Baby sign language has allowed you to enter the world of your little one way earlier than the rest. As a parent or caregiver you are extra proud of seeing baby express his needs and wants as early as three months old. Baby milestones are precious and worthy of preservation. Just like the first lock of hair her first time signing milk or the moment you discover baby can form phrases by combining words needs to be recorded for posterity or at least to be shared with those we love who are far away.

Last year we invited our fans to participate in the 2013 baby sign language video casting call. We received numerous videos displaying multiple levels of achievement. From a little one signing milk for the first time to Amelie who kept delighting us by signing every toy mom pulled out of the boat.

 It was a fun project and one that rewarded us greatly with the motivation to keep sharing and encouraging families to incorporate baby sign language as a tool to better understand the needs and wants of their little ones. As we reviewed every submission of baby sign language videos we learned that some techniques work better than others when it comes to recording great baby videos with your phone.

Take a moment to read our post we know it will make a huge difference on the quality of videos you take and share as your little one amazes you and your family with endless charm and surprising achievements.

Before I set out to write this post I emailed mommy friends, speech pathologists, child videographers and YouTube pros and asked them to give us a few tips to help you capture the magic of non-verbal communication.  Not all tips apply to all babies and toddlers; in fact we suggest you pick one or two that best fit your child’s developmental stage and roll with it.

Your Trusty Phone Camera

Keep your phone charged and at arms-reach. With little ones impromptu displays of discovery and achievement are the norm.  This is particularly important for baby’s first sign. For early starters this can happen as early as three months.

Focus on Baby

I can’t tell you the number of times I have received videos from friends where baby is just a small dot in the horizon. Often I have to take their word at face value when they narrate their baby’s new milestone, as I am unable to see a thing. Make baby the center stage of the video. Focus on their upper body, hands and face. Either raise baby to eye level for you or get down on your knees so you can be at baby’s level as you film.

Be an Encourager

If you catch baby in a positive mood and very enthusiastic about signing stop what you are doing and engage with them. Celebrate their achievement verbally and share the video with them on the spot. This is particularly important with toddlers.  Toddlers love to be the star

Recruit a Helper

Not long ago I was having a cup of coffee with a friend who now has school-aged kiddos. She mentioned how she regretted having so few photos or videos of her babies with her at their side. Don’t miss out on the memories.  Go beyond the impromptu videos and ask a friend or a relative to record you and baby as you discover and learn together.

Flashcards, Books & Figurines & Technology

One of our favorite ways to engage in learning is by using props. It is adorable to see how a little one responds to an image or an object with a sign. By using props along with a verbal reminder you help create visual associations expediting association and response and resulting in wonderful videos. When you are short on multidimensional props consider using technology; your tablet, computer or any or kid friendly gadgets with image feeds. When you use props you can capture the best possible video by making yourself part of the recording. If a helper is not handy consider using a mini-tripod.  A mini tripod allows for the least invasive way of capturing a natural learning moment.

My friend Chara has been working on several animal signs. Her prop of choice is the Wild Animals Touch & Feel Book. It is just adorable to see how baby signs as Chara turns each page. Another favorite of the Baby Sign Language team is using figurines and models. Set a blanket on the floor place the figurines in a colorful container and let baby pull a random object while you model the sign.

Go on a Field Trip

While models and images are wonderful the best baby sign language videos come about when baby is engaged in real life situations. A visit to the garden, a park or a zoo provides ample opportunities to record baby signs.

Create a Mini-Studio

If your family is separated by distance it is extra important that you capture memorable and sharable videos. These images along with Skype have become for many the main way in which grandparents and other relatives get to share in the progress. Scout around the house for a spot with great light and minimal clutter. Decorate it simply which props that reflect the interests of your child and keep it ready for those moments when baby’s disposition and willingness to engage in learning is at its best. If you have special outfits keep them handy and clean to use during your studio recording sessions.

Editorial Magic

Pick your favorite app to edit your video and add subtitles. The goal is to convey clarity and create a memory worthy of sharing. Subtitles help your viewer know which sign baby is demonstrating.

Topical Series

Pick a selection of signs that match your baby’s interest or stage in life. From food items to toys or animals series are a great way to share your little one’s achievements. Imagine how wonderful it is to share a video titled: Miranda Signs ALL Farm Animals!

Break a Record

Do you have a toddler who is a super learner?  Make it your goal to add new signs to their repertoire and create a record-breaking video. In addition to a great family memory you stand a good chance of having something awesome that could possibly launch your little one into viral stardom. What a sweet thing to add to their digital scrapbook!

