“Is my baby hungry?”, ” Is my little one sleepy?” – Guessing games seem to be daily activities between many parents and their infants. Babies just can cry mainly to try to express themselves, but it is not enough. And that is why baby sign language comes in to bridge this communication gap.
Baby sign language teaches simple hand movements that correspond to words. This helps your baby communicate their needs and feelings more clearly before being able to talk. This article is going to take you through everything that you need to know about “How to Teach Baby Sign Language”. It will start from the age at which a baby should be taught and the most common language signs parents should be involved. Be ready to unlock a whole new way of communicating with your little one.
What Is Baby Sign Language?
Baby sign language is a form of communication wherein infants convey their needs and wants through simple hand motions before they can talk. They are simple gestures that are easy for babies to learn and imitate. Teaching your baby to use such signs, like “milk,” “more,” or “sleep,” enables you to understand what they need without having to cry or guess.
Why Is Teaching Your Baby Sign Language Necessary?
There are many more reasons why teaching your baby sign language can be helpful aside from just a simple form of communication. First and foremost, it offers babies the mode of showing their needs, feelings, and wants long before speech development. This early way of communicating reduces frustration in both the baby and parents by minimizing guesswork in what the baby wants.
Early exposure to language, even through the non-verbal mode, can give children a head start in developing vocabulary and structure of the language. This shared learning deepens the bond between a parent and child and builds up trust. All in all, it is an excellent way to promote early communication, understanding, and independence in kids. Linda Acredolo, Ph.D., Child Development Expert and Co-Author of Baby Signs, revealed:
“Research shows that babies who use sign language actually develop verbal skills more quickly than non-signing peers. It’s a powerful tool for early language development.”
When Should You Start To Teach Your Baby Sign Language?
You may teach baby sign language starting from 6 months old, though some parents can do it even earlier1. At this age, babies are generally more receptive to learning simple signs, even though they won’t start using them immediately. In the baby milestone chart, most begin signing back between 8 to 12 months, but consistency and patience are the keys. The earlier you start, the more familiar your baby will become with the signs. This will make it easier for them to use the signs once they’re ready to communicate.
How To Teach Baby Sign Language – Tips To Start
Teaching your baby sign language is easier than you might think. With consistency and patience, you’ll soon be communicating with your little one in a whole new way.
Start with essential signs
Begin with 3-5 signs that relate directly to your baby’s daily needs and interests. Common starter signs include “milk,” “more,” “eat,” and “all done.” These practical signs give your baby immediate ways to communicate their most frequent needs. Once your baby masters these foundational signs, you can gradually introduce new ones.
Use signs during daily activities
Consistency is key to success. Incorporate signs naturally into your everyday routines. Sign “milk” every time you nurse or prepare a bottle. Use “more” during meals and playtime. Sign “bath” when it’s bathtime. The repetition helps your baby connect the hand gesture with the action or object. Make eye contact with your baby while signing so they can clearly see both the sign and your facial expression.
Speak while you sign
Always say the word out loud while performing the sign. This dual approach reinforces the connection between the gesture, the spoken word, and the meaning. Your voice adds context and helps your baby understand what the sign represents. This combination also supports overall language development rather than replacing verbal communication.
Be patient and celebrate attempts
Most babies won’t sign back immediately. It typically takes several weeks of consistent exposure before babies start using signs themselves. Don’t get discouraged during this learning period. When your baby does attempt a sign, celebrate enthusiastically even if the gesture isn’t perfect. Babies often create their own variations of signs before mastering the exact movements.
15 Common Baby Signs Parents Can The Kids
Before they can speak, teaching your child sign language can be a fun and exciting way to communicate. So here are 15 common baby signs that can make everyday interactions smoother and more fun.
Sign Language of “Hungry”
Making a “C” with your hand and moving it from your chest to your stomach is how you sign “hungry.” This action can be thought of as food or hunger going down into the belly.
Sign Language of “Thirsty”
With your index finger pointing towards your chin, trace a line down your throat. This action can be thought of as a drink going down the throat.
Sign Language of “Milk”
For “milk,” open and shut your hand as if milking a cow. This memorable movement makes this one of the most common signs for babies.
Sign Language of “More”
Touch the fingertips together on both hands and tap them together repeatedly to show “more.” You can give this sign at mealtime or when it’s time to play.
Sign Language of “Play”
To perform “play,” extend both pinky and thumb on both hands, then shake your wrists back and forth, as if you were shaking two maracas. This playful sign is perfect for signaling fun times ahead.
