American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses Baby Sign Language | Baby Signs®
🩺 The AAP Gives Infant Sign Language a “Thumbs Up”
📝 **Editor’s Note:**
This post was originally published in 2010 on the Baby Signs® Blog and has been updated in 2025 with refreshed context, current resources, and links to help today’s parents and professionals make informed choices about using sign language with babies.
Why the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends Signing with Babies
When it comes to choosing what’s best for your baby, it helps to know what the experts say. And when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives something a “thumbs up,” parents listen.
That’s why we’re thrilled to share that the AAP has formally recognized infant sign language as a powerful, research-backed tool that improves communication between babies and caregivers.
“Infant sign language really does deliver on its promise of improved communication. . . It's easy to see why so many parents swear by it, why child care centers include it in their infant and toddler classrooms, and why it has become so commonplace as an activity of daily learning.”
— AAP’s Heading Home with Your Newborn, 2011, pp. 173–174
✅ Why This Endorsement Matters
This validation from the AAP supports what Baby Signs® families, educators, and researchers have known for decades: using signs with your baby works.
In fact, the AAP's support is based in part on the federally funded research that launched the Baby Signs® Program over 30 years ago—proving that signing supports not only early communication but also cognitive, emotional, and social development.
👶 A Movement That Started With One Baby...
Dr. Linda Acredolo, one of the co-founders of the Baby Signs® Program, was first inspired when her 12-month-old daughter made up her own sign for “flower.” That simple moment sparked a journey that led to:
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Over 30 years of research and development
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3 parenting books
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A world-renowned curriculum
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A network of certified instructors in over 40 countries
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And now, recognition from the leading pediatric authority in the U.S.
💬 What This Means for You
Whether you're a new parent, a childcare provider, or a pediatric professional, you can feel confident knowing that teaching baby signs is not just cute or trendy—it’s recommended by pediatric experts.
👉 Ready to get started?
🩺 Recommended by Experts:
Learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how baby sign language bridges communication gaps during the first year of life:
These Hands Were Made for Talking »