Help Other Moms & Dads

Sharing your videos of baby signing serves as a great encouragement for new moms and dads. The journey of parenthood can be scary. By watching the way others have engaged with their little ones we can provide assurance and encouragement to many as they discover the joys of parenthood.

Stay tuned-Later this week I will reveal our 2014 Baby Sign Language Video Casting Call with Thousands of Dollars in Prizes

It is time once again for us to collect the 2014 series of baby sign language videos. To that end, we reached out to several videographer and techie friends to get awesome tips on how to achieve the best possible videos using our smartphones. Many of these tips are applicable to camera videography but we want to give you as much info as possible on how to get a fantastic video with your phone because we know for most of us it is the go-to device always within arm reach.

Landscape/Horizontal/Wide Shot!!!
It is extra tempting to record on the vertical since that is the natural form to hold our device but doing a vertical video will result in decreased quality, will give you less background space to frame and it will not be aligned with the natural display format of televisions, computers, tablets and video distribution channels such as YouTube and Vimeo. While it is possible to rotate the video while editing this will result in Pillar-boxing. In addition to a more advantageous format holding your phone in landscape format provides you with a great opportunity to hold the phone with both hands resulting in increased image stability

Lighting Matters
You can achieve the best possible baby videos by filming outside early in the morning or late afternoon. This will result in full but softer light. Avoid direct sunlight or areas with patterned shading such as under a tree. Pick a background with brilliant colors and make sure baby is outfitted in contrasting tones for clarity. Avoid clutter. A clean space allows the viewer to focus on baby. If you are using a blanket pick a solid color blanket.

When outdoors is not possible there are many indoor tricks you can implement to have the best possible videos. Open all curtains and blinds to allow natural light into the house. Replace your light bulbs with full spectrum lighting and set the stage in a highly lighted area such as close to a large window but away from direct sunlight. Make sure the lighting is in front and not behind your baby.
Be Lens & Mic Ready
If you are like most mamas your phone is the source of recreation for the whole family and it is often subject to great duress. For fantastic videos with clear sound and highest clarity make it a habit to keep a clear lens and mic. You can buy disposable wipes at most camera shops.

Distance & Angle
Even with the best technological advances your smartphone is still limited by size and design. For optimal baby videos try to be at baby’s level or below and no more than six feet away.

Keep Steady
Earlier we showed you an example on how to hold your smartphone in a way that facilitates steady images. In addition to proper holding technique you may want to opt for a miniature tripod; a tripod is a very affordable solution that let’s you achieve steadier images and allows you to be part of the production instead of hiding behind the camera. If you are feeling crafty check out this project made by a 4-year old boy
Set the Stage
Pick a clutter-free background. Do a check by taking a still photo of your stage. Remove items that are unbecoming and add eye treats such as a classic toy or a single flower in a base. Seek to compose your video using the same principles we use for creating wonderful photos. Less is more, solids are better than prints and light is priceless. As for your baby pick classic and timeless outfits that convey their stage in life. Select colors that compliment their skin tone. If you have a little girl have fun playing with her hair. Keep wipes handy for a spotless face unless you are capturing one of those cute messy moments such as a first meal or an art project with finger paints.
Manage background noises. TV and radio should be off unless you are capturing one of those impromptu dances. Close your eyes and listen. If you can hear the washer or the musical toy so will those enjoying your baby video.

Edit Your Video
There are many wonderful free or low cost Apps for Android and Iphone that will let you have a gorgeous final product. My favorite is the Vimeo App
Manage Your Camera Time
Not too short, not too long. The ideal baby video is over sixty seconds but no longer than four minutes. By keeping it brief you stand a better chance of having friends and relatives truly enjoying your baby’s milestones without becoming overwhelmed.

Tell a Story-Keep it Topical
Make sure your baby video is narrative or reflective of a milestone or achievement. Keep it focused try to incorporate a verbal intro and convey a sense of closure at the end. If you are making a series highlight upcoming surprises or try to build up suspense.
Be Selective
Take many videos but only share the best. Remember, once your video makes it to the web it will likely be there forever. Don’t set the stage for trolls to do what they do best.
Have Fun
Be playful and engaging. Make memories and above all have a ton of fun. Time flies and before you know it you will be recording college graduation & wedding videos!
Join us next week as we share more tips on how to make a really cool and memorable video of your baby signing.

A belated happy fathers day to all the Baby Sign Language fathers. One of our founders was featured on What to Expect in their father’s day celebration series. Check out A Dad’s Perspective on Baby Sign Language.

The Parkers Celebrating Father’s Day