Baby Sign Language - Hand to Use

Once you have decided that you would like to use Baby Sign Language with your baby, many questions come to mind about how you should begin in order to be successful. One of the most common questions asked is, “When I use baby sign language, which hand should I sign with?  Does it matter if I am right-handed vs. left-handed?” The answer will be one that you like as it is simply a matter of preference. If you are right handed, sign with your baby using your right hand and if you are left handed, sign with your baby using your left hand. Since you will probably be most comfortable signing with your dominant hand, anyway, this works out for the best. The only time this would not apply, is if there is a two-handed sign that is being performed, then of course you will use both hands to make the sign.

I have only seen one instance where using your left hand may interfere with the understanding of a sign by your baby. This would be when signing the letters of the alphabet. Since many letters do take the form of their written counter-part, children will absorb this information as they see it signed. For example, the letter C is performed by curving your fingers into a half circle. When you perform this with your right hand, your child will see the letter as it appears on the written page. However, when this letter is signed with your left hand, your child or students will see the letter as if it were backwards. Therefore, it is your choice whether or not this would be a significant problem that you should sign with your right hand.  The letter “L” (and possibly “J”) also falls into this category.

If you haven’t begun baby sign language because you are feeling unsure about which hand to sign with, you now know that you can use your most comfortable hand – which is your dominant hand. Go ahead and begin signing with whichever hand you feel comfortable with and just go ahead and get started. Good Luck!

For more signs, tips and ideas on baby sign language, visit www.babysignlanguageonline.com/blog.