Baby Sign Language QuickStart Basics
1. Overview
This Quickstart Guide gets you ready to start teaching your child Baby Sign Language. Begin by learning your first five signs (mom, dad, eat, milk, and dog). Then teach those signs to your baby, using the four F.R.E.E. principles: Fun, Repetition, Encouragement, and Expansion. Finally, follow the roadmap to learn more about all all the resources available on this site.
2. Your First Five Signs
Lets jump in and learn our first five signs. We want to start with words that your child is highly motivated to learn, and words that can be frequently used throughout the day. A good starting set of signs is mom, dad, eat, milk, and dog. (If those signs don’t make sense for your family, there are more good starter sign options on the Top 10 Starter Signs page.)
2.1 Mom
Parents are the most important people in a baby’s life, so mom and dad make great starter signs.
Mom is signed by taking your open dominant hand and tapping the thumb against your chin.
2.2 Dad
The signs for mom and dad are similar, while the mom sign is performed on the chin, and the dad sign is performed higher up on the forehead.
Dad is signed by taking your open dominant hand and tapping it against your forehead.
In ASL male signs are usually performed above the nose, and female signs are performed below the nose). For example grandfather, and grandmother are the also same sign, with grandfather performed on the forehead and grandmother performed on the chin.
2.3 Eat
Babies are very interested in signs related to food, making eat and milk good starter signs. The sign for eat looks like you are holding some food and bringing it to your mouth. To sign eat, hold your fingers and thumbs together, then move them toward your mouth and then away from your mouth.
Eat is an example of a natural sign, the sign resembles the word that it represents. Babies find natural signs particularly easy to learn and remember because the signs are so intuitive.
2.4 Milk
The sign for milk looks like you are milking a cow. You start with an open hand, then you make it into a fist, then open the hand again, and repeat. You can use the same sign for breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk depending on which one you are using at the time.
2.5 Dog
We end with a fun sign, dog. Take your dominant hand and pat is against your leg, as if you are calling a dog.
If your family doesn’t have a dog, you should choose another fun sign that your child will get more exposure for. For example, cat, fan, or car.
3.0 Teaching Using the F.R.E.E. Method
There are four principals to teaching sign language to a baby or infant. Make if fun. Provide lots of repetition. Encourage all progress. And incremental expansion. To remember the four principals, we use the acronym F.R.E.E.
3.1 Fun: Make Signing Fun
Baby’s naturally enjoy learning new things and discovering the world, and you want to nurture that joy by keeping it fun. When they enjoy learning from you, they will want to do more. To keep if fun we want to incorporate signing into the things baby already enjoys. Sign when you see the cat, or whatever your child is naturally drawn to. Also incorporate signing into games, like naming colors. Sign at meal time when they are eating, drinking milk, or want more. And sign along to their favorite songs.
Now, fun does not mean hyper, or rolling on the floor in hysterics. If their energy level is too high it is hard for them to concentrated. But, they should enjoy spending the time signing with you. If baby is not in the mood, or is resistant, don’t force the issue and return to signing when they are feeling more receptive.
Click this link for more ideas about keeping Baby Sign Language fun.
3.2 Repetition: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
The secret sauce in teaching Baby Sign Language is providing baby lots of repetition. Babies learn by imitations, so provide them with lots of opportunities to see you signing. The best way to provide lots of exposure is to integrate signing into your daily routines. Sign mom or dad, every time you see baby. And sign eat and milk before during and after feedings.
The more repetition and the more exposure to signing you can provide, the quicker baby will make the connection. Think about the amount of exposure babies get to words before they learn to talk.
To hear us repeat more about repetition, see here.
3.3 Encouragement: Reward Signing
Every time baby signs, particularly in the early days, provide them with lots of encouragement so they know that they are on the right track. In the early days, the signs will be rudimentary approximations of the true sign. Nonetheless, encouraging them will get them to keep signing and will lead to improvements in the sign. This isn’t the time to be a perfectionist
The best type of encouragement you can offer is to acknowledge the sign by giving baby you full attention, saying the word, and making the sign back to show baby you have understood. For the baby there is no better reward than being understood. If possible, fulfill any request they made.
