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BABY: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "baby"

Also see: FAMILY

 

The sign for "baby" or "infant" (as in a newborn up to about one year old) is made by placing both arms together as if holding an infant.  Then gently rock your arms back and forth. 
Some people do a small up and down movement instead of a rocking movement.
 
Tip:
think of holding a baby in your arms.

BABY:


"Do you have a baby?"


 


 


Other meanings:

If you mean BABY or "babe" as commonly used in signed songs, do not use the "infant" sign above.
Instead use a sign such as SWEETHEART


 


Also see: DAUGHTER


Also see: SON

 



 

Notes: 
You may see a picture or graphic like the one below in dictionaries.  You may see the sign "baby" done as seen in that picture sometimes but in typical signing we don't have time to do such a full overlap of the arms.  Often only the hands overlap.

 


 

 

In a message dated 1/22/2013 5:29:39 A.M. Central Standard Time, eweav.chik writes:
Hello! My name is Emily.
There's a sign that's confusing me that I would like your help on. I keep seeing a sign used in ASL music videos. It's the sign for "text", as in texting with a phone, but people are using that sign to replace the word "baby." Is this a real sign that can be used in a more romantic phrasing of the word "baby," or is it just slang? And would it be appropriate to use in conversation when not referring to an actual baby?
Thank you for your response!

Dear Emily,
That sign you are seeing isn't the sign for texting. It is the sign for "sweetheart."
People tend to substitute the sign "sweetheart" for the word "baby" in signed songs.
See: SWEETHEART
Cordially,
Dr. Bill

 

 




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