Baby Sign Language: What Age Should I Teach Baby Sign Language?

Baby Sign Language

It is recommended that you start baby sign language with your baby between the ages of 3-9 months to see the most benefit. Baby sign language is useful at any age before the child is able to start speaking in sentences. Most babies should be able to be understood by members in their family by the age of 31 months. Anytime before this age will be appropriate for using baby sign language to bridge the communication gap.

Some parents decide to start teaching their baby some signs at birth. However, starting with your baby this early will make it seem like a very long time until you see the benefits and it may discourage some parents from continuing.

Most babies will have the dexterity and muscle control to reciprocate the signs to you at the age of 6-9 months. It is important to note that you receive the benefits of baby sign language way before the baby is able to reproduce your signs. By the age of 4-5 months, the baby will be able to recognize your signs, especially if you use them regularly and consistently.

At 4-5 months, your baby almost certainly won't recognize the word milk but they will be able to recognize the sign for milk. Even though they are not signing back to you as yet, you can communicate with them to let them know it is time for milk or time for bed. This can help to settle them down into their routine and they will feel more comfortable knowing that you are taking care of their needs.

Signing for milk before and during their feed will reinforce the association between the word, the sign and the outcome, leading to a better comprehension and understanding. Babies have no control over their environment, so being able to understand you will help them to feel settled. It is important to start slowly by introducing only one or two signs at this early stage so that you don't overwhelm the little one with too many things to remember.

Although there is no right or wrong age to begin teaching your baby, you will find baby sign language to have the greatest impact if you begin around 3 months of age.