Baby Sign Language Basics
Baby sign language works best when it is simple, consistent, and tied to real routines: milk, more, eat, drink, help, all done, sleep, bath, book, mom, and dad.
What are the baby sign language basics?
Baby sign language is the everyday use of simple signs with babies and toddlers before spoken words are easy. Parents often begin with practical ASL signs for needs, routines, and favorite people.
The basics are not a complicated curriculum. Choose a few signs, use them during the real moment, say the word while you sign, and respond when your child communicates. Early signs may be approximate, and that is normal.
- Start with routines: meals, milk, diaper changes, bath, bedtime, books, and play.
- Use real ASL videos: still pictures can help, but movement matters.
- Keep speech and interaction rich: talk, read, sing, point, gesture, sign, and respond.
- Ask for help when needed: consult a pediatrician, SLP, audiologist, Deaf educator, or care team if you have concerns.
First 25 baby signs
Use this list for the signs most families need first: more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, book, mom, dad, and play.
Baby sign chart
Print or bookmark a simple chart so every caregiver uses the same signs during daily routines.
Routine tracker
Pick one routine for a week and track which signs your child notices, understands, or tries.
When should you start?
You can model a few signs as soon as a routine feels predictable. Many families start during the second half of the first year, but there is no single perfect date. Your baby may understand signs before signing back, and the first attempts may be small or partial.
If your child has hearing differences, developmental delays, speech concerns, motor differences, or a communication plan already in place, use baby signs alongside guidance from the professionals and Deaf or ASL-fluent educators supporting your child.
How to teach baby signs in 5 steps
Choose 3 to 5 useful signs
Good starters are more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, book, mom, and dad.
Use each sign in the real moment
Sign milk when offering milk, help when helping, and all done when the routine ends.
Say the word while signing
For most families, pairing the sign with the spoken word gives the child both visual and auditory language.
Repeat without pressure
Model the sign calmly. Do not turn every meal or diaper change into a test.
Respond to the message
If your child signs, points, vocalizes, or approximates the sign, respond to the meaning and keep modeling clearly.
Baby sign language first signs by routine
| Routine | First signs to try | Helpful next page |
|---|---|---|
| Meals and snacks | More, milk, eat, drink, all done, help. | Mealtime signs |
| Bedtime and naps | Sleep, tired, book, milk, bath, help. | Bedtime signs |
| Diaper and bath | Diaper, change, bath, potty, help, hurt, stop. | Diaper and bath signs |
| Feelings and comfort | Hurt, tired, happy, sad, scared, help, break. | Feelings signs |
| Family and play | Mom, dad, baby, play, book, ball, dog, again. | ASL signs by routine |
Watch a few beginner signs
Short videos help you see the movement. Use the ASL Kids app and dictionary when you want to check a sign before modeling it with your child.
Cold in sign language
Warm in sign language
Drink in sign language
Helpful starter materials
Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. ASL Kids may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
You can start for free with the ASL Kids app, dictionary, chart, and tracker. A small book, card set, or visual routine pack can help when several caregivers need the same reminders.
Where to go next
Trusted guidance
Baby signs should support communication, connection, and language-rich routines. They should not replace evaluation or support when a child needs hearing, speech, language, developmental, feeding, motor, AAC, or ASL access guidance.
Baby sign language basics FAQ
What signs should I teach first?
Start with signs your child can use several times a day: more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, book, mom, and dad.
How many signs should I teach at once?
Choose three to five signs at first. Add more after the signs feel natural during daily routines.
Do I need flash cards to teach baby signs?
No. Real routines, responsive interaction, and video examples are enough to start. Flash cards or posters can help other caregivers remember the same signs.
Should I use signs if my child also uses speech or AAC?
Many children use more than one communication tool. If your child has a communication plan, ask the care team how signs should fit with speech, AAC, hearing support, and language goals.
Choosing a baby sign language app?
Start with the Baby Sign Language App page if you want the fastest ASL Kids download path, or use the Best Baby Sign Language Apps guide to compare ASL Kids, My Signing Time, Baby Sign and Learn, and parent-focused ASL app options.
Teaching ASL to preschoolers?
The ASL Course for Preschoolers guide helps parents and teachers choose an app-first routine path, preschool curriculum, adult course support, printables, and classroom materials without pushing a formal child course too early.
