Baby Sign Language Chart: A Complete Guide for Parents

As a parent, one of the most exciting (and sometimes frustrating) parts of raising a baby is communication. Long before your little one can speak words, they already have thoughts, feelings, and needs. Wouldn’t it be great if they could tell you when they’re hungry, sleepy, or want a hug?

That’s where baby sign language comes in. And to make it easier, this article includes a baby sign language chart and detailed explanations to help you teach your child basic signs — even if they can’t talk yet!

🌱 What Is Baby Sign Language?

Baby sign language is a simplified version of American Sign Language (ASL) designed to help babies communicate before they can speak. It involves teaching your baby easy hand gestures for common words like:

• Milk
• More
• Eat
• Sleep
• All done
• Mommy
• Daddy

With regular practice, many babies as young as 6 months can use simple signs to tell their parents what they want.

🤔 Why Use Baby Sign Language?

Using sign language with your baby has many benefits:

✅ Reduces Frustration

Your baby won’t have to cry or scream to get your attention — they can show you what they need with signs.

✅ Encourages Early Communication

Babies begin signing before they can talk. This helps build a strong communication foundation.

✅ Strengthens Parent-Child Bond

When your baby sees you responding to their signs, they feel understood and secure.

✅ Boosts Language Development

Contrary to what some think, signing doesn’t delay speech. In fact, it can help your baby talk sooner and more clearly!

📊 Baby Sign Language Chart (With Easy Signs)

Here’s a simple baby sign language chart with 20 commonly used signs. These signs are based on American Sign Language (ASL), slightly simplified for babies.

Word	How to Sign It
Milk	Open and close your fist, like squeezing a cow’s udder
More	Bring fingertips of both hands together repeatedly
Eat	Tap your fingers to your mouth
Drink	Imitate holding a cup and tipping it to your mouth
All Done	Flip both hands outward from your chest
Sleep	Touch your cheek or close your hand near your face like you’re sleeping
Mommy	Spread fingers and tap your thumb to your chin
Daddy	Spread fingers and tap your thumb to your forehead
Please	Rub your chest in a circular motion
Thank You	Touch your chin and move your hand forward
Bath	Rub both fists up and down on your chest as if scrubbing
Diaper	Tap both hands at your waist like fastening tabs
Help	Place one hand flat and the other hand in a thumbs-up on top of it, lift up
Potty	Make a fist with thumb between fingers, shake side to side (ASL “T” for toilet)
Book	Press hands together and open them like a book
Ball	Bring your hands together as if forming a ball shape
Hot	Touch lips, then quickly move hand away (like something too hot to eat)
Cold	Shiver your body with clenched fists near shoulders
Hurt	Point both index fingers and tap them together (usually near the body part)
Outside	Point fingers outward as if showing something going away

You can print or save this chart and use it as a daily reference while teaching signs to your baby.

🕒 When to Start Teaching Baby Sign Language

You can start signing to your baby as early as 6 months old, but don’t expect them to sign back immediately. Most babies will begin signing between 8 and 12 months. Some may take longer—and that’s okay!

The key is to be consistent and patient.

✋ How to Teach Baby Sign Language Step-by-Step

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to start teaching signs at home:

1. Pick a Few Basic Signs First

Start with just 3–5 signs like:

• Milk
• Eat
• More
• All Done
• Mommy

2. Sign While Saying the Word

Each time you say “milk,” make the milk sign. Do this every time to help your baby connect the gesture with the word.

3. Use the Sign in Real Situations

Don’t just show it in isolation — use it while actually giving milk, feeding, or cuddling.

4. Repeat Often

Babies learn through repetition. Use the same signs daily, many times per day.

5. Respond to Their Signs

When your baby tries to sign, respond immediately. This teaches them that signing gets results.

6. Praise Every Effort

Celebrate even the smallest attempt. Clap, smile, and say, “Great job signing milk!”

🧒 Real-Life Example: How It Helps

Let’s say your 10-month-old is crying. You try feeding, changing, and holding — nothing works.

Then, they make a small squeezing motion with their hand.

You realize: they’re signing “milk.”

You give them the bottle — and the tears stop.

That’s the power of baby sign language.

🧩 Baby Sign Language vs. American Sign Language (ASL)

It’s important to understand the difference:

• Baby Sign Language: Simplified gestures from ASL, focused on everyday needs.
• ASL: A full language with grammar, syntax, and structure used by the Deaf community.

While baby signs often come from ASL, the goal isn’t to teach a full language — it’s to help with early communication.

Still, using real ASL signs where possible is a great way to respect the language and possibly build toward fluency later.

📚 Printable Baby Sign Language Chart (Optional)

Want a downloadable baby sign language chart printable PDF?

I can create one for you — just let me know, and I’ll generate a colorful, easy-to-read version you can print and hang on your wall or fridge.

💬 Common Questions Parents Ask

❓Will signing delay my baby’s speech?

No! Studies show that babies who sign often speak earlier and with larger vocabularies.

❓How many signs should I teach?

Start with a few (3–5), and slowly add more as your baby masters them.

❓When will my baby start signing back?

Most babies begin between 8–12 months. But some take longer — just stay patient and consistent.

❓Can I make up my own signs?

You can — but it’s best to stick with ASL signs if possible, so others (like caregivers) can understand them too.

🎯 Final Tips for Success

• Be patient — babies learn at their own pace.
• Use real-life moments to reinforce signs.
• Keep signing even if your baby doesn’t respond right away.
• Celebrate every success.
• Stay consistent and involve other family members too.

🧾 Summary: Why Every Parent Should Try Baby Sign Language

Benefit	How It Helps
Communication	Reduces crying and frustration
Early Development	Boosts speech and cognitive skills
Bonding	Strengthens emotional connection
Practical Understanding	Helps babies express real needs like hunger or sleep
Fun Learning	Turns everyday routines into engaging interactions

Using a baby sign language chart is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to understand your child early. It’s like giving your baby a voice before they can speak.