To learn more, see here.
3.4 Expansion: Add Words to Your Signing Vocabulary
As your baby starts to learn the starter signs, keep adding new signs. As some of these new signs become mastered, add still more signs. The more signs a child can add to their vocabulary, the better.
Signs should follow your child’s interests. A lot of children are interested in animals, foods, or colors so these make excellent starter signs.
For more on growing your signing vocabulary, see here.
Roadmap to Baby Sign Language
Now that you know the basics of Baby Sign Language, you can continue onto our more advanced topics where you can learn more about Baby Sign Language, techniques for teaching Baby Sign Language, and learn more signs.
- About Baby Sign Language BSL
- What is Baby Sign Language – an introduction to baby sign language, and videos of Baby Sign Language in action
- Benefits – the developmental and social benefits associated with Baby Sign Language.
- Research – the evidence and research behind Baby Sign Language
- History – how Baby Sign Language was invented and it’s rise in popularity.
- Frequently Asked Questions – common questions and answers about Baby Sign Language.
- Teaching Baby Sign Language
- F.R.E.E. – a more detailed explanation of the four core principles of teaching baby sign language (fun, repetition, encouragement, and expansion)
- Learning More Signs
- Dictionary – the dictionary includes videos and diagrams for over 600 words, the alphabet and numbers. You can use this resource to learn new signs. To get you started we also have a list of common first signs.
- Flash Cards – print out relevant flash cards to help baby learn new signs. The flash cards are particularly useful for teaching words that you don’t encounter in everyday life such as elephant. Each words is illustrated by a clear real life image illustrating the word.
- Wall Chart – the wall chart is a handy reference to help grandparents and caregivers learn the basic signs. The chart is printed on six regular sized sheets of paper and then taped together.
Want Faster Results?
Our award winning baby sign language kit has been designed to help you get your baby signing faster. It covers advanced teaching methods for faster results, and includes teaching aids like flash cards. The kit includes over 600 signs to help you grow baby’s vocabulary.
Deluxe Baby Sign Language Kit
The Deluxe Baby Sign Language Kit, bundles together everything you need to get started with signing in one box. The kit includes:
Beginning with a Quick Start Reference, the guide teaches you your first 10 signs and and shows you how to start teaching your baby. As you progress, delve into more advanced topics like combining signs to make phrases, using props, and transitioning to speech.
(Regularly $19.95)
Baby Sign Language Flash Cards
52 sturdy board (4×6 inches) flash cards, covering a variety of basic signs. The flash cards help you teach baby new words. The face of the flash cards shows the word and image for the child. The back of the flash cards show how the sign is performed.
(Regularly $24.95)
The dictionary contains over 600 signs including the most common words, the alphabet, and numbers. The dictionary helps you expand your child’s vocabulary as you follow their child’s interests. Each sign is generously illustrated with two or more diagrams making learning new signs easy.
(Regularly $19.95)
The large format (24 x 36 inches) wall chart includes 22 basic signs, and makes a handy reminder for caregivers. The Baby Sign Language Wall Chart covers basic signs, like eat, drink, and sleep. Hang the poster in Baby’s Nursery to help babysitters, or other occasional caregivers learn and decode the most commonly used baby signs.
(Regularly $9.95)
100% Signing Guarantee
Purchase your kit with confidence. Your baby signs to your satisfaction, or you get a full refund.
No Questions. No Time Limits. No Regrets.
Baby Sign Language Guide Book
Learn the best techniques for effectively teaching baby sign language. Including:
• Quick Start Guide – learn the first 10 signs and the basic principles required to start teaching your baby to sign (Chapter 1).
• Advanced Teaching Methods – use teaching aids like books, flash cards, and toys to keep lessons interesting and challenging (Chapter 5).
• Phrases – teach your baby to combine signs and communicate more complex thoughts (Chapter 6).
