The most useful sign language to learn, especially for infants and toddlers, will describe the things your baby most often sees, does or wants. The “I love you” sign is common.
Baby sign language is a trend that seems to have real staying power. Signing with babies is based on the simple observation that children can be taught to use their hands to “talk” long before their mouths can catch up.
From what we’ve seen, infant sign language really does deliver on its promise of improved communication. This is particularly appealing for new parents, given that there’s a well-recognized gap between what babies and toddlers want to say and what they are capable of saying.
It only makes sense that young children who lack the verbal skills necessary to say what they want, feel or need experience frustration, especially in the period between 8 or 9 months (when babies start to really know what it is they want) and 18 to 24 months (when they typically start to speak their mind).
If basic sign language can help babies use their hands to better express themselves at as early as 8 or 9 months, it can mean the bridging of this otherwise months-long communication gap.
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Signing with babies can also offer an opportunity for plenty of positive interaction, and anything that increases parent-baby bonding is a good thing in our book. One creative idea we love: Start adding signs to popular baby songs, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”
There’s nothing wrong with teaching young children to “recite” the ABCs of sign language, but the most useful signs, especially for infants and toddlers, are going to be those that describe the things your baby most often sees, does or wants.
There are lots of videos and primers online to help you learn signs for certain words. Just search online for “baby sign language” for help getting started.
It’s easy to see why so many parents swear by baby signing, why many child care centers include it in their infant and toddler classrooms, and why it has become so commonplace as an activity of daily learning. Here are five big-picture tips to get you started:
Be patient
The baby-signing trend is based on the observation that babies taught simple signs at 6 or 7 months of age could begin using them to communicate as early as 8 or 9 months. You don’t have to wait until your baby turns 6 months to get started, but be realistic in your expectations for true signs of success.
Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t get the signs quite right or doesn’t pick them up immediately. Remember the goal here is to have fun communicating and to lessen frustration.
Speak up
Be sure to still talk to your baby. As long as signing does not take the place of speaking, it won’t get in the way of your baby’s learning to talk with their words as well as their hands.
Make it a habit
As with much of the learning your baby will be doing, repetition is key. For a better shot at success, make signing a daily habit and use the same signs each time for what is being conveyed.
Tapping your fingers on your lips could convey “eat,” for instance. Bringing the fingertips of both hands together can signal “more.”
Sign what you see
Use signs to describe routine activities and common objects that make up your baby’s world as they happen.
Share your signs
Be sure you share your signs with your baby’s other caregivers so that everyone can understand once your baby begins to sign.
If your baby’s child care provider is going to be the one teaching your baby sign language, be sure to ask for a quick tutorial.
Beginning sign vocabulary
Start with these words when teaching your baby sign language, and you’re sure to get the conversation going. Search “baby sign language” online to find instructional videos for learning these signs.
- Airplane
- Baby
- Ball
- Bird
- Blanket
- Book
- Cat
- Cup
- Cold
- Daddy
- Diaper
- Dog
- Done
- Drink
- Eat
- Go
- Goodbye
- Good night
- Happy
- Help
- Hot
- Hurt
- I love you
- Milk
- Mommy
- More
- Nap
- No
- Outside
- Please
- Sit
- Sleep
- Thank you
- Up
- Water
- Yes
Dr. Laura A. Jana is a pediatrician at the Penn State University Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, and the author of more than 30 parenting and children’s books.
Dr. Jennifer Shu is a pediatrician at Children's Medical Group in Atlanta, and the medical editor of healthychildren.org, the website for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Tips and resources for mastering sign language at your own pace
American Sign Language resources
When choosing educational resources, be sure to consider tools that help you practice, such as games, activities or workbooks — whichever format will help you stay focused and can make learning on your own more fun.
Try flashcards for learning on the go, or hang an ASL alphabet poster in your room for quick reference.
It’s also important to consider your learning style. Try out a few ASL lesson formats to discover which one works best for you. For example, mix it up with reading books and watching videos. The most important thing is to keep practicing and stay motivated.
Practice tips
If you’re a beginner, you can speed up your learning and master sign language with these tips:
- Start with learning the hand sign alphabet.
- Focus on basic vocabulary.
- Learn commonly used phrases.
- Overexaggerate your facial expressions.
- Find others to practice with, whether that’s a fellow learner, someone in a deaf community or an online tutor.
Find flashcards on Amazon, $24.
“Learn to Sign the Fun Way: Let Your Fingers Do the Talking with Games, Puzzles, and Activities in American Sign Language”
This illustrated, interactive book is ideal for those who want fun activities, games and useful tips. Sign lessons are grouped into categories like food, clothing, thoughts, feelings and calendar signs.
$16 at Amazon
“The American Sign Language Phrase Book”
This phrasebook is packed with over 500 phrases for everyday topics, each accompanied by line drawings and gesture tips. It also includes a two-hour DVD that demonstrates every ASL phrase.
$30 at Amazon
“American Sign Language Dictionary: Third Edition”
This comprehensive dictionary provides a foundation for sign language, with more than 5,000 signs and 8,000 illustrations. Each sign is accompanied with detailed instructions.
$25 at Amazon
“Communicating in Sign: Creative Ways to Learn American Sign Language”
This book puts a creative spin on teaching the basics of ASL, with engaging activities in each chapter. From beginner vocabulary and grammar to in-depth illustrations, this book is a great interactive option.
$15 at Amazon
“American Sign Language for Beginners: Learn Signing Essentials in 30 Days”
This book inspires you to dive deep into learning with 30 minutes a day for a month, The daily lesson breakdowns, tips, useful phrases and practical activities make this a simple guide to follow and learn the essentials of ASL.
$17 at Amazon