The most common baby sign language words center on basic needs and daily routines: milk, more, all done, eat, drink, help, please, thank you, yes, and sleep. These ten starter signs form the foundation of early communication because they address what matters most to babies””food, comfort, and the ability to express when something is finished or when they need assistance. A parent teaching “milk” as a first sign, for instance, gives their baby a tool to communicate hunger before the tears and frustration begin, often months before that same child could say the word aloud. Research supports this approach.
A 1983 study by Bonvillian, Orlansky, and Novack found that babies produce their first recognizable sign at a mean age of 8.5 months, with the earliest signers starting at 5.5 months. Compare this to spoken first words, which typically emerge at 10 to 11 months, and signing offers a 1.5 to 2 month communication advantage. This article covers the essential starter signs, when and how to introduce them, additional signs to expand your baby’s vocabulary, and realistic expectations for the signing journey. Beyond the foundational ten, families often add signs like “I love you,” “want,” “bath,” “dog,” “cat,” and “play” to create a richer communication toolkit. The key is matching signs to your baby’s daily experiences and interests rather than following a rigid curriculum.
Table of Contents
- Which Baby Sign Language Words Should You Teach First?
- The Top 20 Baby Signs and What They Mean
- When Do Babies Start Signing Back?
- Common Challenges and Misconceptions About Baby Signing
- Building Beyond Basic Signs
- The Transition from Signing to Speaking
- Conclusion
Which Baby Sign Language Words Should You Teach First?
Start with approximately five signs and expand based on your baby‘s interest and responsiveness. The most effective starter signs fall into two categories: functional signs that address basic needs, and fun signs that connect to activities your baby enjoys. Functional signs like “milk,” “more,” “all done,” “eat,” and “help” give babies immediate practical tools. When a nine-month-old can sign “more” during a meal instead of crying or banging the highchair tray, both parent and child benefit from clearer communication. Fun signs deserve equal attention because babies are more motivated to practice signs connected to things they love.
If your household has a dog, teaching the sign for “dog” capitalizes on built-in interest. If bath time is a highlight of your baby’s day, “bath” becomes a natural addition. This motivation factor explains why rigid sign lists matter less than observing what captures your individual baby’s attention. One common mistake is introducing too many signs simultaneously. While the BabySignLanguage.com dictionary includes over 600 common signs, overwhelming a baby with dozens of new concepts slows progress. The goal is building success with a small set before expanding, not covering maximum vocabulary in minimum time.
The Top 20 Baby Signs and What They Mean
Beyond the essential ten, the next tier of popular signs includes “I love you,” “want,” “full,” “bath,” “dog,” “cat,” and “play.” The sign for “I love you” involves crossing your arms in front of your chest with hands balled up, as if hugging yourself””a gesture many babies find natural and emotionally satisfying to perform. “Want” serves as a versatile request sign, while “full” helps babies communicate satisfaction after eating, reducing the guessing game of whether they need more food or have had enough. Animal signs prove particularly valuable in households with pets. A baby who can sign “dog” or “cat” gains the ability to comment on their environment, not just request things.
This shift from purely functional signing to observational signing represents an important developmental milestone. The baby moves from “I need this” to “I notice that,” which mirrors the progression in spoken language. However, if your baby shows no interest in a particular sign after consistent modeling over several weeks, consider whether it connects to something meaningful in their daily life. A sign for “dog” holds little relevance for a baby in a pet-free household. Personalization matters more than following a standard list, and dropping a sign that isn’t resonating frees up attention for ones that will.
When Do Babies Start Signing Back?
Babies typically begin signing back between 10 and 14 months, though considerable variation exists. Experts recommend starting to model signs when your baby is 4 to 6 months old, recognizing that a gap of several months between introduction and production is normal. Babies show interest in signing and begin attempting signs on their own around 6 to 9 months, but early attempts may look imprecise or partial. A specific example illustrates typical progression: a parent begins signing “milk” at each feeding when their baby is five months old. By seven months, the baby watches the sign with clear attention. At nine months, the baby makes a squeezing hand motion that approximates the sign. By eleven months, the sign is consistent and intentional. This timeline spans six months from introduction to reliable use, which can feel slow but represents normal development. The gap between receptive understanding and expressive production parallels spoken language. Babies understand many words before speaking them, and the same applies to signs.
