Top 10 Baby Signs to Teach First—and Why They Matter

Before your baby can speak, they can still communicate—with their hands. Teaching baby signs is a powerful way to reduce frustration, build early language skills, and create a deeper bond between you and your little one.

By using simplified sign language signs—many adapted from American Sign Language (ASL)—your infant can express needs and feelings long before they can form words. In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 basic sign language signs to start with and explain why they matter during your child’s early development.

Why Teach Baby Sign Language?

Babies are often able to coordinate their hands before their mouths. This makes sign language hand signs a natural bridge to spoken communication.

Benefits of teaching infant signs include:

• Reduced tantrums and frustration
• Earlier language development
• Strengthened parent-baby connection
• Improved emotional regulation
• Boosted confidence in self-expression

And don’t worry—it won’t delay speech. Research shows that babies who sign tend to speak sooner and with larger vocabularies. Sign language is just one way to build language skills in babies. Learn how babies learn language through listening and interaction to support their communication journey in the early months.

When to Start Teaching Baby Signs

You can introduce baby signs as early as 6 months. Most babies begin to use them independently between 8–12 months.

Here’s how to start:

• Say the word clearly while making the sign
• Repeat it consistently in real-life situations
• Be patient—repetition and modeling are key
• Celebrate when your baby signs back (even if it’s not perfect)

Top 10 Baby Signs to Teach First

These beginner hand language signs words are easy, practical, and used often in everyday routines:

1. More

Sign: Tap your fingertips together
Why it matters: Helps babies ask for more food, play, or anything they enjoy.

2. All Done / Finished

Sign: Turn your hands outward from your chest
Why it matters: Reduces mealtime power struggles and gives babies a way to signal when they’re done.

3. Milk

Sign: Open and close your fist, like milking a cow
Why it matters: Helps babies communicate hunger or feeding needs clearly.

4. Eat / Food

Sign: Tap fingers to your mouth
Why it matters: One of the most basic helping signs for understanding needs.

5. Drink

Sign: Pretend to hold a cup to your mouth
Why it matters: Encourages independence around hydration and routine care.

6. Help

Sign: Place one hand palm-up and the other in a thumbs-up position on top of it
Why it matters: Empowers babies to request assistance rather than cry.

7. Please

Sign: Rub your open hand in a circle over your chest
Why it matters: A gentle introduction to manners and social cues.

8. Thank You

Sign: Touch your fingers to your chin and move them outward
Why it matters: Reinforces gratitude and positive social interaction.

9. Sleep

Sign: Open your hand over your face and slowly close it as your eyes “shut”
Why it matters: Helps babies signal tiredness before they’re overtired.

10. Bath

Sign: Rub your fists up and down your chest
Why it matters: Supports transitions and routines, especially before bedtime.

Incorporating baby signs into daily activities can enhance your child’s learning. Discover more fun and easy things to do with infants that will support their development and encourage bonding.

Tips for Teaching Baby Signs Successfully

• Start with 3–5 core signs and expand gradually
• Always say the word while signing it
• Use signs during daily routines like meals, playtime, and diaper changes
• Be expressive—facial cues help reinforce meaning
• Encourage everyone (partners, caregivers, siblings) to use signs consistently

Expert Parenting Tip

Baby signs aren’t just gestures—they’re conversation starters.
When you use sign language signs with your baby, you’re giving them a voice before they can speak. This builds confidence, deepens connection, and makes everyday parenting feel just a little easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best baby signs to start with?

“More,” “all done,” “milk,” “eat,” and “help” are great beginner signs used in daily routines.

2. Will baby sign language delay speech?

No—babies who sign often speak earlier and more clearly than their peers.

3. What age should I start using signs with my baby?

Start around 6 months; babies usually sign back by 8–12 months.

4. Are baby signs the same as American Sign Language (ASL)?

Many are adapted from ASL, but baby sign language uses simplified gestures that may not be fully ASL-accurate.

5. How many signs should I teach at once?

Start with a few and build as your baby shows interest. Keep it simple and consistent.