Key takeaways: Many families enjoy using simple signs with babies, and it may help some babies communicate before they can talk. However, research reviews haven’t found strong evidence that signing speeds up spoken language development. It doesn’t appear to delay speech either. If you enjoy it, go for it, and always say the word along with the sign.
Baby sign language is popular. Here’s what the research says.
What Is Baby Sign Language?
Using simple hand signs, often borrowed from American Sign Language (ASL), to communicate with a hearing baby before they can talk.
What Research Shows
- A 2014 systematic review by Fitzpatrick and colleagues found limited, low-quality evidence that baby signing improves language development.
- A 2013 study by Kirk and colleagues found no language advantage for babies taught signs, though mothers who used signs were more responsive to their babies’ cues.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book follows your baby’s growth and development month by month, from the first hours after birth to the first birthday.
Possible Benefits
- A fun way to connect.
- May help some babies express needs before words.
- Encourages parents to pay attention to babies’ communication.
Does It Delay Speech?
There’s no evidence that signing delays spoken language.
How to Start
- Begin around 6 to 9 months, when babies start using gestures.
- Choose a few useful signs: milk, more, all done, eat, help.
- Always say the word while making the sign.
- Be consistent and patient. Babies often start signing back around 8 to 12 months, if at all.
Gestures Are Natural
Babies naturally learn gestures like pointing, waving, and lifting arms. These are important language milestones.
For Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Babies
Sign language is a full language and can be essential. Early intervention services can help families.
The Bottom Line
Baby sign language is fun and harmless but isn’t proven to speed up talking. Talking, reading, and responding to your baby are the most important things.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Talking, Reading, and Singing: Building Language From Day One
- Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies
- Newborn Hearing: What Babies Hear and How to Protect Their Ears
Sources
- Fitzpatrick EM, Thibert J, Grandpierre V, Johnston JC. How HANDy are baby signs? A systematic review of the impact of gestural communication on typically developing, hearing infants under the age of 36 months. First Lang. 2014;34(6):486-509.
- Kirk E, Howlett N, Pine KJ, Fletcher B. To sign or not to sign? The impact of encouraging infants to gesture on infant language and maternal mind-mindedness. Child Dev. 2013;84(2):574-590.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Birth to one year: communication milestones. https://www.asha.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
