# Baby sign language

**Should we teach our baby sign language?**

Whether you teach your baby simple hand signs for things like milk or more before they can talk.

In short: Parents choose between 3 main approaches: None; A few functional signs; Structured program. Evidence: your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide. Best settled: 6–12 months.

- Area: Everyday baby care
- Evidence: Your call
- Best settled: 6–12 months
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/everyday-baby-care--baby-sign-language

## Baby sign language: what are the options?

1. **None**: You do not teach signs.
2. **A few functional signs**: You teach a handful of useful signs, such as milk and more.
3. **Structured program**: You follow a full program of baby signs.

## Baby sign language: what does the evidence say?

**Your call.** No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide.

A systematic review found no convincing evidence it improves language, and no harm

Sources:

- [First Language](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0142723714562864)

## What else is worth knowing?

Babies can learn simple gestures before they can speak, which may ease frustration. It takes consistent repetition from everyone who looks after the baby. It is optional and does not delay speech.

## Questions to ask each other

- Does teaching signs appeal to us?
- How much effort would we put into it?
- What would we do if grandparents or caregivers do not use the signs?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=everyday-baby-care&topic=everyday-baby-care--baby-sign-language