Top tips

We asked mums and dads who are using baby sign for their top tips. And not surprisingly, they came up with the same advice as the experts!

If you put these into practice, you can't go far wrong! 

1. Don’t start too early – go at your baby’s rate and look to them for the right time.
2. Don’t teach too many baby signs at once – and don’t alter them even if your baby initially gets them wrong.
3. Start with a sign your baby is interested in – lots of babies quickly pick up the sign for ‘milk’!
4. Use signing every day once you've started. Parents – look out for baby signing nurseries and babysitters who can help you reinforce the signs you’re using.
5. Make sure you have eye contact with your baby before you sign.
6. Smile, say and sign the word at the same time so your baby learns the connection.
7. Repetition is key – use a sign as often as you can.
8. Be patient. Your baby will develop at its own pace.
9. Teach friends and family the signs you’re using so your baby learns to communicate with everyone.
10. Most importantly – make it fun!

A helping hand