Short answer: Pick three or four signs your baby will need every day (more, all done, milk, help). Say the word and make the sign at the same moment, every time it fits, during real routines. Keep it playful, keep it short, and celebrate any attempt, even a messy one. Most babies start copying gestures somewhere between 6 and 12 months, and signs often show up before spoken words do.
Signing doesn't replace talking. You always say the word out loud while you sign. Your baby gets two ways to understand you and one more way to tell you what they want.
Why gestures come before words
Babies understand far more than they can say. Their hands are often ready before their mouths are. Waving, pointing, reaching, and clapping are all early gestures, and they count as communication.
A simple sign gives your baby a way to say "more" without crying for it. That can mean fewer meltdowns at the high chair and more back-and-forth between you. The real win is the conversation, not the sign.
Start with these first signs
You don't need a course. Start small:
- More. Tap your fingertips together.
- All done. Hands up, palms out, twist them side to side.
- Milk. Open and close one fist, like squeezing.
- Help. One fist resting on your other open palm, lift both.
- Eat. Bring your fingertips to your mouth.
Use these through the day for a few weeks before adding more. Any version your baby makes counts. A "more" that looks like a clap is still "more."
6 Together Time games for first signs
1. High chair "more" game
What to do: Give one small piece of a snack. Pause. Ask "More?" and make the sign. Wait a few seconds, then sign it again and hand over the next piece.
Why it matters: Snack time repeats the same need many times in a few minutes. That repetition, paired with a reward your baby cares about, is the fastest way for a sign to stick.
2. All done bubbles
What to do: Blow bubbles. When they're gone, hold your hands up and sign "all done" with a big, happy voice. Blow again. Repeat.
Why it matters: Your baby learns that "all done" marks the end of something, not a punishment. Later they can use it to tell you they're finished with food, a bath, or a toy.
3. Sign and sing
What to do: Pick a short song you already sing, like "Old MacDonald" or "Twinkle, Twinkle." Add one gesture per verse (flap arms for a bird, wiggle fingers for stars).
Why it matters: Music slows language down and repeats it. Gestures inside a song let your baby join in before they can sing a single word.
4. Point and name walk
What to do: Carry your baby around the house or yard. Point to one thing at a time and name it: "Dog. Light. Tree." When your baby points, follow their finger and name what they found.
Why it matters: Pointing is a big step. It shows your baby wants to share attention with you. Naming what they point at turns that moment into vocabulary.
5. Help me box
What to do: Put a favorite toy in a clear container with a lid your baby can't open. When they try, show the "help" sign, say "Help?" and open it together.
Why it matters: This gives your baby a reason to ask for help instead of getting frustrated. It also shows them that asking works.
6. Mirror copy game
What to do: Sit in front of a mirror with your baby on your lap. Wave, clap, tap your head, sign "more." Pause and see if they copy. Copy any move they make, too.
Why it matters: Imitation is how babies learn most skills. Taking turns copying each other is an early version of conversation.
Tips that make it work
- Sign in the moment. "Milk" means more when the bottle is right there.
- Wait a beat. Give your baby a few seconds to try before you jump in.
- Keep talking. Say the word every time. Signs support speech.
- Don't drill. No flashcards or testing. If your baby turns away, stop.
- Get everyone on the same signs. Babies learn faster when every caregiver uses the same gestures.
If your baby isn't babbling, pointing, or responding to their name by around their first birthday, mention it to your pediatrician.
Multi-caregiver sticky note plan
Grandparents, a nanny, or a co-parent can run the same Together Time. Tape this on the fridge:
First signs, 10 to 15 min a day. Say the word and sign it at the same time. This week: more, all done, milk, help. Pick one: high chair more, all done bubbles, sign and sing, point and name walk, help me box, mirror copy. Wait a beat. Cheer any try.
More early language play: how to get your toddler talking and sensory play for babies.
A note from Dr. Alexandra Pillat
"Parents sometimes ask whether signing will slow down talking. In my experience, it does the opposite for most families. A sign gives a baby a way to be understood, and being understood makes them want to communicate more. The best part is watching a baby realize, for the first time, that their hands can make you respond."
Dr. Alexandra Pillat Licensed psychologist · Harvard · Yale Child Study Center · Marcus Autism Center
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Educational disclaimer: One Life Learning provides educational guidance for everyday play and connection. It is not medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice and does not replace care from qualified professionals.