Baby Is Making Up Her Own Signs
You feel certain that your baby is actually trying to sign, but now it seems as if she is making up her own signs. This is not only possible but likely. Babies have a natural inclination to gesture to get what they want. Even babies who do not learn to sign quickly figure out that they can lift their arms to be picked up or point to an object they want. A baby who signs is even more aware of the possibilities that gesturing offers her. She is likely to form all sorts of gestures to get her needs met.
As with a baby’s variations on ASL, the way you use (or choose not to use) these homemade gestures depends on the school of sign you are using. If you are using home signs or modified sign language, then these gestures will fit right into your plan of instruction. If you are strictly adhering to ASL, just continue to demonstrate the ASL signs, and your baby will acquire them in time.
E-FACT
Some babies begin to demonstrate their own gestures as early as six months of age, though many will not actively gesture until they are nine months old or older. Gestures that you may see your baby develop on her own include pointing, waving, and clapping.
