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If you are like me, you cherish the littlest moments with your sweet child and savor each goo and gah. But, you often struggle when it comes to the not-so-sweet moments. The grunts and the growls, the screams and screeching are likely the last things you were looking forward to while gently caressing your pregnant tummy and dreaming of mommy-hood.
The inability of our little ones to communicate how they are feeling or what they need can lead to frustrating behavior that looks like tantrums or frustration. But, it’s often actually the earliest form of communication for them — we just can’t quite understand it yet.
However, Some Basic Baby Signs Can Help!
That’s why I’m so incredibly thankful for baby sign language. And, I’ve created a printable baby sign language chart so you can get started using some basic sign language with your baby today! Check it out…
The Benefits of Baby Sign Language
Now, I am no audiologist or speech-language pathologist. But, I do have first-hand experience as a mother of young children. And, I highly recommend learning some very basic signs and teaching them to your little ones.
Signing with your baby doesn’t have to be complicated! Even just a few common baby signs can help your child communicate their basic needs and wants.
So, let’s get started. Here are the top five baby signs (taken from or inspired by American Sign Language) that we use with our little ones…
5 Basic Must-Know Baby Signs (+ How and When to Use Them)
“All Done” in Sign Language
How to Do the “All Done” Sign (according to ASL): With arms bent at the elbows and palms facing one another, twist both hands back and forth at the wrists.
How to Do our “All Done” Sign: We made up our own sign for “all done” that seemed to mimicked the motion of dusting off hands after a dirty job. Simple wipe the palms of your hands across one another a couple times.
When to Use the “All Done” Sign: We started using the “all done” sign as early as possible. We use it at the end of diaper changes (while we have our baby’s undivided attention), at the end of meals, when concluding a bath or play activity, and sometimes when attempting to stop an unwanted or inappropriate behavior.
“Come Here” in Sign Language
How to Do the “Come Here” Sign: With arms bent at the elbows, palms facing one another, and fingers pointing forward, fold fingers of each hand into the centers of palms, as if making fists, over and over again.
When to Use the “Come Here” Sign: This is almost an involuntary thing in our house, because I just think it helps communicate to our little one that we want to hold her. If shown to your infant at a very early age, she will start to lift her arms up to you when you do it. It’s not only heart-melting, but it’s an early indication of parent-baby bonding!
“More” in Sign Language
How to Do the “More Sign: With arms bent at the elbows and palms facing one another, pinch the index finger, middle finger, and thumb on each hand, then tap the fingertips of your hands together a few times.
When to Use the “More” Sign: We started showing this sign the very first time our babies were given table food. I believe it is the most important sign! At first, you might feel it is a futile thing to do each time you give them a bite, but the repetition makes all the difference. You will notice their head turns toward the spoon and all focus in on the food as soon as you say and show the sign. It takes some time for babies to make the transition from watching you sign to doing the sign themselves. You will find they will start to do it around the same time they have the physical dexterity and fine motor skills to start clapping. Once they get it, you will see it often (especially if you have an enthusiastic eater) and you may notice they use it while playing too (great for communication away from the dinner table).
“Please” in Sign Language
How to Do the “Please” Sign: With arm bent at the elbow and palm facing inward, move your hand in a circular motion in front of your chest.
When to Use the “Please” Sign: We introduced this sign to our first child around the time she turned one years old. With lots of repetition, she made the connection to the fact that this was the “magic word.” When she did the sign, she got the prize! We used it primarily at the dinner table at first. But it soon made the transition to play, reading, and other activities. It is baby’s first etiquette lesson.
“Help” in Sign Language
How to Do the “Help” Sign: With arms bent at the elbows and one hand palm up, make a fist with the other hand and place it thumb-up on the open palm. Then, raise both hands together in front of your chest.
When to Use the “Help” Sign: Oh, this one is so important for babies who are starting to explore and become independent. We taught this one at around 14 months old (but we could have used it earlier). And, we found it useful in play and basic everyday activities. Plus, this is the tantrum avoider! You may notice your little one struggling with opening something, climbing on the couch, or doing an activity their motor skills aren’t quite ready for. Then, you start to see them losing their patience and getting frustrated, hearing exasperated noises (from a low growl to a high-pitched scream). Teach them to ask for help with their hands and say, “Ask for help before you get frustrated.” It will make all the difference in the world!
Now, Grab Your Free Printable Baby Sign Language Chart
This small list of easy baby signs are the ones I consider must-know for moms. And, with consistent effort, I think you will find they really facilitate better communication with your infant or toddler. I hope they help you find out what your baby is thinking and feeling, and, most importantly, what your baby needs!
And, visit Simple. Home. Blessings. for five tips for making baby sign language work for you.
Baby Sign Language Charts and Resources on Amazon:
If you don’t want to download our baby sign language chart, check out these baby sign charts and resources you can purchase right from Amazon…
My First Baby Sign Language Flash Cards: Essential ASL Signs to Learn and PracticeBEAWART Baby Sign Language Knowledge PosterBaby Signs: All Done!Carson Dellosa 122 American Sign Language Flash Cards for Toddlers and BeginnersBaby Signs: A Baby-Sized Introduction to Speaking with Sign LanguageBaby Sign Language Made Easy: 101 Signs to Start Communicating with Your Child NowLet’s Learn Sign Language Flash CardsMy First Book of Baby Signs: 40 Essential Signs to Learn and PracticeBaby Sign Language Basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies and ToddlersMy First Signs: American Sign LanguageThe Baby Signing Bible: Baby Sign Language Made EasyMeal Time: American Sign LanguageNita’s First Signs (Volume 1)Special Needs My Communication ASL CardsAmerican Sign Language for Kids: 101 Easy Signs for Nonverbal CommunicationBaby Sign Language Flash Cards: A 50-Card Deck
Plus, find more of my favorite parenting resources in B-Inspired Mama’s Amazon Shop: Top Parenting Books
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More Tips and Ideas for Babies and Toddlers:
- Helpful Baby Formula Feeding Tips
- Must-Have Baby Items – Organization in the Kitchen
- Baby Safe Sensory Play Ideas
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Thanks for that feedback, Tina! We’ve only taught our little guy 2 signs, and now that he’s having speech trouble I’m wishing we had taught more.
Ashley says
We taught all our babies sign language, and found the girls were very receptive. Our son however refused to sign anything until he was desperate for something! lol Featuring this on Mom’s Library this week!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Thanks for the feature, Ashley! I’ve been working on it with JC. He seems completely disinterested, but I’m not giving up yet.