Best Resources for Teaching Baby Signs

Teaching baby sign language can be one of the most rewarding tools in your parenting toolkit—but only if you have the right resources and realistic expectations. If you’ve ever tried signing “milk” for two weeks straight with zero response, you’re not alone. Many moms start with enthusiasm, only to feel discouraged when their baby doesn’t sign back right away.

This guide is designed to help you cut through the noise, find the best resources for teaching baby sign language, and build a system that actually works for your family. Whether you’re starting with a six-month-old or introducing signs to a toddler, you’ll find practical strategies, vetted tools, and honest advice from a mom who’s been there.

Why Baby Sign Language Matters

Before diving into the resources, it’s worth understanding why baby sign language is more than just a trend. When babies can communicate before they can speak, it reduces frustration, builds confidence, and strengthens the parent-child bond.

Benefits include:

• Earlier communication of needs like hunger, discomfort, or boredom
• Fewer tantrums and less guesswork for parents
• Enhanced language development and cognitive growth
• A smoother transition into spoken language
• Increased emotional regulation for both baby and parent

The key is consistency and choosing signs that fit naturally into your daily routine.

When to Start Teaching Baby Sign Language

Most experts recommend introducing signs around six months, even though babies typically won’t sign back until closer to 9–12 months. That delay can feel discouraging, but it’s completely normal. Just like spoken language, signing takes time to absorb and practice.

Start early, stay consistent, and treat it like a long-term investment. You’re not just teaching signs—you’re building a communication system that will pay off in the months ahead.

What Didn’t Work for Us

Before finding the best resources for teaching baby sign language, I tried a few methods that didn’t stick:

• Watching random YouTube videos with inconsistent sign demonstrations
• Using signs sporadically without tying them to routines
• Trying to teach too many signs at once
• Expecting immediate results and feeling discouraged when they didn’t come

The turning point came when I stopped treating sign language like a side project and started integrating it into our daily systems—mealtime, diaper changes, playtime, and bedtime. That’s when the signs started to click.

Best Resources for Teaching Baby Sign Language

Here’s a breakdown of the most effective tools and materials I’ve used and recommended to other moms. These resources are practical, easy to use, and designed for real-life parenting—not just theory.

1. Baby Sign Language Made Easy by Lane Rebelo

This book is a game-changer for beginners. It includes 101 commonly used signs grouped by category—mealtime, emotions, routines, and play. Each sign comes with a clear illustration, usage tips, and context for when to introduce it.

Why it works:

• Signs are relevant to everyday parenting
• The layout is clean and easy to reference
• You can flip to the exact section you need (no scrolling or searching)
• It’s designed for parents who don’t know ASL

I kept this book on our kitchen counter and used it daily. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s perfect for getting started.

2. ASL Dictionaries (Print or Online)

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll want to expand your sign vocabulary. ASL dictionaries—either in print or online—are great for this. They offer accurate, standardized signs and often include variations based on regional usage.

Recommended sources:

• Signing Savvy (online dictionary with video demonstrations)
• The American Sign Language University (free online lessons and resources)
• The American Sign Language Dictionary by Martin L. Sternberg (comprehensive print edition)

These tools are especially helpful when your child starts showing interest in new words or concepts that aren’t covered in beginner books.

3. Baby Sign Language Apps

If you’re comfortable using your phone around your baby, apps can be a convenient way to learn and demonstrate signs on the go. Many include video demonstrations, searchable libraries, and progress tracking.

Top-rated apps:

• Baby Sign and Learn
• SignSchool
• ASL Kids

Personally, I preferred books to minimize screen time, but apps were useful during travel or when I needed a quick refresher.

4. Printable Sign Charts and Visual Aids

Visual aids are incredibly helpful for reinforcing signs. You can tape a chart to your fridge, keep one in the diaper bag, or use laminated cards during playtime.

Look for:

• Charts organized by routine (e.g., bedtime, mealtime, emotions)
• Simple illustrations with clear hand shapes
• Printable flashcards for interactive learning

If you’re building a resource hub for moms, these printables are a great addition to your blog. They offer quick wins and help parents stay consistent.

5. Signing Time Video Series

This series is a favorite among parents and educators. It’s engaging, well-produced, and teaches signs through songs, repetition, and storytelling. While it’s more screen-heavy than other resources, it’s effective—especially for toddlers who respond well to music and visuals.

Pros:

• High-quality production
• Repetition helps reinforce signs
• Includes both ASL and baby-friendly adaptations
• Great for older siblings who want to learn alongside baby

Use it selectively, and pair it with hands-on practice to avoid over-reliance on screens.

Signs That Made the Biggest Impact

You don’t need to teach dozens of signs to see results. Start with 5–10 that fit your daily routine and build from there. Here are the signs that made the biggest difference in our home:

• Milk
• More
• All done
• Please
• Thank you
• Diaper
• Outside
• Eat
• Sleep
• Help

These signs reduced whining, improved transitions, and gave our baby a sense of control. They also helped us respond faster and more accurately to her needs.

How to Build a Signing Routine That Works

The best resources for teaching baby sign language are only helpful if you use them consistently. Here’s how to build a routine that sticks:

1. Choose Signs That Fit Your Life

Start with signs that match your baby’s current needs and interests. If mealtime is a struggle, focus on “eat,” “more,” and “all done.” If bedtime is chaotic, introduce “sleep,” “milk,” and “book.”

2. Use Signs During Real Moments

Don’t just practice signs in isolation. Use them during actual routines—feeding, changing, playing, reading. This helps your baby connect the sign with the experience.

3. Say the Word While Signing

Always pair the sign with the spoken word. This reinforces language development and helps your baby associate the gesture with meaning.

4. Repeat Often, But Don’t Overwhelm

Repetition is key, but avoid bombarding your baby with too many signs at once. Introduce 1–2 new signs per week and keep using the old ones.

5. Celebrate Every Attempt

When your baby tries to sign—even if it’s imperfect—celebrate it. Smile, repeat the sign, and respond to the request. This builds confidence and encourages more signing.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

My baby isn’t signing back yet. This is normal. Keep modeling the signs consistently. Most babies need weeks or months of exposure before they sign back.

I forget to use the signs. Post visual reminders around your home. Choose signs that fit into routines you already do, so they become second nature.

I’m not sure I’m doing the signs correctly. Use trusted resources with clear illustrations or videos. Accuracy matters, but consistency and context are more important in the early stages.

My toddler prefers pointing or whining. Keep using the signs and responding to them. Over time, your child will realize that signing gets faster, clearer results.

Final Thoughts

The best resources for teaching baby sign language are the ones you’ll actually use. Whether it’s a book on your nightstand, a chart on your fridge, or a video you watch together, consistency is what turns signs into communication.

Start small. Choose signs that matter. Use them often. And remember—this isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, clarity, and giving your baby the tools to express their world.

You’re not just teaching signs. You’re building a bridge between your baby’s needs and your ability to meet them. And that’s powerful.