In addition to mama, daddy or dada is another common first word among babies. Until your baby can talk, however, you can teach your baby the sign for the words father, dad, daddy, and papa in baby sign language with the following description and video. The sign is identical in American Sign Language for all four English words. Use your dominant hand to form the signs.
Baby sign language, baby sign, or baby signing is used by hearing parents with pre-verbal hearing children to improve communication. My baby signs are based on ASL (American Sign Language) signs. Baby signing is distinct from sign language.
Father, Dad, Daddy, Papa
Form an L with the hand with all four fingers together. Tap the thumb against the forehead.
References
Beyer, Monica. 2006. Baby talk: A guide to using basic sign language to communicate with your baby. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin.
