What if your baby could tell you they are hungry, tired, or want more — months before saying their first word? That is exactly what baby sign language makes possible. Instead of guessing why your little one is fussing, you can give them the tools to show you what they need.
Baby sign language uses simplified American Sign Language (ASL) gestures to help pre-verbal babies communicate their needs. Growing research confirms its power. A UConn KIDS Lab review found that babies as young as 6 months can learn simple signs, reducing frustrated crying and strengthening language development. Research from Indiana University links early signing to stronger literacy skills down the road.
In this guide, you will discover 15 practical signs to teach baby before talking, organized by daily routines — mealtime, daily care, bedtime, and social play. You will also learn when to start, how to teach effectively, and what to do if baby does not sign back. Best of all, signing is the ultimate screen-free baby activity that costs nothing but your time and attention. At PatPat, we believe the best moments with your little one happen face to face, and signing is one beautiful way to make that connection.
What Is Baby Sign Language and How Does It Work?
ASL-Based Signs vs. Made-Up Gestures
Baby sign language is a simplified set of gestures drawn from American Sign Language that babies use to communicate before they can speak. The concept gained mainstream attention in the late 1990s through researchers Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn, who demonstrated that hearing infants could use symbolic gestures to express needs long before verbal speech developed.
A common question parents ask: “Is baby sign language the same as ASL?” It is based on ASL but simplified for tiny hands. Using real ASL signs is recommended because they are standardized — caregivers, daycare staff, and grandparents can all use the same signs consistently. While babies may invent their own gestures (and that is valid), ASL-based signs give your child a recognized vocabulary that works beyond your home.
Sign language for babies is not a replacement for spoken language. It is a bridge that fills the gap between comprehension and speech production.
The Science Behind Why Babies Can Sign Before They Speak
Here is a fascinating fact about infant communication skills: your baby understands far more words than they can say. By 8 to 10 months, most babies comprehend dozens of words but cannot coordinate the complex mouth and throat muscles needed for speech. However, fine motor skills in the hands develop earlier — babies can point, wave, and show objects by 10 to 12 months.
This developmental gap is exactly why signing works. A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis confirmed that sign training facilitates rather than hinders the development of vocal language. Your baby’s hands are ready to talk long before their mouth catches up.
Proven Benefits of Teaching Baby Sign Language
Fewer Tantrums and Less Frustration
The top benefit parents report is a noticeable reduction in crying and tantrums. When your baby can sign “more” instead of screaming at the highchair, or sign “hurt” instead of wailing without explanation, everyone calms down faster. Research by Goodwyn, Acredolo, and Brown found that signing babies outperformed non-signing peers on follow-up language tests, and parents consistently reported fewer frustration-driven behaviors.
This aligns naturally with responsive parenting — signing gives you a way to truly understand and respond to your child’s needs rather than guessing.
Stronger Speech Development and Early Literacy
The biggest concern parents have is whether baby sign language delays speech. The answer is a clear no. Signing actually accelerates it. When you sign, you also say the word aloud, which means baby receives dual input — visual and auditory — reinforcing language pathways in the brain.
The Indiana University research found that baby sign language increased children’s development of early literacy skills, including letter recognition and phonemic awareness. Signing is a screen-free, play-based activity that aligns perfectly with AAP guidelines recommending no screens before 18 months. No app or tablet required — just your hands and your voice.
A Deeper Bond Between Parent and Baby
Signing requires face-to-face interaction, eye contact, and attention to your baby’s cues — all of which strengthen attachment. When baby signs and you respond, it creates a positive feedback loop: baby feels heard, you feel connected, and trust deepens. As the AAP notes, infant sign language delivers on its promise of improved communication between parent and child.
Best Age to Start Teaching Baby Sign Language
Signs of Readiness
Most experts, including Healthline’s parenting guide, recommend starting baby sign language around 6 to 8 months. You can begin modeling signs as early as 4 months, but do not expect baby to sign back until later. Look for these readiness indicators:
- Baby makes eye contact and watches your hands during interactions
- Baby can sit with support and has stable head and neck control
- Baby uses intentional gestures like pointing, reaching, or waving
- Baby imitates actions such as clapping or banging toys
Signing Milestone Timeline: What to Expect from 6 to 24 Months
| Age Range | What to Expect | Parent Action |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 months | Baby watches hands, limited imitation | Begin modeling 1-3 signs during routines |
| 6-8 months | Baby may attempt rough approximations | Stay consistent; celebrate any hand movements |
| 8-10 months | First recognizable signs typically emerge | Respond immediately; add 1-2 new signs |
| 10-12 months | Baby uses 3-5 signs regularly | Expand to 8-10 signs; add routine-based signs |
| 12-18 months | Vocabulary grows rapidly; sign + word combos | Keep adding signs; spoken words begin replacing some |
| 18-24 months | Speech takes over; signing gradually fades | Use signs to clarify unclear words; celebrate the transition |
Every baby develops on their own timeline. Some sign at 7 months, others at 14 months. Neither is “late” or “early.” And if you are wondering whether it is too late to start at 12 or 14 months — it is not. Older babies often pick up signs faster because their motor skills are more developed.