• Taming the Terrible Twos – reduce frustration and tantrums by enabling your toddler to communicate (Chapter 7).
• Transitioning to Speech – use sign language to expedite and improve speech development (Chapter 8).
Sarah learned her first 10 signs at six month and it made our lives much easier. Instead of screaming, she could tell us when she was hungry, thirsty, or tired. She learned another 50 signs by nine months and that was a blast.
Now she is talking much earlier than the other children in her preschool and we think it is because of her signing.
We can’t imagine missing out on all the little things she shared with baby sign language. Thank You!
- Bennett & Melissa Z., California
Pediatrician Approved
“It’s easy to see why so many parents swear by it, why child care centers include it in their infant and toddler classrooms, and why it has become so commonplace as an activity of daily learning … we approve.”
Heading Home With Your Newborn (Second Edition)
Dr. Laura A. Jana MD FAAP & Dr .Jennifer Shu MD FAAP
American Academy of Pediatricians
Baby Sign Language Flash Cards
52 high quality flash cards (4 x 6″). Featuring:
• Clean Images – real life pictures, isolated on a white background to make learning easier.
• Signs on the Rear – diagrams on the back illustrating the signign motion in case you need a reminder.
• Baby Friendly – printed on thick stock so little hands can play with the cards and they will live to play another day.
I was thrilled to see how easy the signs were for Abigail (3) and Eden (21 months). Much to my surprise they could figure out many of the signs from the flashcards on their own.
- Carrie P., TX
Study: Signing Enriches
“The Sign Training group told us over and over again … [signing] made communication easier and interactions more positive.”
“these data demonstrate clearly that … [signing] … seems to “jump start” verbal development”
“can facilitate and enrich interactions between parent and child”
Impact of Symbolic Gesturing on Early Language Development
Dr. Susan Goodwyn, Dr. Linda Acredolo, & Dr. Catherine Brown
Journal of Nonverbal Behavior
Baby Sign Language Dictionary
The Baby Sign Language Dictionary includes :
• Words (500+) – learn signs for nearly every topic of interest.
• Letters – sign the alphabet and teach basic spelling.
• Numbers (0-10) – introduce counting and basic mathematics.
Nicholas loves his signs and it lights up our lives every time he shares one of his little secrets. He is so observant, and we would miss it all without the signs.
- Donald Family, NY
Baby Sign Language Wall Chart
The full color wall chart (24 x 36″) includes 17 everyday signs. Use the wall chart for:
• Caregivers – help babysitters and other caregivers learn the basic signs so they can understand baby’s signs.
• Family – teach family the basic signs so they can join in the fun.
Everyone thought I was nuts when I started. A month later, all my friends saw Michelle’s first signs. Then they wanted to know how they could start.
Michelle is talking now and doesn’t sign much anymore, but it gave her a headstart over other children her age. Everyone says she talks like a three year old. Now she is helping me teach her baby brother Jordan how to sign.
- Adelaide S., CA
Study: +12 IQ Points
A group of second graders who signed as infants, performed better academically than a control group. The signers had a 12 IQ point advantage.
Longterm Impact of Symbolic Gesturing During Infancy at Age 8
Dr. Linda P. Acredolo (Professor, U.C. Davis)
Dr. Susan W. Goodwyn (Professor, California State University)
100% No Regret Guarantee
Your baby loves signing, or a full refund.
As you can tell, we love Baby Sign Language. It transformed the way we interacted with our children, and we want every family to have the opportunity. Baby Sign Language will make a difference for your child. Give it a try.
If for any reason you aren’t completely blown away, we will cheerfully give you a complete refund, including standard shipping. No time limit. We are that confident!
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
What is a good sign for bottle? Should I use ‘milk’ because (most of the time) milk (or formula) is in the bottle. I am a Nursery Day Care provider and one of the moms has asked me to use Baby Signs with her baby. I wish more of the moms (and the director) were interested. I am so thrilled to be able to teach a baby – baby sign language but I am just learning myself.
