Why Baby Signs® Is the World’s Leading Baby Sign Language Program
When parents first discover baby sign language, they often have one simple question:
Which baby sign language program should I use?
With so many tips, videos, and sign lists available online, it can be hard to know where to begin. But for more than 35 years, the Baby Signs® Program has helped families, educators, and early childhood professionals support babies during one of the most important stages of development: the months before they can talk.
The Baby Signs® Program is recognized as the world’s leading baby sign language program for hearing babies because it combines research, real-world experience, child development expertise, and a global network of certified instructors.
Learn more about our global impact and research-based approach here:
https://babysigns.com/worlds-leading-baby-sign-language/
What Makes a Baby Sign Language Program Effective?
An effective baby sign language program does more than teach individual signs.
It helps parents and caregivers understand:
• which signs are most useful for babies
• when and how to introduce signs
• how to pair signs with spoken words
• how to make signing part of everyday routines
• how to support emotional connection and early communication
Baby sign language works best when it feels natural, playful, and meaningful. That is exactly what the Baby Signs® Program was designed to do.
Created by Child Development Experts
The Baby Signs® Program was created by child development experts Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn, whose research helped demonstrate the powerful benefits of using signs with hearing babies before they can speak.
Their work showed that babies who use signs can communicate needs, thoughts, and feelings earlier, helping reduce frustration while supporting language development and parent-child connection.
The program was not created as a trend. It was built on decades of research and experience with families.
Backed by Research
One of the reasons Baby Signs® stands apart is its strong research foundation.
Research associated with the Baby Signs® Program found that babies who used signs often experienced benefits such as:
• stronger communication skills
• larger vocabularies
• earlier language development
• fewer frustrations and tantrums
• stronger bonds with caregivers
For many families, the most powerful benefit is simple: babies can express what they need before they are able to say the words.
That early communication can make everyday life easier and more connected.
Designed for Hearing Babies, Welcoming to All Families
The Baby Signs® Program was created for hearing babies and their caregivers, and the original research was conducted with hearing babies who were learning to communicate before they could talk.
While many signs are based on American Sign Language, the program is developmentally appropriate and flexible for babies. The goal is not just to memorize vocabulary. The goal is to help babies communicate in real life.
The Baby Signs® Program is also used in many inclusive early childhood settings to support children with a wide range of communication needs, including children with developmental delays, disabilities, or communication differences.
Families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are also welcome in Baby Signs® classes, and we encourage families to follow the guidance of their child’s hearing, speech-language, and early intervention professionals when specialized support is needed.
That means signs are introduced through:
• songs
• books
• play
• mealtime
• diaper changes
• bedtime routines
• everyday family interactions
By making signing part of daily life, babies learn that communication is meaningful, useful, and fun.
Designed to Support the Whole Child
The Baby Signs® Program was designed to do more than teach signs. From the beginning, the program has focused on supporting the development of the whole child.
In Baby Signs® play classes, signs are woven into songs, books, games, movement, and hands-on activities that support many areas of early development, including:
• language development
• social-emotional development
• cognitive development
• early literacy
• sensory-motor development
• parent-child connection
Early literacy is also built into Baby Signs® play classes through interactive circle time books, songs, rhymes, and shared reading experiences that invite babies and toddlers to participate, respond, and connect meaning to words and signs.
Each class also includes parent education topics that help caregivers understand how babies learn, communicate, and grow. This whole-child approach is one reason the Baby Signs® Program continues to be trusted by families, educators, and early childhood professionals around the world.
This makes Baby Signs® especially valuable for programs looking to support family engagement, early communication, school readiness, and infant-toddler development in a developmentally appropriate way.
Learn more about the connection between baby sign language and early literacy here:
https://babysigns.com/baby-sign-language-early-literacy/
Trusted by Families Around the World
The Baby Signs® Program has been used by families, educators, and organizations in more than 40 countries.
This global reach reflects the universal need for early communication. Babies everywhere want to connect with the people who love and care for them.
