early speech, the adult understands what the child is trying to express but provides the correct model of the sign to be replicated.

3) If the child does not start using the sign after a few weeks of exposure, this means it is not a method to prioritize with them:

There is a delay between when we teach signs to babies (often around 6 months) and when they are ready to produce them (often around 10-11 months). It is after several exposures to the sign in different contexts that the child will be tempted to reproduce it. Let's not forget that it is important to always say the word at the same time you make the sign.

4) Signs should be used as a last resort, when speech is slow to develop or unintelligible:

When a child is young, the primary goal is to develop pleasant interaction and effective, two-way communication. Signs are far from a mandatory step to ensure good development in this regard, but they are an option for communication while awaiting speech development.

5) You should focus on one or two signs at a time; once they are mastered, you can introduce new ones.

The idea is to expose the child to the signs you are capable of making without restricting yourself. However, when you want the child to take action and make the signs, it is better to target 2-3 on which you will place more emphasis so that they reproduce them.