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

  • Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the Baby Signs® Program

    Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the Baby Signs® Program

    Fun, Festive Ways to Add a Little Luck o’ the Irish to Your Baby’s Early Learning Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress in green, enjoy festive treats, and spend quality time with your little one. But did you know you can also celebrate by incorporating baby sign language into the holiday fun?…

    read more

  • Laughter is the Best Medicine—at Any Age

    Laughter is the Best Medicine—at Any Age

    This week’s topic veers from my usual signing with babies theme to describe a wonderful part of every child’s development. One of the true blessings that comes with being human is the ability to laugh. Laughter takes our minds off our troubles, even if only for a moment, eases tensions, raises our heart rate and spurs our…

    read more

  • A Valentine’s Day Message

    A Valentine’s Day Message

    By Dr. Linda Acredolo All of a sudden it’s February, and with February come thoughts of Valentine’s Day, the one day of the year totally devoted to “love.” What a broad term that is! The Greeks identified many, many different types of love – from the love we feel for our soul mates, to the…

    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…

  • Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the Baby Signs® Program

    Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the Baby Signs® Program

    Fun, Festive Ways to Add a Little Luck o’ the Irish to Your Baby’s Early Learning Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress in green, enjoy festive treats, and spend quality time with your little one. But did you know you can also celebrate by incorporating baby sign language into the holiday fun?…

  • Laughter is the Best Medicine—at Any Age

    Laughter is the Best Medicine—at Any Age

    This week’s topic veers from my usual signing with babies theme to describe a wonderful part of every child’s development. One of the true blessings that comes with being human is the ability to laugh. Laughter takes our minds off our troubles, even if only for a moment, eases tensions, raises our heart rate and spurs our…

  • A Valentine’s Day Message

    A Valentine’s Day Message

    By Dr. Linda Acredolo All of a sudden it’s February, and with February come thoughts of Valentine’s Day, the one day of the year totally devoted to “love.” What a broad term that is! The Greeks identified many, many different types of love – from the love we feel for our soul mates, to the…