Baby Sign Language: 20 Signs to Teach Your Baby | South Florida Family Photographer & Videographer
Ever wished you could understand what your baby needs before they can talk? Imagine knowing exactly when they’re hungry, tired, or need a little help, without the guessing game! Drum rolls for baby sign language, a total game-changer for parents.
Baby sign language isn’t just fun, it’s a way to connect with your baby on a deeper level, giving them the ability to communicate before they can speak. That makes those early months so much easier!
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Parents
Learning baby sign language gives you a head start in understanding your baby’s needs, reducing their frustration (and yours). No more guessing why your little one is crying. They can actually tell you! Imagine the relief when your baby signs “milk” or “sleep” instead of fussing. This early communication strengthens your bond, boosts language development, and makes everyday moments more enjoyable.
The best part? It’s simple to get started, and the earlier you learn, the more natural it becomes. Familiarizing yourself with the signs before your baby arrives means you can start using them immediately, building it into your routine from day one.
Start With These Basic Signs
Here are some of the most common signs you'll use daily. These are perfect to teach your baby, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they’ll catch on!
Milk
Make a fist and open and close your hand, like milking a cow.
Use it when your baby wants to nurse or have a bottle.
Learn how to sign "Milk"More
Bring your fingertips together on both hands and tap them together.
Great for when they want more food, playtime, or cuddles.
Learn how to sign "More"All Done/Finished
Hold your hands up and turn them from palm up to palm down.
Perfect for signaling when your baby is finished eating or playing.
Learn how to sign "All Done"Eat/Food
Tap your fingers to your mouth.
Use this one during mealtimes.
Learn how to sign "Eat"Drink
Make a C shape with your hand and move it to your mouth.
A handy sign for when your baby is thirsty.
Learn how to sign "Drink"Sleep/Bed
Place your hands together and rest your cheek on them like a pillow.
Perfect for signaling bedtime or naptime.
Learn how to sign "Sleep"Diaper/Change
Make a fist with both hands, put them together, and twist.
Useful for letting you know when it's diaper time.
Learn how to sign "Change"Help
Place one hand palm up, put your other hand in a thumbs-up on top of it, then lift them together.
Great for when your baby needs assistance.
Learn how to sign "Help"
Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t sign perfectly right away. It’s more about the connection than the precision! For example, a baby may not do the sign for “help” perfectly but he would just tap his hand on his head, but you will know what he means, and that makes it work!
12 More Signs to Teach Your Baby
Here are more useful signs you can add to your routine as your baby grows:
9. Please
10. Thank You
11. Bath
12. Book
13. Play
14. Mommy
15. Daddy
16. Dog
17. Cat
18. Hot
19. Cold
20. Love
You can find tutorials for these signs on this YouTube channel.
Tips for Learning and Teaching Baby Signs
Practice Consistently
The more you use the signs in everyday activities, the quicker your baby will learn.
Make It Fun
Incorporate signs into songs, playtime, and routines. Babies love learning through fun!
Be Patient
It may take a few weeks or months for your baby to pick up the signs, but when they do, it’ll be so rewarding!
Use Signs in Daily Routines
From meals to bedtime, using signs during everyday moments will help your baby learn naturally.
Even if you only learn one sign, it’s a great start! Baby sign language reduces frustration, encourages language development, and creates an even stronger bond between you and your little one. Start early, involve the whole family, and watch your baby’s communication skills bloom!
Why Wait? Start Learning Today.
Learning baby sign language before your baby arrives makes it second nature by the time they’re ready to start communicating. Get your partner, family, and even older siblings involved, and make it part of your daily interactions. You’ll be so glad you did!