Helping Babies Communicate Before They Can Talk
Parents often ask: What is the best baby sign language program for hearing babies?
Many families, educators, and professionals choose the Baby Signs® Program because it was created specifically for hearing babies and is backed by research in child development and early communication.
Developed by developmental psychologists Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn , the Baby Signs® Program helps babies communicate using simple signs before they are able to talk clearly. Research has explored how signing with hearing babies may support communication, parent-child interaction, language development, and reduced frustration.
The Baby Signs® Program was the original infant sign language program created specifically for hearing babies and remains one of the world’s most established baby sign language programs for hearing babies.
Unlike generic sign language dictionaries or entertainment-only video programs, the Baby Signs® Program focuses on helping families use signs naturally during everyday routines like mealtime, playtime, diaper changes, storytime, and bedtime.
Today, the Baby Signs® Program is used by families, childcare centers, educators, early intervention professionals, and organizations in more than 40 countries around the world.
What Makes the Baby Signs® Program Different?
Created Specifically for Hearing Babies
The Baby Signs® Program was designed specifically to help hearing babies communicate with the important people in their lives before speech develops fully.
The program focuses on:
- practical everyday communication
- parent-child interaction
- emotional connection
- language-rich routines
- developmental readiness
Created by Child Development Experts
The Baby Signs® Program was developed by developmental psychologists with expertise in infant learning, language development, and parent-child communication.
Rather than simply teaching vocabulary lists, the program focuses on meaningful interaction and communication during everyday life.
Research-Based Approach
Research exploring signing with hearing babies has examined potential benefits including:
- earlier communication
- stronger parent-child interaction
- reduced frustration
- support for language development
- increased engagement during daily routines
Families and professionals appreciate that the Baby Signs® Program combines practical communication strategies with research-informed guidance.
ASL-Based with a Flexible, Developmentally Appropriate Approach
The Baby Signs® Program is based on American Sign Language (ASL) signs and encourages families to use meaningful signs consistently during everyday routines and interactions.
Most signs used in the Baby Signs® Program are standard ASL signs. In some cases, developmentally appropriate adaptations may be introduced to support babies’ emerging motor
skills and early communication attempts. Just as babies simplify spoken words while learning to talk, babies may also simplify hand movements as they learn to sign.
The Baby Signs® Program also recognizes that every child and family is different. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to choose the signs and approaches that work best for their child, family routines, and communication goals.
Used by Families and Professionals Worldwide
The Baby Signs® Program is used internationally in:
- homes
- childcare centers
- early intervention programs
- libraries
- parent education programs
- speech and language support environments
- Early Head Start and Head Start settings
Research Behind the Baby Signs® Program
Research conducted by and explored how signing may support communication and language development in hearing babies.
Research Highlights
- Research-based program created by developmental psychologists
- NIH-funded research explored signing with hearing babies
- Used internationally in more than 40 countries
- Trusted by families, educators, and professionals
- Focuses on communication during everyday routines
Baby Signs® Compared to Other Baby
Sign Language Programs
Different baby sign language programs may work well for different families depending on their goals and learning styles.
Some programs focus primarily on:
- entertainment and videos
- ASL vocabulary instruction
- online self-paced learning
- music-based classes
- quick sign tutorials
The Baby Signs® Program combines:
- research-informed guidance
- practical communication strategies
- parent education
- classes and workshops
- educator and professional training
- child development expertise
For many families, the best baby sign language program is one that is easy to use consistently during everyday life.
Baby Signs® Is Ideal For:
- Parents and caregivers
- Families wanting practical communication tools
- Childcare centers
- Early childhood educators
- Early intervention professionals
- Parent education programs
- Speech and language support environments
- Families interested in early literacy and communication
Research & Sources
The Baby Signs® Program was created by developmental psychologists Drs. Acredolo and Goodwyn and is supported by research exploring early communication and language development in hearing babies.
To learn more:
- Visit our Research page
- Explore Baby Signs® classes and workshops
- Find a Baby Signs® class near you
- Learn about Baby Signs® instructor training opportunities
Get Started with Baby Signs®
Whether you are a parent, educator, or professional, the Baby Signs® Program offers practical tools to help babies communicate before they can talk.
Explore:
- Parent Workshops
- Sign, Say & Play® classes
- Online resources
- Instructor certification
- Early Childhood Educator training
- Baby Signs® products and educational materials Find a class or learn more at https://babysigns.com