How to Start Signing?

Originally posted on 5/3/21

We know that the best time to start signing with the young children in your life is right now, but how do you get started?

You’ll want to start with American Sign Language signs for words that are really motivating for your little one. A great first sign to start with for any baby is the sign for "milk".

Sign it Before

Every time you say the word "milk", show your baby the sign for "milk" as well. This will help your baby associate the gesture or sign with the word "milk".

Sign it During

While your baby is nursing or drinking from a bottle in your arms, you can show the sign again while you talk about it, e.g., "Yes, you're having your milk".

Sign it After

When your baby is finish nursing or drinking from a bottle (and if they are still awake!), show the sign again and say the words, "Your milk is all done. You're done your milk.

What else is motivating for your baby? Choose other signs for things your baby is most interested in and motivated by. For my son that was toy and play signs, like "train" and "car"; for my daughter, that was food signs...and more food signs, like "eat" and "more"!

Start with Five

For your child, choose about 5-6 signs (or word) for things they really like. Your baby won’t be confused if you show them more than 6 signs at a time. You could sign every word you say if you like, but if you are starting to sign yourself add more when you are comfortable using them regularly. then add more!

Get answers to your questions to other questions you may have directly from WeeHands Instructors and other parents who are signing with their babies! Join our free online community for new parents today!

baby signing | language development | baby sign language | first words | learning ASL