5 Basic Baby Signs + A FREE Baby Sign Language Chart

This post was contributed by Leah of Simple. Home. Blessings.

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 fully communicate what is going on in their heads can lead to frustrating behaviors that look like tantrums or frustration.  But sometimes it is the earliest form of communication for them – we just can’t quite understand them.

Some Basic Baby Signs can Help!

That is why I am so thankful for baby sign language.  And that’s why I’ve made this baby sign language chart for you!

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.

I am not a child development expert, but I do have experience as a mother, and I highly recommend learning some very simple baby signs and teaching them to your little ones, starting at a very early age.

Signing with your baby doesn’t have to be complicated. Even just a few simple baby signs can help you know your baby’s basic needs and wants. 

So here are five baby signs we use with our little ones (along with how and when to introduce them)…

5 Must-Know, Must-Show, Easy Baby Signs (+ How and When to Use Them)

“All Done”

We started using this sign as early as possible.  We use it at the end of diaper changes (while we have her undivided attention), at the end of meals, when concluding an activity, and sometimes (rarely and early) to attempt to stop an inappropriate behavior.

How to do the baby sign for “All Done”:  We actually made up our own sign for this.  Simply wipe your hands once or twice (like you are finished with a dusty job and are getting the dust off your hands). OR:  Hold both hands up at your sides palms facing out and shake gently back and forth.

“Come Here”

This is almost an involuntary thing in our house, so I just think it helps communicate to our little one that we would like to hold her.  But, if shown to your wee one at a very early age, she will start to lift her arms up to you when you do it.  It is not only heart-melting but is an early indication of a connection made!

How to do the baby sign for “Come Here”:  Hold your hand at your sides and fold them in toward you.

“More”

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 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!).

How to do the baby sign for “More”:  Hold first two fingers and thumbs on each hand together and tap together once or twice.

“Please”

We introduced this sign to our first child around the time she turned one, and she made the quick connection to the fact that this was the “magic word.”  When she did the sign, she got the prize!  She learned “please” in less than a week because of the wonderfully productive results.

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!

How to do the baby sign for “Please”:  Hold your hand flat in front of your chest and move it in a circular motion.

“Help”

Oh, this one is so important for babies who are starting to explore and are becoming more independent.  We taught this one around 14 months old (but we could have used it earlier), and we found it useful in play and basic everyday activities.

This is the tantrum avoider!  You may notice your little one is struggling with opening something, climbing on the couch, doing an activity their motor skills aren’t quite ready for.  And then you start to see them get that frustrated look and start 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!

How to do the baby sign for “Help”:  Hold one hand in front of your body, palm up.  Place your other hand in a fist, with thumb up over other hand and push both hands up.

Grab the FREE Baby Sign Language Chart

This small list of easy baby signs are the ones I consider must-know for moms, and I think you will find they facilitate communication with your little ones.  I hope they help you find out what your baby is thinking and, more importantly, what she needs!

Grab your FREE Baby Sign Language Chart HERE:

For five tips for making baby sign language work for you, check out this post on my blog, Simple.Home.Blessings.

Leah is the homemaker and mama behind Simple. Home. Blessings.  She loves seeing the spark in her children’s eyes as they discover and explore new things.  She is passionate about reading and creates lots of activities based on favorite books.  She also writes about other topics related to homemaking.  

More Tips for Babies and Toddlers:

• Helpful Baby Formula Feeding Tips
• Must-Have Baby Items – Organization in the Kitchen
• Baby Safe Sensory Play Ideas

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.