Baby Signing - 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby


Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier than we think. They have an instinctive need to communicate. Baby signing is a pre-verbal form of communication. Babies can control their movements much earlier than mastering speech and can express all sorts of emotions, desires and wants with their hands! Baby sign language is key to learning how to interpret what your baby is telling you, eliminate the guesswork and to bond and enjoy life with your baby.

Imagine your baby being able to tell you they're thirsty or hungry. Or that they'd like to read a book or tell you that they've just seen a bird in the garden. Or for you to be able to guide them on safety using signs like 'hot' or 'stop'. All this is possible by talking to your baby and using appropriate baby signs. There are so many new experiences for your baby every day - new sights, new sounds, new objects, new people. And so much to talk about!

Scientific studies show baby sign language to be effective and beneficial for hearing babies in amazing ways. Research shows that signing babies had larger vocabularies, learned to talk earlier, showed less frustration, had more self-confidence, understood more words and scored higher in intelligence tests than non-signing babies

Signing with your baby is also rewarding for you. Imagine your joy seeing your baby 'talking' to you with signs. Of course it doesn't happen overnight. It's a new skill for you and baby to master. But the months of learning together helping your baby to discover this skill will bring you closer together.

10 easy ways to get started with baby sign language.

1. Start early. Start using baby signs in your everyday routine with your baby, even from a few weeks old. Remember to say the word as you make the sign and point to the object. Over time it will just come naturally. Babies tend to develop the gross motor skills to be able to shape their hands and make signs sometime from 6 months upwards.

2. Keep it fun! The more relevant the signs are for your baby the more likely your baby is to want to 'talk' to you. Most babies enjoy pointing at objects they like in books. Use those visual clues to build your baby sign language vocabulary. Sign and say words from the books that you're reading together.

3. Concentrate on a few signs at a time. Start with some simple signs like milk, car, home. You can build more and more signs into your baby sign language vocabulary over time.

4. Always say the word that you are signing. Baby signing helps with early language development as the signs are always done at the same time as the word is spoken.

5. Involve the family. Encourage older siblings, your partner, grandparents and other people that care for your baby. The more your baby is exposed to baby sign language the quicker he or she will learn.

6. Get together with a group of friends to sign. Better still go to a baby signing class if there's one local to you. It's very motivating to see other babies signing and it's a great social activity to get out and about and meet other mums in your area.

7. Don't let the sceptics get to you. People may try and tell you that baby signing slows down speech development. Baby signing was developed for hearing babies. If you're learning signing based on your country's deaf community language - e.g. BSL or ASL - then an added benefit will be that your baby is learning a skill that will enable them to communicate with the deaf community in later life.

8. Do what comes naturally. Adapt signs to suit you or your baby if you want. Above all have fun bonding!

9. Give it a go. If you don't you'll never know whether you could have reduced the frustration of the terrible twos, helped your baby's development or been a happier parent of a more confident, happier baby.

10. Don't give up. All babies develop skills and reach milestones at their own pace. Your baby will sign back to you when they're ready. And when that moment happens, you and your baby will feel like you've shared your own eureka.


More Resources


03/27/2024
Babies and Toddlers With Developmental Delays Are Entitled to Care. Many Aren't Getting It
Experts say getting these services early and in-person is critical for babies’ development.


more info


03/27/2024
Farah Khan reveals doctor asked her to ‘reduce’ one baby when she conceived triplets; opens up about how her children Czar, Anya, and Diva joke about it now
Farah Khan recently opened up about her journey through pregnancy, and how she was asked by her doctor to "reduce" one child when they came to know that she was carrying triplets.


more info


03/26/2024
Constitutional court insists lawyer Nangumya must refund Shs 60m client's cash
court

more info


03/26/2024
'She's got a knife and there's children outside' | 911 transcript shows emergency call before Dare County deputy used taser, shot woman


more info


03/26/2024
Best Baby Shops in Singapore for Baby Clothes, Strollers, Cribs & More
Here's our guide to the best baby shops in Singapore where you can find everything from baby clothes to strollers, cribs, and other baby essentials.


more info


03/26/2024
Meet all 7 of Diddy's children and their moms
Diddy is a father to Quincy Combs, Justin Combs, Christian Combs, Chance Combs, Jessie James Combs, D'Lila Star Combs, and Love Sean Combs.


more info


03/26/2024
Celebs Who Welcomed Children After 40
For Gwen Stefani, Kenya Moore and Janet Jackson, when it came to motherhood, age was just a number. See which other celebrity moms welcomed children when they were over age 40.


more info


03/26/2024
House GOP votes to end flu, whooping cough vaccine rules for foster and adoptive families
Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill ending flu and whooping cough vaccine requirements for foster families caring for medically fragile kids.


more info


03/26/2024
YouTuber Ruby Franke’s children are ‘light-years better’: DA
“The kids have put on weight”: Washington County District Attorney Eric Clarke shares an update on the well-being of Ruby Franke’s children.


more info


03/25/2024
Child Development Researcher Says Babies Raised On iPads Are Easy To Spot Because Their Behavior Is Abnormal. – ‘Your method of parenting is flawed.’
Find some other ways to occupy your child…


more info


03/25/2024
‘Just one more’: The women addicted to having children
While some, like Jools Oliver, turn to midwifery to continue their passion for newborns, many simply never feel ‘done’ with babies


more info


03/25/2024
13 Famous Parents Who Defended Their Nepo Babies' Privilege
Gwyneth Paltrow, whose kids are second-gen nepo babies, said, "Now there's this whole nepo baby culture and judgment that exists around kids of famous people...But there's nothing wrong with doing or wanting to do what your parents do. Nobody rips on a kid who's like, 'I want to be a doctor like my dad and granddad.'"


