10 First Signs to Teach Your Baby
Start with the words your baby already cares about. These ten signs cover meals, comfort and play.
Babies can often sign before they can talk, because their hands develop faster than their mouths. Signing gives them a way to tell you what they need, which can mean fewer frustrated tears for everyone.
Start with what matters to them
Pick signs for things your baby sees and wants every day. Use the sign and say the word at the same time, every time.
- Milk: open and close your fist, like squeezing.
- More: tap the fingertips of both hands together.
- Eat: bring your fingertips to your mouth.
- All done: hold both hands up, palms toward you, and twist them outward.
Be patient
Most babies start signing back somewhere between 6 and 12 months, and their first attempts may look nothing like yours. Celebrate the try. The video below, and videos from Deaf signers in our resources list, show each sign clearly.
Common questions
When can I start signing with my baby?
You can start anytime. Many parents begin around 6 months, when babies start paying close attention to hands and faces.
Will signing delay my baby's speech?
Research has not found that baby sign delays speech. Always say the word out loud as you sign it.