Baby sign language is the use of simple hand signs, such as "more", "milk" and "all done", to help babies communicate before they can speak. Research shows it neither speeds up nor delays spoken language.
Key takeaways
- Signing does not harm speech development.
- A randomised study found no difference in language outcomes between signing and non-signing babies.
- Many families still enjoy it as a fun way to connect.
Does it help babies talk earlier?
A UK randomised controlled trial following babies from 8 to 20 months found no difference in language outcomes between families who used baby sign and those who did not. Reviews of the evidence reach the same conclusion: baby sign is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage for spoken language.
What you can do
- If you sign, always say the word at the same time.
- Start with a few everyday words and use them consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Many babies begin using simple gestures and signs between about 8 and 12 months.