Baby sign language: the first signs to know

Baby sign language is a tool that allows very young children to make themselves understood before they can speak, and helps adults understand what they want to express.

This method is based on memorising and reproducing gestural signs that represent a need, an object, an emotion, an action… They come from French Sign Language (LSF), but their use here is greatly simplified. 

What is important to know is that gestures are always accompanied by speech in baby sign language. This is why the term "gesture-based communication combined with speech" is more appropriate.
Another difference from LSF is that not every word in the spoken sentence is signed. For example, in the sentence "Are you hungry?", only the word "hungry" is signed. In the signed nursery rhyme Petit escargot, it works the same way: only the key words of the rhyme are signed (snail, back, house, it's raining…).

Whether at nursery or at home, these principles are fundamental: we always speak while signing, and we only sign the most important words in the sentence.

On average, babies begin to sign between 9 and 12 months, well before they acquire speech. The keenest ones make their first sign as early as 6 months, while others wait until 18 months before suddenly producing all the signs they have been taught up to that point!

Signing with your baby has many benefits for both the child and the parents, as well as other adults who care for them. Here are the main reasons for its success within families and early years settings.

Better understanding your child's needs

Hunger, thirst, dirty nappy, fear… With baby sign language, very young children can express themselves clearly, reducing frustration on both sides.

Reducing tears and tantrums 

Signing with your baby helps to ease frustrations and emotional outbursts. The child can express their feelings and emotions from a very early age (fear, tiredness, anger…), which helps to temper these moments that can often be difficult for parents to manage.

Supporting language development 

Contrary to popular belief, signing does not delay the acquisition of spoken language. On the contrary, it encourages the child to communicate and enriches their vocabulary. It is worth noting that an adult who signs tends to articulate more clearly, get down to the child's level, look at them when speaking, and ensure that the baby has understood both words and signs… All of this helps to facilitate language acquisition and encourages the desire to speak!

Strengthening the parent-child bond 

Signing with your baby strengthens the bond of attachment through this early and shared form of communication. The child feels acknowledged, listened to and understood from a very young age. As well as building their trust in adults, it also builds their own self-confidence.

Encouraging overall development

Baby sign language also supports motor, cognitive and social development. Signing stimulates fine motor skills, coordination and precision of movement. Through signing, your baby develops communication skills, which strengthens their desire to interact with those around them. 

The most useful signs with a very young baby are signs for basic needs. You can practise signing during pregnancy to familiarise yourself with the signs and memorise them, then start signing with your baby from birth! Even if they won't begin to show interest until around 5 months, it helps you feel comfortable with the gestures and signing while you speak.

The sign for "sleep"

Use the sign for "sleep" at nap time and at bedtime. That way, in a few months your baby will be able to let you know when they're tired.

The signs for "breastfeed" and "bottle"

The sign for "breastfeed" or "bottle" is often one of the first signs babies reproduce.

The signs for "nappy change" and "bath time"

The signs for "nappy change" and "bath time" let you warn your baby that they're about to be changed or get wet, which establishes a reassuring routine. These two signs then give them the means to signal that they need changing, or that they'd like to have a bath.

The signs for "eat" and "water" 

The signs for "eat" and "water" can be introduced from your baby's very first meals. They will then be able to signal their hunger or thirst (a very useful sign in summer!).

The signs for "more" and "all done" 

The signs for "more" and "all done" are very handy for little ones, who can then signal that they want more of their fruit purée, for example, or that you should sing that favourite nursery rhyme again. It's the first sign used by 80% of babies! "All done" is equally indispensable in daily life — at mealtimes or in the bath: your baby can let you know they're no longer hungry without throwing their plate on the floor, or that they want to get out of the bath without having to cry.

Sign every day, always pairing the sign with the spoken word and the relevant situation. Your baby will start making connections between words, gestures and the idea being expressed around 5–6 months.

Signed nursery rhymes also work very well from birth to soothe babies, and continue to be effective for years, in many situations (big upsets, queues, medical appointments…)!

Finally, know that the baby sign language is a tool accessible to everyone! It is possible to learn to sign with your baby easily with an online programme. Start with a small number of essential signs, linked to your baby's everyday needs, and stay consistent. As your child grows, expand your repertoire with signs for objects, activities, emotions… All daily routines (meals, bath time, nappy changes, bedtime, reading stories…) are an opportunity to sign!