Baby Sign Language 101: Baby’s First Signs

Well before they utter their first words, infants as young as six months can learn to sign. Baby sign language is thought to reduce baby’s frustration levels, boost self-esteem, and bolster language development. And you don’t need to be an expert. Begin with three to five signs, saying the word as you sign it. Encourage other caregivers and siblings to join in. Then repeat, repeat, repeat. Your little one’s motor skills may not allow them to perfectly mimic the sign, so watch for hand gestures that indicate she’s trying, usually within two months of being introduced to it. Here are some great baby sign language starter signs.

Family Signs

Show your little one the sign for a person they know, like mommy, daddy, brother, grandma, or baby. It doesn’t matter if you plan to use mommy, mama, mother, or mom; the sign is the same — using an open palm with fingers spread, tap your thumb on your chin. For “daddy” and its variations, use the same hand position; only tap the forehead. Remember to point to the person as you sign.

Food Signs

 

Food is a great motivator. Teach your little eater the sign for their favorite food or the ones for eat, milk, or bottle. When Baby’s plate is empty, “more” and “all done” allow them to set the pace for the meal. To sign “more,” press the thumb and fingertips of each hand together, and then tap the fingertips of the two hands together several times. Look for baby to put their fists or palms together as they start to get the hang of this sign.

Animal Signs

Animal signs are fun because they often mimic some aspect of the animal. Baby will love learning the signs for her beloved pet or for the animals around the neighborhood. Dog, cat, fish, and bird are all good candidates. You can even have a favorite stuffed animal act out the motions for its sign. The baby sign for “dog” is patting your hand to your hip, as if calling a dog. This is a slight modification from the American Sign Language version, which includes a snap that is too difficult for emerging motor skills.

Please and Thank You

It’s never too early to introduce your little bundle to being polite. “Please” is a great word to start with. Try this technique when it’s clear your baby desires something specific, like a toy or a drink, and he’s not upset or in any distress. Say that you will get it and ask if they can say “please,” demonstrating the sign as you do so. Then give them the item, regardless of whether they do the sign or not. Eventually the concept will begin to sink in, and they’ll be doing it on his own. With a flat hand and thumb extended, sign “please” by moving the palm of your hand in a circular motion in front of your chest.

Daily Routine Signs

Use the repetition of baby’s routine as an opportunity to teach her the signs of daily life. Learn “sleep” for naptime and bedtime. Let baby know it’s playtime by signing “play,” and then show her the sign for whatever you are playing with, be it a ball, blocks, or a book. The sign for “bath” mimics the act of washing. To do this sign, simply move both your fists up and down in front of your chest as if scrubbing it.