Winter-Themed Communication: Baby Signs® for the Season
As the weather turns colder and days get shorter, families find themselves navigating new routines, new environments, and—sometimes—new challenges. Winter brings big feelings for little ones: excitement, sensory overload, chilly transitions, bundling up, and more time indoors. It’s a perfect season to lean into early communication.
The Baby Signs® Program gives babies and toddlers simple, meaningful signs that help them share what they need, how they feel, and what they notice—turning wintertime moments into rich opportunities for connection and learning.
Here are some of our favorite signs to use this season and how to incorporate them naturally into daily life.
🧤 Signs for Winter Routines
Bundles, layers, mittens, and zippers can make winter dressing feel like a workout—for parents and babies! These signs make getting ready smoother and more predictable:
COAT
Use when reaching for or putting on a coat.
Encourages cooperation during dressing.
HAT
Perfect for chilly days and windy walks.
Babies quickly learn to indicate when they want it on—or off.
HELP
A powerful sign for frustration-free winter transitions
(zippers, mittens, boots, you name it).
ALL DONE
Useful when a baby is finished getting dressed or wants a break
during a tricky moment.
Winter Tip:
Narrate each step as you dress your child:
“Coat on… hat on… mittens… all done!”
This turns the routine itself into an engaging language experience.
❄️ Signs for Exploring the Outdoors
Even a short winter walk can provide rich sensory experiences—cool air, crunchy leaves, clouds, puddles, and, depending on where you live, maybe even snow!
COLD
A favorite winter sign!
Helps children express a physical feeling rather than fuss or cry.
SNOW (if applicable)
Even if you don’t live in a snowy area, many families visit winter destinations or read winter-themed books.
LIGHT
Useful for early sunsets, lamps turning on early, or exploring shadows.
Winter Tip:
Pause occasionally and sign LOOK when pointing out birds, clouds, or winter decorations. This builds attention, vocabulary, and shared joy.
🏡 Signs for Cozy Indoor Days
Winter often means more indoor play, warm meals, stories, and rest. These signs gently support calm communication:
BOOK
Perfect for storytime on chilly mornings or evenings.
SLEEP
Helps little ones communicate when they're ready to rest or need a quieter moment during winter schedule changes.
PLEASE and THANK YOU
Great for modeling kindness during slower, cozy routines.
MORE
One of the most useful signs anytime—more soup, more crayons, more snuggles.
Winter Tip:
Indoor routines like reading, baking, bath time, or snuggle time are ideal for consistent, low-pressure signing practice.
🧸 Signs to Support Winter Emotions
Winter can bring big feelings—overstimulation, frustration with layers, or disrupted sleep. Signing offers children tools to communicate emotions safely and clearly.
HURT
Useful for cuts, bumps, or discomfort.
SAD / HAPPY
Wonderful for emotional literacy at any age.
WAIT
Helps manage tricky moments (like waiting for warm water, snacks, or getting buckled into the car seat).
Winter Tip:
Use emotion signs alongside a soft tone:
“Are you SAD? I see… let’s help.”
This supports connection and co-regulation during tense moments.
🌟 Winter Activities That Encourage Signing
✔ Nature walks
✔ Making warm snacks or soup
✔ Bath time after coming in from the cold
✔ Reading winter-themed books
✔ Exploring winter clothing (hats, gloves, scarves)
✔ Sensory play like ice cubes, cold water, or soft fabrics
✔ Fireplaces, candles or lamps (“LIGHT”)
Each moment becomes an opportunity for shared communication and bonding.
❤️ Winter Is the Perfect Season for Connection
Even with shorter days and colder weather, winter offers some of the most meaningful opportunities for communication. With Baby Signs®, families can reduce frustration, support emotional expression, and turn everyday routines into moments of joy.
Whether you're staying cozy indoors or exploring the crisp winter air, simple signs help little ones feel confident, understood, and connected.
👉 Ready to Learn More Signs?
Find a class, workshop, or instructor near you:
https://babysigns.com/find-a-class/