The 15 Essential Baby Signs Organized by Daily Routine
Instead of learning signs in random order, these 15 basic baby sign language signs are grouped by the routines where you will use them most. This makes practice natural because you already have built-in opportunities every single day. Start with 1 to 3 mealtime signs, then expand.
Mealtime Signs: 5 Signs Every Feeding Session Needs
1. MORE
- How to sign: Bring fingertips of both hands together, tapping them repeatedly
- When to use: Sign when baby pauses eating and looks at you. Ask, “Do you want more?” while signing
- Teaching tip: MORE is often the first sign babies learn because the reward is immediate — more food arrives
- Baby’s version: Clapping hands together or banging fists on the tray — that counts
2. EAT / FOOD
- How to sign: Bring bunched fingertips to your mouth, as if putting food in
- When to use: Before meals to announce “time to eat” and when baby shows hunger cues
- Teaching tip: Sign EAT every time you offer food, even snacks
- Baby’s version: Touching hand to mouth or cheek
3. MILK
- How to sign: Open and close your fist repeatedly (like milking)
- When to use: Before nursing, bottle-feeding, or offering milk in a cup
- Teaching tip: Sign MILK as you prepare the bottle so baby connects the sign with what comes next
- Baby’s version: Opening and closing one fist
4. WATER
- How to sign: Make a “W” with three fingers and tap your chin
- When to use: During meals and throughout the day when offering drinks
- Teaching tip: Keep a sippy cup visible and sign WATER before each sip
- Baby’s version: Tapping chin with open hand or fist
5. ALL DONE
- How to sign: Hold both hands up, palms out, and twist them back and forth
- When to use: At the end of every meal, bath, and play session
- Teaching tip: Sign ALL DONE before lifting baby from the highchair to teach the sequence
- Baby’s version: Waving hands wildly or pushing hands outward
Mealtime signing sessions can get messy — pureed sweet potato and enthusiastic hand gestures are a colorful combination. Dressing your baby in soft, easy-to-clean baby clothes helps you focus on the signing instead of worrying about stains.
Daily Care Signs: 4 Signs That Make Routines Smoother
6. DIAPER / CHANGE
- How to sign: Pat your hip with one hand
- When to use: Before every diaper change so baby learns to anticipate what is happening
- Teaching tip: Say “time for a diaper change” while signing, even before baby can respond
- Baby’s version: Patting hip or leg area
7. BATH
- How to sign: Make fists and rub them up and down on your chest (like scrubbing)
- When to use: Before bathtime to signal the routine transition
- Teaching tip: Sign BATH as you carry baby toward the bathroom
- Baby’s version: Rubbing hands on chest or tummy
8. HELP
- How to sign: Place one flat hand on top of the other fist and lift both upward
- When to use: When baby struggles to reach a toy, open a container, or complete a task
- Teaching tip: Pause before rushing to assist. Ask “Do you need help?” and sign HELP. Then help. This teaches baby to request assistance instead of crying
- Baby’s version: Raising clasped hands or pushing hands upward
9. HURT / PAIN
- How to sign: Point both index fingers toward each other and twist them
- When to use: When baby bumps their head, falls, or seems uncomfortable during teething
- Teaching tip: This is a safety sign. Sign HURT while acknowledging the pain so baby eventually learns to tell you when and where something hurts
- Baby’s version: Pointing fingers together or jabbing at the sore spot
Daily care routines like diaper changes and bathtime are perfect signing moments. When baby signs CHANGE, you will appreciate clothes designed for quick access — look for bamboo baby clothes with snap closures and stretchy fabrics that make mid-sign diaper changes effortless.
