How to Teach Baby Sign Language to Toddlers | Parent Guide
Have you ever wished you knew what your toddler wanted before the tears and frustration started?
Many parents experience moments when their child understands much more than they can express. One way to bridge that gap is by introducing American Sign Language (ASL) through everyday interactions.
Teaching baby sign language doesn't mean you're replacing spoken language. Instead, you're giving your child another way to communicate while speech continues to develop. Best of all, you don't need to know hundreds of signs to get started. A handful of simple, functional signs used consistently can make a meaningful difference.
What Is Baby Sign Language?
Baby sign language is the practice of teaching young children simple signs from American Sign Language (ASL) before they can consistently communicate with spoken words.
Many toddlers understand language long before they can say it. Signs provide another way to express needs, wants, and feelings while spoken language continues to grow.
Does Teaching Sign Language Delay Speech?
One of the most common questions parents ask is whether using sign language will delay talking.
The answer is no.
Research has not shown that teaching sign language delays speech development. Instead, using signs alongside spoken language can support communication by giving children another way to express themselves while speech is developing.
The goal isn't to replace talking—it's to build communication.
Benefits of Teaching Baby Sign Language
Teaching signs during your daily routines may help your toddler:
Reduce frustration
Communicate wants and needs
Increase parent-child interaction
Strengthen joint attention
Build early vocabulary
Support language development
Make storytime more interactive
Encourage confidence while communicating
When Should You Start?
Many families introduce simple signs during the first year of life, but it's never too late to begin.
Toddlers and preschoolers can also benefit from learning signs, especially when they're paired with everyday routines and spoken language.
Remember, every child develops differently. Focus on making communication enjoyable rather than expecting your child to learn a certain number of signs by a specific age.
The First Signs to Teach
Start with signs your child will use every day.
Some great beginner signs include:
More
All Done
Eat
Drink
Milk
Help
Please
Thank You
Mom
Dad
Play
Ball
Book
Go
Stop
Because these signs occur naturally throughout the day, your child has many opportunities to see and use them.
How to Teach Signs During Everyday Routines
🍎 Mealtime
Practice:
Eat
Drink
More
All Done
Say the word while making the sign.
For example:
"Would you like more?"
Use the sign for more while speaking naturally.
🛝 Playtime
Practice:
Play
Ball
Go
Stop
Help
Children learn best when communication is fun.
📚 Storytime
Books are one of the easiest ways to introduce signs.
As you read:
Point to the picture
Say the word
Make the sign
Repeat it naturally
Encourage your child to imitate if interested
Don't worry if they don't sign right away. Many children watch for weeks before trying signs themselves.
🚿 Daily Routines
Look for opportunities throughout your day.
Bath Time
Water
Wash
Getting Dressed
Shoes
Hat
Help
Outside
Swing
Slide
Tree
Everyday routines provide the repetition children need to learn.
Tips for Success
Start Small
Begin with only 3–5 signs.
Children learn through repetition, not memorization.
Always Say the Word
Use the sign while saying the word aloud.
This helps connect spoken language with the visual sign.
Stay Consistent
Use the same signs every day.
Consistency is more important than teaching many signs at once.
Celebrate Every Attempt
Whether your child:
Uses a sign
Says the word
Points
Gestures
Tries to imitate
Celebrate their effort.
Every attempt at communication matters.
Make Learning Fun
Children learn best when language is part of everyday life.
Try signing while:
Reading books
Singing songs
Playing outside
Eating snacks
Blowing bubbles
Cleaning up toys
The more enjoyable the experience, the more opportunities your child has to learn.
Why I Wrote We Swing, We Slide, We Play Outside
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I've seen how powerful shared reading and everyday routines can be for building communication.
That's why I created We Swing, We Slide, We Play Outside, a children's book that introduces families to everyday ASL signs through playful outdoor adventures.
Instead of memorizing isolated signs, children learn them naturally while enjoying a story with the people they love.
Whether you're just beginning your family's ASL journey or looking for a fun way to encourage communication, this book was created to make learning together enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many signs should I teach first?
Start with 3–5 functional signs that your child will use every day.
Should I stop talking while signing?
No.
Always speak while signing. Children benefit from hearing the word and seeing the sign together.
What if my toddler doesn't copy the signs?
That's okay.
Many children observe signs for a while before using them. Continue modeling without pressure and celebrate all communication attempts.
Can older toddlers learn sign language?
Absolutely!
Toddlers and preschoolers can learn signs through books, songs, games, and everyday routines.
Final Thoughts
Teaching baby sign language doesn't have to be complicated.
By introducing a few meaningful signs during your daily routines, you can create more opportunities for connection, reduce frustration, and encourage early communication.
Whether you're reading together, enjoying a snack, or playing outside, every interaction is a chance to build your child's communication skills.
Ready to Start Signing Together?
If you're looking for a fun, engaging way to introduce ASL during storytime, check out We Swing, We Slide, We Play Outside.
Written by a pediatric speech-language pathologist, this interactive children's book combines playful storytelling with everyday ASL signs to help families build communication, connection, and confidence—one sign at a time.
Make Learning Fun
Children learn best when they don't realize they're learning.
Try:
Reading books together
Singing songs
Playing outside
Snack time conversations
Bubble play
Toy clean-up games
These moments provide natural opportunities to model signs over and over.