I have been using the ‘milk’ sign and saying bottle because bottle is easier to say than milk. They learn to say ‘ba-ba’ for bottle which is easier to say than milk. This sounds confusing, but I don’t think it really is if I am consistent and so is the mom.
ADMIN – Hi Elizabeth,
We use the “milk” sign for when they want a bottle with milk, and the “water” sign for when they want a bottle with water.
This is a wonderful program.
Elizabeth, My sister breast fed, and she used milk the milk sign for breast feeding and the drink sign for a bottle, I don’t know if that helps at all.
Hi I just have a question. I have never used baby signing with my daughter and shes never seen it anywhere but I just wanted to know if a few hand signs she does means anything.
1. She takes her pointer finger and touches the tip of it to her opposite hands palm and does it several times in a row.
2. She takes both of her pointer finger tips and touches them together several times.
I dont know if these mean anything, probably not, but I would like to know if they do so I know what shes saying when she does them.
ADMIN – Hi Liz,
If you daughter has not been taught to sign, it is unlikley that she is deliberately making a sign. (She may have picked some up from daycare or some other source outside the home)
The first sign you describe, sounds a little like again, and the second a little like more. But, again it is likely just a coincidence if nobody taught her.
If you are interested in teaching her how to sign, you can sculpt the behavior into having meaning. Whenever she makes the gesture, make the sign back, say the word and give them what they asked for. Even though they initially did not have any meaning attatched to the word, they will soon associate a meaning.
Are your signs adapted in any way or are they actual ASL signs? My daughter is deaf and I want to start early with your easy to use site but want to teach her signs that she will be able to use forever.
ADMIN – Hi Deb,
In 99% of cases we use actual ASL. Occasionally we simplify where the ASL sign is too complex, or the official ASL is finger-spelled. In these cases we will note that we deviated from proper ASL.
My mom had a baby a little over a year ago … he is a boy and has a lot of problems … one of which they think he won’t ever talk, and pretty much the only word he says is da-da and daddy. He refuses to say mommy or ma-ma … does anyone know the easiest and quickest way to teach my little brother how to sign? This can help my mom, my baby brother, and me all at the same time because he is learning sign language.
I am 12 almost 13 years old and just found out my mom has a brain tumor and has to have brain surgery. The surgery she has to have can cause her to loose her voice. So sign language is something we would all like to learn.
ADMIN – Hi Victoria,
Sorry to hear about your mom’s surgery, our thoughts are with you. It is great to hear that you are working with your brother to help him learn sign language. As a mom, I would take great comfort in seeing that you are taking on this responsibility when I need you most.
You can start working with your brother by introducing a few basic signs like mom, dad, more and eat, as you both go about your day. Find lots of opportunities to repeat those signs in your daily routines. Over the coming months he will start signing back, and then you can start expanding your vocabulary.
if i were you i would use the sign for drink and milk just use the sign for drink then milk cause they could hopefully get the point that it means bottle and maybe your baby will know the difference between milk, bottle, and drink. =)
My son is 9 months and I have read that this is the optimal time to teach him sign language because they are anxious to express their needs and have better fine motor skills and coordination. I just don’t really know how to get started. I notice that he knows words that we say to him already, like “Come here” “Eat”, “Bottle”, and “More”. Should I start signing these first? Also I really want to do the sign to put him to sleep. But I know it’s a different one for “tired” and “sleepy” and “bed”, which would be best to use?
ADMIN – Hi Jameka,
If there are some words he already recognizes and that you use frequently in your daily routines, they would be good starter signs. The words you mentioned: come, eat, bottle, and more are all great starter signs.
