Baby Sign Language: A Gentle Guide for Early Communication
, by Hello Charlie Blogs, 3 min reading time
Before babies can talk, they are already communicating.
They cry, smile, reach, point, wave, turn away, babble and use their whole body to tell us what they need.
Baby sign language is one way parents can support this early communication. It uses simple hand signs alongside spoken words, giving babies and toddlers another way to express common needs such as milk, more, finished, sleep or help.
It does not need to be complicated, and it should never feel like homework. The best baby signing is playful, responsive and part of everyday routines.
What is baby sign language?
Baby sign language usually means using simple signs or gestures with babies before they can say many words.
It is often inspired by formal sign languages, but it is not the same as becoming fluent in Auslan, ASL or another full sign language. For hearing families with hearing babies, it is usually used as a practical communication tool.
If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, speak with your healthcare team, audiologist, speech pathologist or Deaf community organisations for personalised support around Auslan and language development.
When can you start?
Many families start using simple signs around 6 months, but babies usually sign back later, often when they have more hand control and imitation skills.
The key is to keep it relaxed. Use a sign while saying the word naturally. Repeat it during real moments, such as milk feeds, meals, bath time or bedtime.
Raising Children Network encourages parents to respond warmly to babies’ attempts at communication, including eye contact, smiling, reaching, pointing and waving.
Simple signs to try first
Start with a few useful signs, not a long list.
- Milk
- More
- Finished
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Help
- Book
- Bath
Use the sign and the spoken word together. For example, say “more” while signing more, then offer more food if that is what your baby is asking for.
Possible benefits of baby signing
Baby signing may help some families by:
- Giving babies another way to express needs
- Reducing frustration during the pre-verbal stage
- Helping parents notice non-verbal cues
- Encouraging face-to-face interaction
- Making daily routines more predictable
- Supporting shared attention and bonding
Hanen’s review of baby signing notes that mothers in signing groups seemed to notice more of their babies’ non-verbal cues and become more tuned in to their children.
Keep expectations realistic
Baby sign language is not a magic shortcut to speech.
Some babies love signing. Some use one or two signs. Some prefer pointing, sounds and gestures. All of these are normal ways to communicate.
The goal is not to make your baby advanced. The goal is connection.
Make signing part of everyday life
Try using signs during:
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Mealtimes
- Bath time
- Reading
- Nappy changes
- Bedtime
- Play time
You can support communication with books, songs and play. Browse Hello Charlie’s Baby Books, Baby Eco Toys and Learning Toys for simple play-based learning ideas.
Final thoughts
Baby sign language can be a lovely way to connect with your baby and support early communication.
Keep it simple. Choose a few useful signs, say the word at the same time, respond warmly and follow your baby’s lead.
Whether your baby signs back or simply becomes more engaged through face-to-face routines, the real benefit is the connection you build together.
Explore Baby Books, Learning Toys, or read more guides on the Hello Charlie Blog.