Understanding Your Baby: 7 Basic Signs You Can Teach Your Baby

Communication in kids doesn't fully develop until perhaps in their preschool years. It is important to learn their own language so you may know what your baby needs.

Baby language gets easier with signs. Try these basic signs for your baby so next time she needs something, she'll do the sign instead of crying. Collected from Parenting and Parents, check out this basic words:

1. I Love You

Expressing one's love is important, so teach them young. On one hand, lower your middle and ring finger toward your palm, keeping your thumb, pointer, and pinky fingers up. It's like the rock and roll sign. For illustration, check out this link.

2. Sleep

This sign can also be used if the baby is also tired. Face an open hand and slowly close it while also closing your eyes. Then drag your hand downward, eyes still closed. For illustration, check out this link.

3. Sad

Just like any positive feelings, it is also best to let them recognize their not-so-happy feelings while they're young. With your head bowed down, placed both hands in front of your face with your fingers spread apart. Then slowly move them towards your chest. For illustration, check out this link.

4. Medicine

This sign is especially helpful if your baby is not feeling well. They may use this sign if they need some kind of a relief. For this, put your middle finger of your one hand at the center of the palm of your other hand. Then move it in a circular motion just like you're mixing a medicine. For illustration, check out this link.

5. Pain

Just like the sign for medicine, this can also prove useful. Simply bring your pointer fingers of both hands together, with the rest of your fingers curled into your palm. Then pull them apart, repeating the motion for several times. For illustration, check out this link.

6. Eat

This will come in handy especially if you want to establish a routine with your baby. Move your hand towards your mouth as if you're eating. Check out this link for illustration.

7. Stop

Your baby can use this sign if he's already full or simply doesn't want something anymore. Hold one hand, palm facing up, in front of you. Use your other hand to bisect that palm. It looks like you're slicing something. For illustration, check out this link.

There are a lot of signs that you can teach your baby and it could be a lot of fun. Check out more signs in this video below: