Baby Tools

Baby Sign Language Chart

23 practical baby signs organized by category. Each one includes how to do it, when to introduce it, and a tip that actually helps.

Showing 24 of 24 signs

When should you start?

Most babies can start learning signs around 6 to 8 months. They probably won't sign back until 8 to 14 months, but they're understanding you well before that. The gap between comprehension and production is normal and can last weeks.

Start with 3 to 5 signs tied to daily routines (milk, more, all done, eat). Use them consistently for a few weeks before adding more. The goal isn't to teach your baby ASL fluency โ€” it's to give them a way to communicate before spoken words catch up.

Signs are based on American Sign Language (ASL). Baby versions are often simplified โ€” if your baby's version is close, it counts.

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Common Questions

When can babies learn sign language?
Babies can start learning sign language as early as 6 months, though most won't sign back until 8-10 months. Motor skills for signing develop before speech. Starting with 3-5 simple signs (milk, more, all done, eat, help) and using them consistently during daily routines works best.
Does baby sign language delay speech?
No. Research consistently shows that baby sign language does not delay speech development. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals found that signing babies often speak earlier than non-signing peers, possibly because signing encourages communication skills and parent-child interaction.
What are the first signs to teach a baby?
Start with signs for things babies are motivated by: milk, more, all done, eat, water, help, and up. These cover basic needs and are used multiple times daily, giving lots of practice opportunities. Add signs gradually as your baby masters the first few.

For educational purposes only โ€” not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with questions about your child's health.