Home icon
,

Helpful Signs to do with Babies

Helpful Signs to do with Babies

Using sign language with your baby builds a foundation for language development. It improves their confidence, strengthens their bond with family members, supports brain development, and develops their fine motor skills. Here are some American Sign Language signs you can use with your child.

More

Make two O shapes with your hands. Tap them together at your fingertips.  Note that the letter O is made by curving all your fingers into a circle shape with all your fingers touching your thumb.

signing more

Play

Close all of your fingers except for your pinky and thumb on each hand to make a Y shape. Hold both hands slightly away from your body at your shoulders and rotate your wrists back and forth.

signing play

Eat

One O shaped hand tapping your mouth.

Please

A flat 5 hand rubbing your chest. 

It’s ok if your baby doesn’t make the exact sign. The important part is their intent. For example, the sign for “more” is made with two O hands that tap together. Your baby might clap or make fists instead and that’s ok!

IEL Resources

  • Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this tip sheet are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Illinois State Board of Education.

About this resource

Setting(s) for which the article is intended:
  • Home
  • Family Child Care
  • Child Care Center

Intended audience(s):
  • Parents / Family
  • Teachers / Service providers

Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
Related IEL Birth to Three Guidelines:
Reviewed: 2025