How to Sign "Diaper Change"
To sign 'diaper change,' you will combine the signs for 'diaper' and 'change.' First, place both hands near your waist with your index and middle fingers extended and your thumbs pointing out (a '3' handshape). Pinch your fingers and thumbs together twice, as if you are pinning a cloth diaper. Next, bring both hands up in front of your chest in 'X' handshapes (fists with the index fingers hooked). Cross your wrists and twist your hands around each other to swap their positions, signing 'change.'
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'diaper change' is a compound of two highly visual signs. 'Diaper' mimics the traditional action of pinning a cloth diaper together at the waist. 'Change' shows two items (represented by your hands) physically swapping places, visually representing the concept of replacing an old diaper with a new one.
Signing Tips
Make sure to clearly separate the two signs by their locations. The first sign, 'diaper,' happens down near the waist, while the second sign, 'change,' happens up in front of the chest. For 'diaper', the movement should be a quick, double pinching motion. For 'change', the twisting motion should be smooth, with the wrists maintaining contact as they swap positions.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is doing the 'diaper' sign too high up on the torso. It should be down near the waist or hips where a diaper is actually worn. Another frequent error is forgetting to cross the wrists during the 'change' sign, or just rotating the hands without fully swapping their positions.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Diaper Change" in a Sentence
1It's time for a diaper change.
Sign 'time', then follow with the sequence for 'diaper change' by pinching near your waist and twisting your crossed 'X' hands.
2Does the baby need a diaper change?
Sign 'baby', 'need', and then 'diaper change', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
3I just finished a diaper change.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'finish', and then perform the 'diaper change' sequence clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to sign both words?
Yes, to specifically say 'diaper change,' you should sign both 'diaper' and 'change.' If you only sign 'change,' the context might not be clear unless you are already talking about the baby's diaper.
Can I use the sign for 'change' for other things?
Yes! The sign for 'change' is very versatile. You can use this exact same twisting motion with 'X' hands for changing clothes, changing your mind, or changing a schedule.
What handshape is used for 'change'?
The 'change' sign uses 'X' handshapes on both hands. This means making a fist but leaving your index finger hooked, similar to a pirate's hook, before crossing your wrists.
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