When teaching baby sign language, it is truly up to the parents which signs to start with.  Each family is different and each baby has unique needs.  The following words and signs are only suggestions that have helped many parents and babies.  Feel free to deviate from our charted course!

Milk:  Most moms choose to start with the sign for “milk” because milk is pretty important to a baby!  (Some moms choose to teach the sign for “breastfeed” instead – the sign is a little bit easier for baby to make in terms of motor skills.)  To make the sign for “milk,” simply pretend that you are milking a cow with your right hand.  Haven’t milked a cow lately?  No problem!  You can watch a short video here: Baby Sign Language Dictionary for Milk.

Mommy:  I’m a bit of a narcissist, so this was my favorite sign to teach!  To make the sign for “mommy,” open your hand and spread your fingers.  With your pinkie finger facing forward, tap your chin with your thumb a few times.  (It is just priceless when baby does this one – I promise!)  Here’s the video: Baby Sign Language Dictionary for Mommy.  (The sign for “daddy” is the same, only you tap your forehead, instead of your chin.)

More:  “More” is an incredibly practical sign for your baby to know.  I hated trying to figure out if my children were done eating, and if I was starving them or stuffing them.  This sign took (most of) the mystery out of feeding.  To make the sign for more, flatten out your hands then bring your thumbs under to make two O-shapes. Then, bring your hands (fingertips) together and separate them repeatedly in front of your chest.  

Diaper:  Most babies end up using this sign when they need a diaper change, which can be incredibly helpful for those full diapers that don’t announce themselves or come on schedule!  To make the sign for “diaper,” place your hands at either side of your waist.  Then bring your index fingers and middle finger together from each hand and tap them on your thumbs, keeping your other fingers curled in.  

Book:  Moms know that one of the best gifts we can give our babies is to read to them, so babies usually spend a lot of time with books!  To make the sign for book, put your hands together, palm-to-palm. Then, holding your pinkies together, open up your hands as if opening up a book.  Here’s the video: Baby Sign Language Dictionary for Book.

Yippee!  You already know five signs!  Remember -- you are not bound to these particular signs, nor should they limit you.  Many moms choose to add many more signs to their babies’ signing vocabularies.  It is all about meeting your baby’s needs and doing what is best for your family.  And above all else, Baby Sign Language is supposed to be fun, so enjoy it!  It is a fantastic way to bond with your new little person!  Happy signing!

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