A baby who doesn’t sign back yet may still benefit from the signs you model, using them to better understand what’s happening and what comes next in their routine. ## How to Teach Baby Sign Language Effectively Consistency and context matter more than formal teaching sessions. Sign the word each time the relevant situation occurs naturally”””milk” before nursing or bottle feeding, “more” when offering additional food, “all done” when removing the baby from the highchair. This contextual repetition builds association between the sign, the spoken word, and the experience. The tradeoff between structured practice and natural integration favors the latter. Dedicated “sign language lessons” with flashcards or drills can feel artificial and may not hold a baby’s attention. Weaving signs into everyday moments””diaper changes, mealtimes, play, and bedtime””provides more repetition with less pressure. A parent signing “bath” while running the water, then again while undressing the baby, then again while placing them in the tub, creates three natural learning opportunities in one routine. Physical guidance helps some babies but should be gentle and brief. If your baby attempts a sign incorrectly, you can gently shape their hands while saying and signing the word, but avoid forcing participation. Some babies prefer to observe extensively before attempting signs themselves, and this learning style is equally valid.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions About Baby Signing
One persistent concern is that teaching sign language will delay spoken language development. Research does not support this worry. The same studies showing early signing also tracked verbal development and found no delays””in some cases, signing babies demonstrated slightly advanced verbal skills, possibly because signing creates more language-rich interactions. A realistic limitation to acknowledge: signing requires caregiver consistency. If one parent signs regularly but another never does, or if daycare providers don’t know the signs, babies receive mixed input. This doesn’t prevent success, but it may slow progress compared to households where all caregivers participate.
Discussing your signing approach with anyone who regularly cares for your baby helps create a more consistent environment. Another challenge involves sign precision. Early baby signs often look different from adult versions due to developing motor control. A baby’s “more” might involve slapping their palms together rather than touching fingertips precisely. Accept approximations enthusiastically””demanding perfect form discourages communication. The goal is understanding each other, not technical accuracy.
Building Beyond Basic Signs
Once your baby reliably uses several starter signs, expansion can follow their interests. Observe what captures their attention during the day. A baby fascinated by ceiling fans might benefit from learning “fan.” One who loves a particular stuffed animal could learn the sign for that animal.
This interest-driven approach maintains motivation while building vocabulary. Signs for emotions represent a valuable expansion area. “Hurt,” “scared,” “happy,” and “sad” give babies tools to communicate internal states that are otherwise difficult to express. A toddler who can sign “scared” during a loud thunderstorm or “hurt” when teething provides parents with actionable information rather than undifferentiated crying.
The Transition from Signing to Speaking
Most babies naturally phase out signs as their spoken vocabulary grows, though some continue using signs for emphasis or clarity well into toddlerhood. This transition typically happens organically””the child starts saying a word and gradually stops signing it, while continuing to sign words they can’t yet pronounce.
Parents sometimes wonder whether to stop signing once their child speaks. There’s no need to actively phase out signs; letting the child lead this transition respects their communication preferences. Some children appreciate having both options available, using signs in situations where speaking feels difficult, such as when upset or in noisy environments.
Conclusion
The most common baby sign language words””milk, more, all done, eat, drink, help, please, thank you, yes, and sleep””provide a practical foundation for early communication. Starting with five signs around 4 to 6 months of age, maintaining consistency across caregivers, and expanding based on your baby’s interests creates the conditions for signing success. Research confirms that babies can sign months before speaking, with first signs appearing around 8.5 months on average compared to first words at 10 to 11 months.
Approach baby sign language as a communication bridge rather than an academic achievement. The signs themselves matter less than the connection they create””a baby who can express needs and a parent who can understand them share a calmer, more collaborative relationship during the often-frustrating pre-verbal period. Whether your baby signs back at nine months or fourteen months, the investment in this shared language pays dividends in reduced frustration and richer interaction.