Bedtime and Emotion Signs: 3 Signs for Calmer Evenings
10. SLEEP / TIRED
- How to sign: Hold your open hand in front of your face, fingers spread, then slowly close fingers while bringing your hand downward
- When to use: During the bedtime routine and when baby shows sleepy cues
- Teaching tip: Sign SLEEP as part of the wind-down — after the last feeding or when dimming the lights
- Baby’s version: Rubbing eyes or patting face (which may look like natural tired cues — that still counts)
11. BOOK / READ
- How to sign: Hold palms together, then open them like a book
- When to use: Before reading stories to signal books are coming
- Teaching tip: Sign BOOK and let baby choose which story to read. This gives baby agency and makes signing feel empowering
- Baby’s version: Opening and closing palms or patting a book
12. PLEASE
- How to sign: Rub an open palm in a circle on your chest
- When to use: When baby wants something — sign PLEASE before giving it
- Teaching tip: PLEASE is a social layer sign. Introduce it after baby has mastered 2-3 other signs
- Baby’s version: Patting or rubbing chest area
Sample Bedtime Signing Script: Sign BOOK. Read a story together. Sign ALL DONE after the story. Sign MILK while preparing the bedtime feed. After feeding, sign SLEEP while dimming the lights. This consistent sequence helps baby understand the flow of the bedtime routine.
A comfortable, cozy bedtime routine supports better sleep for everyone. Soft bamboo baby clothes make ideal sleepwear for signing practice — breathable, gentle on sensitive skin, and stretchy enough for free arm movement.
Social and Play Signs: 3 Signs That Spark Connection
13. MAMA / DADA
- How to sign: MAMA — tap your thumb on your chin with an open hand. DADA — tap your thumb on your forehead with an open hand
- When to use: Whenever the named parent enters the room, during peek-a-boo, or with family photos
- Teaching tip: Have the other parent model the sign while pointing: “Look, MAMA is home!” Expect joyful tears the first time baby signs your name
- Baby’s version: Tapping chin or forehead area
14. PLAY
- How to sign: Extend thumb and pinky on both hands and twist wrists back and forth
- When to use: When transitioning to playtime or offering toys
- Teaching tip: Sign PLAY before offering a toy. This teaches baby to request play instead of fussing when bored
- Baby’s version: Shaking hands or waving them loosely
15. THANK YOU
- How to sign: Touch fingertips to your chin, then move hand forward (like blowing a kiss of gratitude)
- When to use: Whenever someone gives baby something or after a sign exchange
- Teaching tip: Introduce THANK YOU after baby has 4-5 functional signs. Model it consistently without pressure
- Baby’s version: Touching mouth or chin and moving hand forward
How to Teach Baby Sign Language Step by Step
The 5-Step Method for Teaching Any Baby Sign
- Choose 1-3 signs to start. Begin with high-motivation signs like MORE, EAT, and MILK. Pick signs connected to routines you do multiple times per day.
- Always say the word while signing. Baby sign language is not silent. Speak the word clearly while making the gesture. This dual input reinforces language development.
- Sign in context, every single time. Sign EAT when food appears, MILK when the bottle is ready, MORE when baby pauses mid-meal. Context gives meaning.
- Be patient for 2-8 weeks. Most babies need weeks of exposure before signing back. Keep going even without a response — you are building a foundation.
- Celebrate every approximation. Baby’s first signs will not look perfect. A clapped hand might mean MORE. A fist squeeze might mean MILK. Respond enthusiastically to any intentional gesture.
Getting Caregivers and Family on Board
Consistency across caregivers is the biggest predictor of signing success. Create a simple one-page “sign sheet” with the 3-5 signs your family is working on and share it with daycare providers, grandparents, and babysitters. Many daycare centers already use basic signs like MORE and ALL DONE — ask your provider and align on the same ones.
When baby is comfortable and unrestricted, they are more likely to attempt signs. Choose stretchy, well-fitting baby clothes that allow full range of arm and hand movement during practice sessions.
What to Do When Baby Does Not Sign Back
Common Reasons Baby Has Not Started Signing Yet
- Not enough exposure time: Most babies need 6-8 weeks of consistent daily exposure. If you started last week, keep going.
- Signs used out of context: If you only practice during a dedicated “lesson,” baby may not connect the sign to its meaning. Always sign in the moment.
- Too many signs at once: Starting with more than 3-5 can overwhelm everyone. Scale back to just MORE and MILK, then expand.
- Age and development: A 6-month-old is still building fine motor pathways. Starting at 6 months may mean baby does not sign back until 9-10 months — and that is normal.
