Baby Signs®

Infant Sign Language: A Helpful Tool for Communication

Infant sign language is a way for babies and toddlers to communicate before they are able to speak. It can be a helpful tool for both babies and parents, as it can help to reduce frustration and promote bonding.

Babies are born with the ability to learn language, and they can start to learn signs as early as 6 months old. By signing to your baby, you can help them to develop their language skills and learn about the world around them.

There are many benefits to using infant sign language. Some of these benefits include:

  • Reduces frustration: Babies who can sign can communicate their needs and wants, which can help to reduce frustration.
  • Promotes bonding: Signing can help to promote bonding between babies and their caregivers.
  • Can help babies learn to speak earlier: Studies have shown that babies who are exposed to sign language may learn to speak earlier than babies who are not exposed to sign language.
  • Can help babies with special needs: Sign language can be a helpful tool for babies with special needs, such as hearing loss or autism.

If you are interested in teaching your baby sign language, there are many resources available to help you. You can find books, websites, and even classes that can teach you the basics of sign language.

Here are a few tips for teaching your baby sign language:

  • Start early: Babies can start to learn signs as early as 6 months old.
  • Be consistent: The more you sign, the more your baby will learn.
  • Break down signs into small movements: Babies may have difficulty making complex movements, so break down signs into smaller, easier movements.
  • Be patient: It may take some time for your baby to learn signs.

With a little patience and consistency, you can teach your baby sign language and help them to communicate their needs and wants.

Here are some basic signs that you can start teaching your baby:

  • More: Tap fingertips together. Watch this video clip to learn the sign for “more”.
  • Milk: Open and close your fist as if you’re milking a cow. Download this free poster with the sign for “milk”
  • Eat: Touch your fingertips to your lips.

These are just a few basic signs that you can start teaching your baby. With a little practice, you can help your baby to learn sign language and communicate their needs and wants.

  • Welcome to the Baby Signs® Blog!

    Welcome to the Baby Signs® Blog!

    We are so excited to have you here. This blog is dedicated to providing information and resources for parents who are interested in teaching their babies basic sign language. We know that teaching your baby sign language can be a great way to help them communicate their needs and wants, build a stronger bond with…

    read more

  • Thankful Hands: Using Baby Signs® to Teach Gratitude

    Thankful Hands: Using Baby Signs® to Teach Gratitude

    🧡 Thankful Hands: Using Baby Signs® to Teach Gratitude Helping Babies Express Appreciation Through Signs November is the perfect time to focus on gratitude – and believe it or not, your baby can join in too!With the Baby Signs® Program, even the youngest members of the family can learn to express thankfulness long before they…

    read more

  • Love, Language, and Connection: How Baby Signs® Supports Adoptive Families

    Love, Language, and Connection: How Baby Signs® Supports Adoptive Families

    💞 Love, Language, and Connection: How Baby Signs® Supports Adoptive Families Celebrating National Adoption Month Every November, National Adoption Month honors the families who grow through love and commitment – and the children whose lives are transformed through belonging. Adoption is a powerful act of connection, but it can also come with unique emotional and…

    read more

  • American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses Baby Sign Language | Baby Signs®

    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…

    read more

  • Welcome to the Baby Signs® Blog!

    Welcome to the Baby Signs® Blog!

    We are so excited to have you here. This blog is dedicated to providing information and resources for parents who are interested in teaching their babies basic sign language. We know that teaching your baby sign language can be a great way to help them communicate their needs and wants, build a stronger bond with…

  • Thankful Hands: Using Baby Signs® to Teach Gratitude

    Thankful Hands: Using Baby Signs® to Teach Gratitude

    🧡 Thankful Hands: Using Baby Signs® to Teach Gratitude Helping Babies Express Appreciation Through Signs November is the perfect time to focus on gratitude – and believe it or not, your baby can join in too!With the Baby Signs® Program, even the youngest members of the family can learn to express thankfulness long before they…

  • Love, Language, and Connection: How Baby Signs® Supports Adoptive Families

    Love, Language, and Connection: How Baby Signs® Supports Adoptive Families

    💞 Love, Language, and Connection: How Baby Signs® Supports Adoptive Families Celebrating National Adoption Month Every November, National Adoption Month honors the families who grow through love and commitment – and the children whose lives are transformed through belonging. Adoption is a powerful act of connection, but it can also come with unique emotional and…

  • American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses Baby Sign Language | Baby Signs®

    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…

Categories