Is Your Child Ready To Start Signing Back?

One of the most common questions I get asked is… "When should I start signing with my baby?" 

The short answer? It’s never too early.

Sign language is a great way to communicate with your child before they're able to speak — it can help them learn faster, develop their vocabulary and so much more.

Lots of parents start modelling signs the day their baby is born to increase familiarity. However, if you want to wait until your baby can sign back, I’ll give you some indicators to watch for. And once you notice your baby doing two or more of these actions, they may be ready to start signing — exciting, I know! 

But I always say, when in doubt, start signing! The more babies see their parents using signs, the faster they learn. 

Indicator #1: Your Baby Points At Things

Is your baby starting to point at this and that with their hands or fingers? Generally, this is the first indicator that your baby is ready to start learning sign language. 

When babies first start pointing, they typically use their whole arm and hand. They will extend their arm out and move their hand up and down or side to side. Over time, they learn to point with just their index finger. Whichever method they use to point, this shows your baby can link body movement to communication.

Indicator #2: Your Baby Brings Things To You

Is your baby bringing toys, books or objects to you, and looking for a response? Is your baby beginning to wave "bye-bye?" These are both indicators that your baby is trying to communicate with you and wants you to respond. 

Babies will often bring you things they want or need, such as a toy or their binky. They may also wave "bye-bye" when they see someone leaving, even if that person is you.

Indicator #3: Your Baby Shakes Their Head

Is your baby beginning to move their head for motions like "no" or "yes?" This is another sign that your baby is ready to communicate with the world.

Babies will often shake their heads back and forth when they mean "no" and side to side when they mean "yes." Even if they don’t get it right, they’re showing that they want to be understood.

Indicator #4: Your Baby Starts Enjoying Picture Books

Is your baby beginning to actually like looking at books with colourful graphics? When your baby does this, he or she is likely ready to start learning signs.

Having the attention span to look through a book means that your baby is already learning — and is very curious about what's in front of them. 

Indicator #5: Your Baby Is Hard To Understand When They Speak

Even though your baby knows some words, are there important things they want to talk about but can't? Are they still hard to understand when they do speak? If this is the case, sign language is a great way to help your baby communicate. 

Many babies know a few words but have difficulty communicating what they want or need outside of these. Sign language can help bridge the gap between what your baby knows and what they want to say.

If your baby is showing any of these indicators, I recommend you start incorporating sign language specifically adapted for babies into your daily routine. And remember, even if your baby isn't ready to sign back (just yet), they will still benefit from watching you use signs. The more they see you using them, the faster they learn them.

Seeing these indicators, but not sure what to do next? Sign up for my free 1-hour workshop, Baby Steps To Baby Signs.