Whether a family lives in the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Israel, Mexico, or another part of the world, the goal is the same:
To help babies communicate before they can talk.
Used by Parents, Educators, and Agencies
The Baby Signs® Program is not only used by families at home. It is also trusted by early childhood professionals, childcare programs, family support agencies, libraries, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Professionals choose Baby Signs® because it supports:
• early communication
• language development
• social-emotional development
• family engagement
• classroom routines
• parent-child bonding
This makes the program especially valuable for infant-toddler programs, home visiting programs, childcare centers, early intervention programs, and family support organizations.
More Than Signs: A Complete Program
One of the biggest differences between Baby Signs® and a simple list of signs is that Baby Signs® is a complete program.
Families and professionals can access:
• parent workshops
• play-based classes
• instructor certification
• early childhood educator training
• books, music, and classroom resources
• visual tools and signing materials
• support from Certified Baby Signs® Instructors
Baby Signs® play classes also incorporate sensory-rich materials and playful activities that give babies and toddlers opportunities to explore, move, communicate, and connect. By pairing signs with songs, movement, books, sensory play, and everyday routines, children build communication skills while also supporting motor development, curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Interested in bringing Baby Signs® to your classroom, agency, or family program? Explore training and certification options designed for early childhood professionals.
Why Families Choose Baby Signs®
Families choose the Baby Signs® Program because it helps them understand their babies in a new way.
A baby may not be able to say “milk,” “more,” “all done,” “dog,” or “book” yet, but with signs, they may be able to communicate those ideas months earlier.
That means fewer guessing games and more moments of connection.
Baby Signs® helps families:
• understand what their baby wants or notices
• reduce frustration
• support early language development
• make routines easier
• strengthen emotional connection
• celebrate communication milestones earlier
For many parents, the first time their baby signs is unforgettable.
Why Professionals Choose Baby Signs®
Early childhood professionals choose Baby Signs® because it is practical, research-based, and easy to integrate into existing routines.
Teachers and caregivers do not need to create a separate lesson every time they use signs. Instead, signs can be woven into what they are already doing:
• signing “eat” at mealtime
• signing “more” during snack or play
• signing “all done” during transitions
• signing “book” during storytime
• signing “help” when a child needs support
These simple moments help children feel understood while giving caregivers valuable tools for communication.
Baby Signs® vs. General Baby Sign Language
Not all baby sign language programs are the same.
Many resources simply teach individual signs or sign vocabulary. The Baby Signs® Program goes further by focusing on how babies learn, how families communicate, and how signs can be used naturally in everyday life.
The Baby Signs® Program stands apart because it:
• was created by child development experts
• is backed by research
• is designed specifically for hearing babies
• supports communication, not just vocabulary
• offers classes, workshops, training, and resources
• is used by families and professionals around the world
That complete approach is one reason Baby Signs® continues to be trusted by parents, educators, and organizations after more than 35 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baby Signs® Program
Key Takeaways
• The Baby Signs® Program is the world’s leading baby sign language program for hearing babies
• It was created by child development experts Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn
• The program is backed by research and used in more than 40 countries
• The Baby Signs® Program supports communication, language development, and parent-child connection
• Families, educators, agencies, and organizations use Baby Signs® to help babies communicate before they can talk
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or agency leader, there is a Baby Signs® option for you.
Find a Baby Signs® class near you:
https://babysigns.com/find-a-class/
Learn more about becoming a Certified Baby Signs® Instructor:
https://babysigns.com/teach/
Explore why Baby Signs® is the world’s leading baby sign language program:
https://babysigns.com/worlds-leading-baby-sign-language/
Final Thoughts
Choosing a baby sign language program is about more than learning a few signs.
It is about choosing a trusted, research-based approach that helps babies communicate, strengthens relationships, and supports early development.
That is why families and professionals around the world continue to choose the Baby Signs® Program.
Baby Signs®: Helping Babies Talk Before They Can Talk™
