Baby Sign Language
Baby sign language gives parents and caregivers a simple way to model useful signs during meals, bedtime, diaper changes, bath time, play, and feelings.
What baby sign language means
Baby sign language usually means using a small set of simple ASL signs with babies and toddlers during everyday routines. It can help a child ask for milk, more, help, all done, sleep, bath, or a favorite book before spoken words are easy.
It is not a replacement for full ASL instruction, speech-language support, hearing care, AAC, or advice from your child’s care team. ASL is a real language with grammar, movement, facial expression, and Deaf cultural context. This page focuses on practical first signs that families can model at home.
- Use real signs in real routines. Sign when the meaning is happening, not only during practice time.
- Say the word while you sign. Pair the visual sign with spoken language unless your child’s team recommends a different approach.
- Start small and repeat. Three to five useful signs are better than a long list nobody uses.
- Respond to attempts. Early baby signs may look imperfect. Treat them as communication and keep modeling clearly.
First 25 baby signs
Begin with high-use signs like more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, mom, dad, book, and play.
Baby sign chart
Use a simple chart as a refrigerator, classroom, therapy, or daycare reminder for the signs you model most often.
ASL Kids app
Short videos help caregivers see handshape, movement, and rhythm before they model signs with a child.
When should you start baby signs?
Many families begin modeling a few signs around the second half of the first year, when daily routines are predictable and babies are watching hands, faces, and voices closely. Some babies sign back earlier, some later, and some prefer spoken words, gestures, pointing, or other communication supports.
The useful question is not “What is the perfect age?” It is “Which signs can I model naturally every day?” Milk, more, all done, help, sleep, bath, book, mom, and dad are good first choices because they happen often.
Baby sign language routine guide
| Routine | Signs to model | Best next resource |
|---|---|---|
| Meals and snacks | More, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, please, thank you. | Mealtime signs guide |
| Bedtime and naps | Sleep, tired, book, milk, bath, help, all done, good night. | Bedtime signs guide |
| Diaper, potty, and bath | Diaper, change, potty, bath, help, hurt, stop, all done. | Diaper and bath signs guide |
| Feelings and comfort | Hurt, tired, happy, sad, scared, help, stop, break, all done. | Feelings signs guide |
| Play and family | Play, book, ball, dog, mom, dad, baby, again, finished. | ASL signs by routine |
A simple 7-day baby sign plan
Pick one routine
Choose mealtime, bedtime, diaper changes, or bath time. Model two signs every time that routine happens. For example: more and all done at meals.
Add one useful sign
Add help, milk, sleep, bath, or book. Watch the sign in the app, say the word, sign naturally, and respond warmly if your child tries.
Watch common baby signs
Use these short ASL Kids videos to check the movement before you model the signs with your baby or toddler.
Food in sign language
Drink in sign language
Help in sign language
Bath in sign language
Build a small baby sign starter kit
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 do not need many materials. A short app video, one printable tracker, and one visible reminder for caregivers is enough for most families to begin.
- Browse baby sign language books on Amazon for a parent-friendly reference.
- Browse baby sign language flash cards on Amazon if grandparents, daycare staff, or siblings need visual reminders.
- Browse toddler visual routine cards on Amazon for families who want signs plus visual routines.
Helpful ASL Kids resources
Trusted guidance
Use baby signs as part of a language-rich routine: talk, read, sing, respond, point, gesture, and use signs. If you have concerns about hearing, speech, language, feeding, development, or communication access, ask your pediatrician, audiologist, SLP, Deaf educator, or care team.
Baby sign language FAQ
What is baby sign language?
Baby sign language is the practice of using a small set of simple signs with babies and toddlers during everyday routines. Many families use ASL signs for needs like milk, more, eat, drink, help, all done, sleep, bath, book, mom, and dad.
Is baby sign language the same as ASL?
No. Baby sign language usually uses selected ASL signs as early communication tools. ASL is a complete language with its own grammar, culture, movement, facial expression, and signing community.
Will baby signs delay speech?
Using signs in a responsive, language-rich routine is not meant to replace speech. Say the word while you sign, respond to your child’s message, and ask a pediatrician or SLP if you have concerns about speech, hearing, or development.
What baby signs should I teach first?
Start with signs that solve daily needs: more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, bath, book, mom, and dad. Pick three to five signs and use them consistently.
How do I keep practice going?
Choose one routine, print the baby sign routine tracker, watch the signs in the ASL Kids app, and invite every caregiver to model the same small set of signs.
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.