Baby Sign Language First 25 Signs
These first baby sign language signs match daily needs: milk, more, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, diaper changes, family, feelings, books, and play.
Choose first signs from routines your baby already knows
Baby sign language works best when caregivers model a few useful signs during the same real moments every day: milk, more, eat, all done, diaper, bath, sleep, help, and family names.
- Reviewed by the ASL Kids editorial team on August 15, 2026.
- Use baby signs as communication support, not as a replacement for rich language exposure, responsive interaction, or professional guidance when there are hearing or speech-language concerns.
- ASL signs can vary, so video practice and consistent caregiver modeling matter more than memorizing a static chart.
How to use this first-sign list
Baby sign language works best when signs are useful immediately. Start with a few signs you can model many times a day, say the spoken word while signing, and respond to your child’s message even when the sign is imperfect.
You do not need to teach all 25 signs at once. Choose one routine, model three to five signs for a week, and add more after the first signs feel natural.
- Use signs during the real moment. Sign milk when offering milk, help when helping, and all done when the routine ends.
- Watch signs move. Video examples help with handshape, movement, rhythm, and facial expression.
- Keep expectations gentle. Babies often understand signs before signing back clearly.
- Invite every caregiver. Parents, grandparents, daycare staff, and siblings should use the same small sign set.
The first 25 baby sign language signs
Requests and meals
- More for more food, songs, tickles, or games.
- Milk for nursing, bottles, or milk cups.
- Eat before meals and snacks.
- Drink for water, milk, or a cup.
- All done when a meal, diaper change, or game is finished.
- Help when a toy is stuck or your child needs support.
- Please as a polite request model.
- Thank you after giving or receiving something.
Care, sleep, and play
- Sleep for naps and bedtime.
- Bath before and during bath time.
- Diaper before a diaper change.
- Change for diapers, clothes, and cleanup.
- Potty for older babies and toddlers.
- Book for story time.
- Play for toys, games, and outside time.
- Again for songs, books, games, and routines.
People your child loves
- Mom for a high-interest family word.
- Dad for another meaningful family sign.
- Baby for siblings, dolls, photos, and family talk.
Simple support signs
- Hurt when something feels uncomfortable.
- Happy during songs, play, and family moments.
- Sad for simple feeling language.
- Tired when sleep cues appear.
- Scared when your child needs comfort.
- Stop for safety, boundaries, and turn-taking.
First signs by routine
| Routine | Best starter signs | How to practice | Next guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals and snacks | More, milk, eat, drink, all done, help. | Pause before refills and model the sign with the word. | Mealtime signs |
| Bedtime | Sleep, tired, book, milk, bath, all done. | Use the same signs during the bedtime routine every night. | Bedtime signs |
| Diaper and bath | Diaper, change, potty, bath, help, hurt, stop. | Model signs calmly during predictable care routines. | Diaper and bath signs |
| Feelings and comfort | Hurt, happy, sad, tired, scared, help, stop. | Name the feeling, sign it, and offer real comfort. | Feelings signs |
| Play and books | Play, book, again, all done, help, mom, dad. | Use signs while reading, singing, stacking, and turn-taking. | Signs by routine |
Practice these signs in motion
Still lists are useful, but signs move. Use the ASL Kids app to replay signs like more, milk, eat, all done, help, sleep, bath, family, and feelings before modeling them with your child.
Baby routine tracker
Choose one routine for a week and track which signs your child notices, understands, or tries.
Baby sign chart
Use the chart as a fridge, daycare, therapy, or grandparent reminder for the signs you model most.
Baby sign hub
When the first signs feel natural, move into routine guides for meals, bedtime, diaper care, bath, and feelings.
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 this list, the tracker, the chart, and the app. If several caregivers need reminders, a small card set, poster, or parent book can help keep everyone consistent.
Trusted guidance
Baby signs should support communication, connection, and language-rich routines. If you have concerns about hearing, speech, language, feeding, development, motor skills, or communication access, ask your pediatrician, audiologist, SLP, Deaf educator, or care team.
First 25 baby signs FAQ
What baby sign should I teach first?
Many families start with more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, mom, and dad because those signs happen often in daily routines.
Should I teach all 25 signs at once?
No. Start with three to five signs in one routine, then add more after those signs feel natural.
When will my baby sign back?
Some babies sign back around 8 to 12 months, while others start later. Understanding often comes before a clear sign.
What if my baby signs differently?
Early signs are often approximate. Respond to the meaning, then model the sign again clearly without pressure.
Do baby signs replace speech?
No. For most families, baby signs are used alongside spoken words, reading, songs, gestures, and responsive interaction.
Deaf-friendly home safety guides
For families who use ASL, hearing technology, visual routines, or deaf-friendly alerts, these higher-intent safety guides can help you compare practical home setup options.
Need printable ASL practice sheets?
Download the free ASL Kids Starter Pack for first signs, weekly lesson plans, baby-sign routines, classroom signs, family practice, and a 12-week planner.
Comparing ASL apps?
Use the Best ASL Apps for Kids and Beginners guide to choose between ASL Kids, dictionary apps, structured lesson apps, baby-sign video libraries, and course paths.
Supporting a deaf or hard-of-hearing child?
Use the ASL for Parents of Deaf Children guide to start a family ASL path with first signs, app practice, parent course options, and trusted support resources.
Print the 30-day family ASL plan
Use the free printable to choose first signs, build a daily ASL habit, share signs with caregivers, and support a deaf or hard-of-hearing child at home.
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.
Learning ASL as a family?
The ASL for Families guide gives parents, kids, siblings, grandparents, and teachers a practical path: app videos, daily routine signs, a 30-day printable plan, and course options when you need more structure.
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.