Baby Sign Language for Grandparents: Building Connection Across Generations
Grandparents can be some of a baby’s most important communication partners. Whether they provide regular child care, visit on weekends, or connect through video calls from far away, learning a few simple signs can help them better understand what a baby wants, needs, and notices.
And they do not need to learn dozens of signs to make a difference.
Start with Just a Few Useful Signs
Babies understand much more than they can say. The Baby Signs®(opens in new tab) Program gives them simple signs they can use while spoken language is still developing.
For grandparents, the easiest way to begin is with a handful of signs connected to things they already do together.
Good starter signs might include MORE, EAT, ALL DONE, BOOK, HELP, MILK, MOMMY, DADDY, GRANDMA, and GRANDPA.
If Grandma often helps with meals, she might begin with EAT, MORE, and ALL DONE. If Grandpa loves reading with the baby, BOOK may quickly become a favorite.
There is no need for a formal lesson. Simply say the word and show the sign when it naturally comes up.
"Would you like MORE?"
"Let's read a BOOK."
"Are you ALL DONE?"
Repeated during familiar routines, signs become part of the conversation.
Let Your Grandchild Lead the Conversation
One of the most wonderful things about signing with babies is discovering what they want to talk about(opens in new tab).
Babies do not only communicate to ask for food or toys. They may notice a dog outside, remember a favorite song, ask about Mommy, or point out something interesting in a book.
When a baby uses a sign to bring up a topic on their own, they are starting a conversation.
Grandparents can encourage this by watching, waiting, and responding to what catches the baby's attention.
A signed DOG while looking out the window can become a conversation about the dog walking past. A signed BOOK can lead to a favorite story together.
These little exchanges are about much more than learning vocabulary. They help babies experience the joy of being understood.
Signs Can Help During Visits and Caregiving
Signs can also be especially useful when grandparents are caring for a baby without Mom or Dad nearby.
A toddler who signs MOMMY after a parent leaves is giving Grandma important information about what they are feeling.
Grandma can acknowledge that message:
"You're thinking about Mommy. Mommy will come back."
Other signs such as HELP, HURT, DIAPER, SLEEP, EAT, and ALL DONE can make everyday caregiving routines easier too.
Signs such as HELP and HURT can also give babies another way to communicate important needs and concerns(opens in new tab).
The sign does not necessarily eliminate frustration or sadness, but it gives the child another way to communicate and gives the grandparent another opportunity to respond.
Long-Distance Grandparents Can Join In Too
Grandparents do not have to live nearby to use signs.
During video calls, they can use signs the baby already knows, read a familiar book while signing, sing songs with signs, or simply respond enthusiastically when the baby signs something.
Parents can also share the five or six signs their baby is currently using most often before a visit or video call.
A Baby Signs® Quick Reference Guide can make it easy for grandparents to keep those signs handy.
Small Signs, Meaningful Connections
When a baby signs MORE and Grandpa understands, that is communication.
When a toddler signs BOOK and Grandma reaches for the favorite story, that is connection.
Grandparents do not need to become sign language experts. A few meaningful signs, used consistently during everyday moments, can open the door to conversations long before a baby can say all the words they understand.
Because sometimes the smallest hands have quite a lot to say.
Simple signs. Powerful communication.
Help Grandparents Join the Conversation
The Baby Signs® Quick Reference Guide makes it easy for grandparents and other caregivers to learn and remember useful signs for everyday routines.
Shop the Baby Signs® Quick Reference Guide(opens in new tab)