For bedtime, you can use any of those signs, just be consistent. Most people use bed, because it is an easy sign and looks like the universal sign for bedtime ( just put both your hands together and rest your head on them as if they were a pillow. Also for bedtime just pick the sign you feel is a best fit for your baby in terms of motor skills and personality keeping in mind that baby signing is a transitional means to communicate with your baby and provide you with a chronological advantage when it comes to accelerated learning. Also join our Facebook community to share and compare baby sign language progress with other signing moms
Hello Everyone and thank you for all of the info. My daughter moved in with me recently with a 6 yr old, 3 yr old and 6 month old. For the present time I am in charge of mostly the baby but also am teaching my daughter parenting skills. The baby is very frustrated and I believe that this program would help quite a bit. Are there any books or DVD’s that you would suggest. At the moment the Alphabet Blue’s Clues is her favorite. Any help would be greatly appreciated for a very tired but determined Nana! Thanks
ADMIN – Hi Nana,
We have a good book on Baby Sign Language. As for DVD Baby Signing Times is a awesome and a similar kind of format to Blue Clues. Go ahead and print our free downloadable signing for babies flash cards to get started and have something tangible. You can also involve the older children. Join our Facebook page and ask the the girls what they are currently using.
I have always been interested in baby sign language. What age is appropriate to start teaching my son?
ADMIN – Hi Stephanie, to learn when to get started with baby sign language visit our FAQs, We are also available on Facebook where you can engage in conversation with many signing moms and dads.
Thank you so much for a wonderful website. I knew when I was pregnant that I wanted to use baby sign language because I had seen the benefits with my niece. When my son was born, we discovered that he is hearing impaired and so it became even more important for us to begin sign language. He is now 6 months and your website has made it so easy to learn basic signs and the chart made it nice for his sitter to also be on the same page. I look forward to the new signs that you have coming. Will there be an alphabet chart coming? The videos are great for helping us to know we are doing it correctly.
ADMIN – Hi Kristi,
Thanks for your kind words. We had no plans for an alphabet chart, but we will be doing flash cards and videos for the alphabet and numbers.
I was first introduced to baby signs when I worked in a daycare. Now expecting my first child I’m excited to sign at home. Since I’ve already seen baby signing in use I already know it works. Thanks for the free site and videos!
I have been using about 5 different signs (milk, more, all done, eat, change) for 3 months now, my son is 9 months old but isn’t signing back, how long will it take?
ADMIN – Hi Melissa,
Children’s developmental windows open at different times. Some children take a little longer. Stick with it and you should see something soon. Until then, just keep on with the repetition.
Hello. Thank you so much for the amazing site! My daughter is 4 1/2 months old and I’ve been using the sign for “hungry” instead of the more commonly used first sign of “milk,” as it seems like a more useful sign moving forward. My question is: do you know if the sign for “hungry” is any more difficult for an infant to make than the sign for “milk”?
ADMIN – Hi Christine,
Using the more general sign, hungry is fine. It is also a very easy sign to make. Starting at your daughter’s young age, it would be perfectly normal for the signing to take a little longer.
Thank you so much for your wonderful website! I am in the process of teaching my almost 6 month old daughter how to sign. So far she understands “milk” and “up”. The signs that you have given on the website are endless. Thank you! Baby is so much more happier now.
How do i say “WATER” in baby sign language?
ADMIN – Hi Magnolia,
Water is signed by making you middle three fingers into a W, and tapping them on your chin. You can see a video and a diagram for water in the dictionary section of the website.
How do you sign “grandmother”?
ADMIN – Hi Grandma B,
The sign for grandmother is similar to the sign for mother. You take your strong hand and tap your thumb on your chin, moving it forward twice. You can see a video of the sign in our baby sign language dictionary.
I am a nanny for a one year old boy. His mother and I have recently started teaching him some simple signs (milk, more, eat, please). He caught on very quickly and gets really excited when he can tell us what he wants. This website has helped me to know more signs that I can start teaching him. Thank you for everything y’all do!
We just found out our 3 month old grandson is deaf. When can we start teaching him to sign? The whole family wants to learn to help him communicate. He has a sister that is 1.5 years old and like to teach her too. Help Please!
Stephanie
ADMIN – Hi Stephanie,
You can start right now! Deaf families will sign around their children from birth, in exactly the same way hearing families talk around pre-verbal children. The only difference with starting with a younger child, is you need to be more patient – it will take him longer to start signing back than if you started him when he was older. But, particularly if he is deaf I would started straight away.