Use Baby Sign Language During Meal Time
Many parents associate using sign language with their babies with meal time and starting solids. Regardless of when you start signing with your baby (read more about that here), using sign language during meal time is highly encouraged.
Not only does meal time have many language benefits and opportunities, but there are also great functional signs for you to use. It’s super easy to optimize your time at the kitchen table so your baby isn’t constantly banging on the high chair, but is instead learning to use more efficient means to communicate!
Let’s dive in, shall we?
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Why use baby sign language during meals?
Meal time is language-rich. There is SO much to talk about with your baby as they are eating. From what foods they have on their plate, whether they are still hungry, to the clean up process (which is such a process, sometimes!). As the years go by, this transfers to include retelling portions of their day, sharing funny stories, and making memories.
But the best part of this language-rich daily routine is the functional language that lies at its foundation. Functional language extends past meal time, allows your baby to request or protest, are some of the earliest words to develop, and communicate basic needs and wants.
This means that the functional sign language you use during meal time can also be used during other routines of your baby’s day: bath, play, diaper changes, and more!
Want to use sign language with your little one?
Get Started Now with 10 functional ASL signs to start using with your baby or toddler right away. Learn 3 tips to ensure you are using signs correctly and with realistic expectations. Whether you have already started signing, or just warming up to the idea, this free guide will take you one step closer to your goal!
Look Who’s Signing Now is my signature four part course that teaches you the exact blueprint I use to teach my own children sign language. Beginning with the foundation of why and when to use baby sign language, how to implement it, and what signs to use. With this self-study e-course, you will have the confidence to sign with your baby and boost their early communication while reducing frustrations, tantrums, and time wasted playing the guessing game.
Check out my online resources for parents! Browse my current offerings.
How do you use sign language during meals and eating?
Make sure your seating arrangement with you and your child is conducive for signing, communication, and language, as well as safety of course!
✅Sit either directly in front or at an angle to your child in their highchair or at the table.
🚫Sitting next to them requires additional steps from your baby. You don't want to make it more complicated for them.
✅Make sure your baby has a clear view of your hands and face.
🚫Remove centerpieces, drink cups, etc.
✅Be in close proximity to offer support and guidance as you sign and communicate.
🚫Sitting at a distance can cause more frustrations for both of you.
🌟If there is another adult, they can sit on the other side of the baby, for the same benefits.🌟
4 ASL signs to use during your baby’s meals
These are four signs you can use during meal time to help you prioritize language, communication, and conversational skills.
Encouraging language during meal time from an early age can help reduce the frustrations, tantrums, and tense feelings around this daily routine.
EAT Use this sign while your baby is actively eating.
MORE When you are giving baby seconds, thirds, or even fourths - use this sign.
WATER As they learn to drink water from a straw or open cup, this is a great sign to use.
ALL DONE At the end of the meal, use this sign.
Too see a video of these four signs, watch this tutorial.
When your baby is banging on the highchair…
Not sure about your baby, but my second baby did this A LOT.
Whether it’s banging on the highchair, grunting, throwing food off the tray, or shaking their head “no” … YOUR BABY IS COMMUNICATING WITH YOU!
Rather than immediately giving more food, changing what is being offered, ending the meal, offering water, or whatever your gut reaction is to meet their need and end the unwanted behavior…
…use sign language to help teach a more desired way to communicate!
Need some examples?
You want MORE food. Here is MORE avocado.
You are ready for a sip of WATER. Let’s get your WATER cup.
You want to EAT sweet potatoes, not bananas. Here is another bite to EAT.
You are ALL DONE with dinner. Let’s clean up because you are ALL DONE.
Take those 5-10 minutes to teach language, so those unwanted behaviors are more likely to be replaced by meaningful language. This will most likely help increase the confidence of baby AND you!
