Help! My Baby is Not Waving!

Waving is one of your baby’s earliest forms of social communication. Many babies start to wave between 8-12 months. 

Babies learn to wave because they see their caregivers waving and they notice how excited the adults around them get when they do this. 

At first, your baby will only wave when someone waves to them, but, eventually, they will learn that waving is something that happens when someone leaves or comes into a room.

How to teach your baby to wave:

The best way to teach your baby to learn to wave is to show them. To encourage your little one to wave, try these tips: 

• Wave and say, “Hi” when someone comes into the room (“Hi Mama” “Hi Dada”)

• Wave and say, “Bye” when someone leaves the room (“Bye Mama” “Bye Dada”)

• Wave and sing a  “hello” song when your baby wakes up in the morning and when they wake up from nap

• Wave to your baby when you first see them and when you leave.

• Sing songs that include waving, like Ms. Rachel’s “We’re Clapping, Now We Stop”

• Play peek-a-boo or “Where’s ____?” with another adult. When the other adult reappears or uncovers their eyes, say, “Hi ______” and wave. 

• Hide a toy and play “Where’s _______?” When the toy reappears, wave and say, “Hi ______”

• Wave to the garbage truck, the bus, and any vehicles that pass by

• Wave and say “hi” to things throughout your neighborhood or during a natural walk

Things to consider:

While teaching your baby gestures, here are a few things to remember: 

• Gestures vary by family and cultural traditions, and your baby will be interested in copying whatever important gestures your family uses. 

• While it may be tempting to hold your baby’s hand (hand-over-hand) to teach them a gesture, the best way is to show them. Babies learn through imitation and lots of practice!

• While there are ages when specific gestures typically develop, it’s important to remember that your little one is developing at their own pace. 

Links, Resources, and Support:

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