- Baby IS signing, but you do not recognize it: This is more common than parents think. Baby’s version of MORE might look like clapping. Watch for repeated hand gestures that happen in context.
When Baby Invents Their Own Signs
Many babies create their own gestures — patting the floor to mean “dog,” for instance. Honor these invented signs by responding AND modeling the ASL version alongside them. Baby may transition to the standard sign over time, or keep their own until speech takes over. Either outcome is a success.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Most “late signers” are perfectly normal. However, consider speaking with your pediatrician if:
- Baby does not sign after 3+ months of consistent daily modeling
- Baby does not make eye contact during signing interactions
- Baby shows no interest in communicating through any method (gestures, pointing, vocalizing)
This is not meant to cause anxiety — it is meant to empower you with knowledge about when professional guidance might be helpful.
Baby Sign Language for Bilingual and Multilingual Families
In bilingual households, baby hears multiple spoken languages and must sort which sounds belong to which system. Signing provides a single, consistent visual vocabulary that works across all languages: the sign for MILK is the same whether your family says “milk,” “leche,” or “niunai.” This consistency reduces frustration while baby processes multiple language inputs.
- One sign, multiple words: Sign MILK and say the word in whichever language you are using. Baby learns the sign stays constant while the spoken word varies.
- All caregivers sign the same way: Even if grandma speaks Mandarin and the nanny speaks Spanish, the sign for EAT should be identical.
- Do not worry about confusion: Babies handle multiple languages and a sign system simultaneously. Their brains thrive on multi-modal input.
Your Baby Sign Language Chart and Next Steps
Once baby has mastered 5-8 of these core signs, they are ready for vocabulary expansion. Here are the next categories to explore:
- Animal signs: Dog, cat, bird, fish — great for outdoor walks and picture books
- Feelings signs: Happy, sad, scared — supports emotional intelligence development
- Nature signs: Flower, tree, sun — perfect for outdoor signing adventures
- Action signs: Walk, run, jump — useful as toddlers become more mobile
For deeper learning, check out these trusted resources:
- BabySignLanguage.com’s QuickStart basics guide with step-by-step video demonstrations
- Healthline’s medically reviewed signing guide on when and how to start
- BabySignLanguage.com’s top 10 starter signs for video demonstrations of first signs
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Sign Language
Does baby sign language delay speech development?
No. Research consistently shows that baby sign language supports speech development. Goodwyn, Acredolo, and Brown found that signing babies had larger spoken vocabularies by age 2. When you sign, you always say the word aloud, providing dual input that strengthens speech pathways.
What is the easiest sign to teach a baby first?
Most experts recommend MORE because it has the most immediate payoff. Baby signs MORE and more food arrives. That clear cause-and-effect motivates fast learning. EAT and MILK are also excellent first signs because they connect to high-motivation activities.
How long does it take for a baby to sign back?
Most babies need 6 to 8 weeks of consistent daily exposure before producing a recognizable sign. Babies who start at 6 months typically sign back between 8 and 10 months. Babies who start later often learn faster because their fine motor skills are more advanced.
What age should I start teaching my baby sign language?
You can begin modeling signs as early as 4 months, though most families start around 6 months when baby shows interest in watching hands. There is no “too late” age. Babies started at 12 or 14 months often pick up signs quickly because their coordination is more developed.
Should I use real ASL signs or make up my own?
Using real ASL signs is recommended for consistency. They are standardized, so every caregiver and family member can use the same signs. If baby invents their own sign for something, honor it and respond, but continue modeling the ASL version alongside it.
How many signs can a baby realistically learn?
Most babies use 5 to 10 signs by their first birthday. By 18 months, active signers may know 40 or more. Focus on quality over quantity — five signs baby uses meaningfully are more valuable than 20 that are rarely practiced.
Start Signing Today — Your Baby Is Ready to Talk
Teaching baby sign language is one of the simplest, most rewarding things you can do as a parent. You do not need special training, expensive tools, or extra time. You just need your hands, your voice, and your everyday routines. Start with MORE at your next meal, and watch what happens over the coming weeks.
Those first signs — small, imperfect hand gestures from your little one — will feel like magic. Because for the first time, your baby is telling you exactly what they need. At PatPat, we love helping families connect with their little ones through every stage. Explore our baby clothes collection for comfortable, stretchy outfits that let your little signer move freely — because the best signing sessions happen when baby is comfortable and happy.
