What Age Should You Start Teaching Sign Language?
Many families begin modeling simple signs around 6 months, but the best time to start is when you can use the same few signs during real routines every day.
So, what age should you start?
You can start modeling signs before your child signs back. Many parents begin around 6 months because babies are watching faces, hands, and daily routines closely. Some babies sign back around 8 to 12 months, some later, and toddlers or preschoolers can still start successfully.
The exact age matters less than consistency. Pick signs that happen many times a day, say the word while you sign, respond warmly to any communication attempt, and keep practice short.
- For babies: model signs during milk, meals, diaper changes, bath, sleep, books, and play.
- For toddlers: add signs for help, stop, hurt, tired, feelings, outside, play, and cleanup.
- For preschoolers: use signs in songs, stories, transitions, games, and classroom routines.
- For support needs: coordinate signs with speech, AAC, hearing support, ASL access, and the child’s care team.
Age-by-age sign language plan
| Age or stage | What to expect | Best signs to model | Helpful next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5 months | No pressure to sign back. Focus on eye contact, talking, reading, songs, and warm routines. | Milk, mom, dad, more, all done if they happen naturally. | Learn a few signs yourself so they feel natural later. |
| 6 to 8 months | A common time to start modeling signs. Your baby may understand before signing back. | Milk, more, eat, drink, all done, sleep, bath. | Use the first 25 signs guide. |
| 9 to 12 months | Some babies begin using approximations. Their sign may not look like the adult version yet. | Help, book, play, mom, dad, diaper, hurt, tired. | Track signs by routine. |
| 12 to 18 months | Signs can support choices, routines, frustration, and early words. | More, all done, help, stop, please, thank you, outside, again. | Open ASL signs for toddlers. |
| 18 months and older | It is not too late. Toddlers, preschoolers, and family beginners can start with practical signs. | Feelings, colors, animals, family, classroom signs, cleanup, wait. | Follow the beginner ASL path. |
First signs and chart
Use a short list for milk, more, eat, drink, all done, sleep, bath, help, mom, dad, book, and play.
Practice signs where they happen
Mealtime, bedtime, diaper changes, bath, and feelings are easier than random flash-card practice.
Watch the movement
Video helps parents see handshape, movement, and rhythm before modeling a sign with a child.
How to start without overthinking it
Pick one routine
Choose meals, milk, bath, diaper changes, bedtime, or books. Routines make signs easier to repeat.
Choose three to five signs
Start with signs your child can use for real needs: more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, or sleep.
Say the word while signing
For most families, signs support spoken language. Use a warm voice, the sign, and the real object or routine together.
Respond to attempts
Your child may sign imperfectly, point, vocalize, or use a smaller movement. Treat it as communication.
Add signs slowly
After a sign feels natural, add one more sign from the next routine instead of starting a long list.
Watch beginner signs before you model them
This ASL Kids video gives families a quick look at beginner signs. Use the ASL dictionary and app when you want to check a specific sign.
Sign Language Basics: Learn 38 ASL signs in 2 minutes
Will signing delay speech?
Baby signs are meant to support communication, not replace speech or language interaction. Talk, read, sing, point, gesture, sign, and respond. If your child has hearing differences, speech or language delays, motor differences, developmental concerns, or an AAC plan, ask the professionals and ASL-fluent educators supporting your child how signs should fit.
A helpful rule: if you are worried about hearing, speech, language, feeding, development, or communication access, do not wait for signs to solve it. Ask your pediatrician, audiologist, SLP, Deaf educator, or care team.
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 ASL Kids videos, the dictionary, and the printable tracker. A simple book, card set, or routine visual can help when several caregivers need the same reminders.
Where to go next
Trusted guidance
Starting sign language by age FAQ
Can I teach my 4 month old sign language?
You can model a few signs at 4 months, but do not expect your baby to sign back yet. Treat it as parent practice and a warm visual routine.
What age do babies usually sign back?
Some babies begin signing back around 8 to 12 months, while others start later. Understanding often comes before a clear sign.
Is one year old too late to start baby sign language?
No. One year old is still a very useful time to start. Toddlers, preschoolers, and family beginners can also learn practical signs.
How many signs should I start with?
Start with three to five signs that happen every day, such as more, milk, eat, drink, all done, help, sleep, or bath.
Will baby sign language delay speech?
Baby signs are meant to support communication. Say the word while signing, keep spoken interaction rich, and ask a pediatrician or SLP if you have concerns about speech, hearing, or development.
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.