Sign Language of “Sleep”
To sign “sleep,” begin with your dominant hand open with fingers apart and then close your fingers together while bringing your hand down the face, closing your eyes at the same time. This indicates going to rest.
Sign Language of “Bath”
Close both hands into fists and rub up and down your chest. This depicts the washing of the body at bath time.
Sign Language of “Poop”
You make one hand in a fist, while the other hand covers it and pulls downwards. This sign is quite practical at diaper-changing times.
Sign Language of “Sorry”
In signing “sorry,” make a fist and rub in a circular motion on your chest. This sign is a gentle way to teach your baby about apologizing.
Sign Language of “Please”
Place your flat hand on your chest and move in a circular motion for “please.” This is a polite sign, which can be used in many ways.
Sign Language of “Thank you”
To say “thank you,” place the fingers near your chin and move the hand forward, away from the face, keeping the fingers together, as though blowing a kiss. This is sweet to show appreciation.
Sign Language of “Share”
For “share,” extend one hand flat, and with the other hand, rub your thumb and index finger across the flat hand as if dividing something. This sign is a good one for teaching about sharing.
Sign Language of “Help”
To sign “help,” lay one hand flat with the thumb up; then with the other hand, lift the thumb-up hand slightly. This can represent help.
Sign Language of “Hurt”
Point both of your index fingers toward each other and tap the two together, keeping your other fingers down. This is the sign of “hurt.” This can be used when something hurts or is uncomfortable.
Sign Language of “I love you”
Now, set your thumb, index finger, and pinky up and fold the other fingers down for “I, “L, ” and “Y” combined. This iconic sign is a real beauty to convey love.
Making Sign Language Part of Your Daily Routine
Integrating baby sign language into daily life doesn’t require special lessons or dedicated practice time. The most effective approach weaves signing naturally into activities you’re already doing.
During mealtimes: Meals offer countless signing opportunities. Sign “eat” before meals begin, “more” when your baby wants additional food, and “all done” when they’re finished. You can also introduce signs for specific foods your baby loves, like “banana” or “cheese.” This makes mealtimes less frustrating since your baby can tell you exactly what they want.
At playtime: Play sessions are perfect for expanding your baby’s signing vocabulary. Use “play” when starting activities, “ball” during ball games, or “book” when reading together. Action signs like “jump,” “dance,” or “swing” add fun to physical play. Your baby learns that communication makes play more enjoyable and interactive.
During bedtime routines: The predictable sequence of bedtime creates an ideal learning environment. Sign “bath” when running the water, “book” during story time, and “sleep” when it’s time to rest. These consistent routines help babies quickly grasp the meaning of signs since the same sequence happens every night.
Around caregivers: Make sure everyone who regularly cares for your baby knows the signs you’re teaching. Grandparents, babysitters, and daycare providers should use the same signs consistently. This unified approach prevents confusion and accelerates your baby’s learning. Share a simple chart of your baby’s signs with all caregivers.
Is Baby Sign Language Same With ASL – American Sign Language?
American Sign Language (ASL) and baby sign language are not the same thing. While some signs can be taken from ASL, baby sign language is much simpler and easier for babies and toddlers to learn. Whereas, ASL is a full language with its own rules and structure.
FAQs
No, research consistently shows that baby sign language does not delay speech. In fact, many studies indicate that babies who sign often speak earlier and develop larger vocabularies. Signing gives babies a way to communicate before their vocal cords are ready for speech, reducing frustration during the pre-verbal stage.
Start with 3-5 essential signs and master those before adding more. Once your baby consistently uses these first signs, gradually introduce new ones at a pace that feels comfortable. Some families eventually use 20-30 signs, while others stick with 10-15 basics. There’s no right or wrong number—follow your baby’s interest and needs.
Babies often create their own versions of signs based on their developing motor skills. As long as your baby uses the gesture consistently for the same meaning, it’s working. Accept these approximations while continuing to model the correct version. Most babies naturally refine their signs as their coordination improves.
In Summary
Congratulations, you have completed our guide “How To Teach Baby Sign Language”. Teaching your baby sign language can be quite a rewarding adventure for both parents and babies. Keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun and not stressful for the child in learning communication skills. So keep the atmosphere light and playful when teaching your child sign languages.
Source
- Infants link language and cognition, whether the language is spoken or a sign language. (n.d.). Northwestern Now. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2021/september/infants-link-language-and-cognition-whether-the-language-is-spoken-or-a-sign-language/ ↩︎
Last update: 01/22/2026
