Essential Baby Signs for Early Communication
Before they can say a single word, babies are already trying to “talk”—with their hands, eyes, and every wiggle and giggle. Baby sign language taps into this natural urge to connect, giving little ones a way to express their needs and feelings early on.
Imagine your baby signing milk when hungry or more after a favorite snack. These small gestures can ease tantrums, strengthen your bond, and turn everyday routines into moments of shared joy. This guide reveals the most useful first signs and simple ways to start signing together.
Reasons to Teach Babies Sign Language
Teaching babies simple signs gives them a way to express their needs and feelings before they can speak. This can help reduce frustration for both babies and parents. Instead of crying or having tantrums, babies can use signs to show when they’re hungry, tired, or want something. It also builds trust—babies feel understood, and parents feel more confident knowing how to respond.
Signing also supports babies’ growing motor skills. Moving hands and fingers to make signs strengthens fine motor skills, which are important for later tasks like writing or using utensils. Many parents say that signing together helps create a stronger bond during everyday routines.
For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, sign language is an essential way to communicate and connect from an early age. It also supports early brain development and builds strong skills that help with learning as they grow.
Understanding Baby Gestures for Early Communication
Baby sign language uses simple hand signs to help young children communicate before they can speak. Parents and caregivers often adapt signs from American Sign Language (ASL) to make them even easier for babies to use. Common signs focus on everyday needs, such as milk, more, or all done, making it practical for daily life.
Parents use basic signs to help babies express themselves. Research shows that learning to sign as a baby does not slow down speech. In fact, many children who use signs begin speaking earlier than those who do not.
Best Age to Begin Baby Sign Language
Most experts suggest introducing sign language when babies are around six to eight months old. At this age, they’re usually curious and able to focus on simple gestures. It’s also important for parents to feel comfortable and ready, as teaching signs takes time, practice, and consistency.
Some caregivers start signing with their little ones as early as a few months old, while others might wait until their child is closer to one year, especially if they notice signs of frustration or a desire to express needs. Starting after twelve months can be effective too, as many children at this point can pair hand signs with spoken words.
Good Signs to Begin Teaching
Choosing which signs to start with can make the process smoother and more effective. Begin with signs that relate directly to a baby’s daily needs and interests. Common first signs include milk, eat, more, all done, and full. These signs give babies simple ways to communicate during daily routines like mealtime.
Adding fun, personal signs can help keep babies interested. If a baby enjoys bath time, introducing the sign for bath makes sense. If there is a family pet, the dog sign can be a great addition. Parents should pay attention to activities and objects their child loves and include those in teaching signs.
Experts suggest starting with just one to three signs at first. Use each sign often and say the word at the same time. For example, when offering food, say and sign “eat” together. This helps babies connect the word, the action, and its meaning.
Avoid using signs as questions, since this can confuse young children. Instead, use signs during daily activities and repeat them often so learning feels natural. Most babies begin signing between 10 and 14 months. Their first signs might not be perfect, but parents should encourage every effort and keep practicing together.
Teaching the Sign for “Milk”
Caregivers can teach babies the sign for milk by using a gentle squeezing motion with one hand, similar to milking a cow. Show this sign right before feeding. Because babies already know how important milk is, they often learn this sign quickly and use it to ask when they’re hungry.
Teaching the Sign for “More”
Parents can teach babies the sign for more to let them know when their child wants something again, such as another bite of food or a favorite toy. To make the sign, babies touch the tips of their fingers from both hands together. As they grow, guiding them to make a flat “O” shape with their fingers can help build finger strength and coordination. Using this sign often makes communication smoother for everyone.
Teaching the Sign for “All Done”
Caregivers can teach a child the sign for all done during meals and playtime. The gesture involves turning the hands outward from the body to show empty hands. Young children can easily mimic this sign and use it to express when they have finished eating or an activity is over.
Teaching the Sign for “Mom” and “Dad”
Parents can teach babies how to sign mom and dad in a fun and meaningful way. These two signs are often among the first a child will pick up because they are simple.
To sign mom, spread your fingers and tap the thumb to the chin. To sign dad, spread your fingers and tap the thumb to the forehead. Babies may respond quickly, especially when parents say, “It’s mommy,” or “It’s daddy,” while showing the sign.
Teaching the Sign for “Pick Me Up”
Caregivers can teach the sign for pick me up when a baby wants to be lifted from a crib, car seat, or just wants a cuddle. Some babies may need extra time to master the hand movements, but with repetition, they begin to understand what the sign means.
Practicing both pick me up and down helps babies express their needs more clearly. Using these signs regularly, along with saying the words, supports better communication and understanding.
Teaching the Sign for “Play”
To teach the play sign, have your child make a gesture similar to the “hang loose” hand shape. This involves making a fist and then extending the thumb and pinky finger. Use both hands and twist them back and forth in front of the body. If young children start by simply waving both hands, it helps them begin to communicate the idea of playing.
Teaching the Sign for “Change Diaper”
Caregivers can teach the sign for “change diaper” to help babies understand what is happening and know that diaper changes are only a short break from play. Many babies learn this sign quickly, especially when they want a dirty diaper removed. Using clear gestures supports early communication and helps make diaper time smoother for everyone.
Teaching the Sign for “Love”
Parents can teach children to express emotions like love through sign language. As babies grow, learning to sign important feelings helps them bond with caregivers and share their emotional needs.
The sign for love is simple, and with daily practice, most children learn it easily. Exploring related signs like hug can also build their emotional vocabulary. Since the signs for love and hug look similar, children can gradually learn to tell them apart with time and practice.
Baby sign language turns everyday moments into powerful chances to connect. With just a few simple signs, babies can express needs, share feelings, and build trust—all before they speak their first word.
Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate each sign. These early gestures can spark joyful conversations that last a lifetime.