more info


03/25/2024
James Van Der Beek's 6 Children: Everything to Know
James Van Der Beek and his wife have six kids: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. Here's everything to know about James Van Der Beek's children.


more info


03/25/2024
I had cancer when my children were young. This is what Kate should know
Three great pieces of advice helped us get through a horrible situation, says Marina McIntyre, the Guardian’s deputy audience editor


more info


03/25/2024
This virus lands more babies and young children in hospital than any other condition, and now there's a free jab
RSV is a highly contagious virus that attacks the lungs and can lead to respiratory illnesses including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It is the leading cause of hospitalisation for infants in the state.


more info


03/24/2024
Queensland Launches No-Cost RSV Vaccine Program for Kids
The Miles Government will invest $31 million towards a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunisation program.The 12-month program will be offered to


more info


03/24/2024
Cardi B in shock over how fast her kids are growing up: ‘I miss my babies’
Cardi B’s children are growing up faster than her liking. On Saturday, the 31-year-old rapper took to her Instagram Stories to share a few sweet snaps of her two children with estranged...


more info


03/23/2024
Why do children laugh? It's not always because they're happy
Laughter is one of the healthiest things a child can do, but it means very different things at different stages of brain development.


more info


03/22/2024
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden secretly welcome baby No. 2, reveal...


more info


03/22/2024
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden Welcome Baby No. 2
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden announced they've privately welcomed their second child—a baby boy named Cardinal. The couple's son joins their 4-year-old daughter Raddix.


more info


03/22/2024
Tom Brady's 3 Kids: All About Jack, Benjamin and Vivian
Tom Brady shares a son with ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan and two kids with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen. Here's everything to know about the NFL star's blended family.


more info


03/22/2024
Prince William and Kate's 3 kids: What to know about George, Charlotte and Louis
William and Kate's three children George, Charlotte and Louis are heirs to the throne.


more info


03/22/2024
Disturbing photos show injuries of Ruby Franke's abused children
Disturbing videos have been released which depict the horrendous injuries of Ruby Franke's abused children including the moment officers found the kids in a closet at her Utah home.


more info


03/22/2024
What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school
Cases of measles are rising across England, including among children. It’s an infection that spreads very easily and for some people can cause serious problems. There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s …


more info


03/22/2024
Teens Are Using a Pantry Staple To Get High—Here’s What You Need To Know
Using nutmeg to get high isn't new. But a viral video is bringing attention to it again.


more info



More Babies & Toddler Information:

Related Articles

Baby Strollers Tips and Advice
You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle of joy and now you need to begin getting the things your baby will need. If this is your first baby all the decisions you need to make may seem overwhelming at first.
Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
The crib is where your baby will spend a lot of their time and you want to be sure they are safe. Below are some of the questions (with the answers) that are asked about crib safety.
How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!
Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small spoon and a jar of baby food. It looks like something right out of a parenting magazine, and it's a scene that is played out several times a day in the majority of homes with small babies.
The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby
Your Libra Baby..
Creative Potty Training
When I was potty training my two young boys, I discovered this method of potty training that made it an enjoyable, yet very effective way to potty train toddlers.First, make sure your child is ready for potty training, shows interest, wants "big kids pants" etc.
Prepare Your Child For Potty Training
When your child shows a majority of the signs of potty training readiness, you can start introducing him to the idea of using the potty.Potty Training Books, Videos, & DVDs - Potty training books, videos, and DVDs provide a great opportunity to introduce your child to the idea of using the potty.
Baby Shower Invitation Wording
Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or specific. If you know the gender of the baby, then you should try to create gender specific wording for the baby shower invitation.
Baby Shower Invitation Cards
Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the hostess. It is also a good idea to have more invitations than you need.
Baby Sleep Tips
Getting a baby to adjust to a normal sleep schedule can be a challenge for new parents. Here are some tips so that both you and your baby can get a good night's rest.
Special Considerations for the Premature Baby
Every parent hopes and prays that their newborn will be healthy and safe. Normally a pregnancy lasts nine months.
Freezing Homemade Baby Food
With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food, I have beenreading about making and freezing my own baby food. It is veryeasy!You can make up large quantities of baby meals and freeze themfor later use.
Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib
With all the different features of baby cribs, it can be a little overwhelming to sort it all out. This article reviews some of the most comon baby crib features and reviews the pros and cons of each feature.
Scrapbooking the Dizzying Movies of Toddlers
Toddlers are highly energetic life forces. Between infancy and kindergarten school days, your toddler is often fully involved in massive actions and activities.
Should I Call The Doctor If My Baby Has A Fever
Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever. It would be a rare child who does not come down with some kind of illness that elevates their temperature.
The Mystery Around Colic
You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy 2 week old baby. You and your spouse have both now gotten into a routine that is comfortable concerning nightly feedings, changing and enjoying your new little one.
Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip
Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today break with tradition and follow-up on new trends. Because choosing the perfect name can be a daunting task, many informative web sites have been launched with parents in mind.
Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public
If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you maybe nervous about doing so in public.Or perhaps you aredisturbed by media reports of women who are harassedfor breastfeeding in public and are considering pumping yourmilk to give your baby when you leave home.
The Best Birth Gift
If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt you plan to choose her very carefully. We have all watched some of these scaring videos showing nannies bullying the children they were expected to take care of.
Baby Shower Gift Ideas
A few guests can get together and get a big laundry basket. Place in it a long clothes line with outfits, diapers, bibs, etc.
Mobiles For Babies Can Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Mobiles are well known for its effectiveness in capturing and keeping baby's attention. Colorful and moving mobiles will stimulate the baby's brain and encourages him to explore the things around him.