Baby Signs Made Easy: 4 Signs Every Parent Should Know
At Baby Sign Bibs™, we believe that empowering your baby to communicate starts with simple, practical signs you can use every day.
Teaching your baby to sign can reduce frustration, build confidence, and make daily routines more joyful for everyone.
Here’s a quick and easy guide to get you started with four of the most useful baby signs: Eat, More, All Done and Water.
Baby Sign: Eat
👋 How to Make the Sign:
Bring the tips of your fingers together, like you’re holding a small piece of food, and gently tap them to your mouth. Repeat the motion a couple of times.
🕒 When to Use It:
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While preparing meals or snacks
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As you place food in front of your baby
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When your baby shows signs of hunger - like fussing, reaching for food, or pointing at the highchair
🗣️ Helpful Tip:
Say the word “Eat” clearly each time you make the sign. Repetition helps your baby connect the gesture with the spoken word and its meaning. Consistency is key!
Baby Sign: More
✋ How to Make the Sign:
Bring the tips of your fingers on both hands together to form two O-shapes. Tap the fingertips of both hands together a couple of times in front of your chest.
🕒 When to Use It:
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When offering another bite, snack, or drink
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During playtime or fun activities your baby enjoys
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Anytime your baby seems to want more of something
🗣️ Helpful Tip:
Say the word “More” while you sign. Try to pause and wait, giving your baby time to copy the gesture before you continue. Many babies clap before they master this sign - that’s okay and part of the learning process!
Baby Sign in action:
The picture below was taken of our daughter Silvi when she was 17 months old. She used the baby sign and the word for more at the playground a lot at this age. It was a great visual aid when the park was busy/noisy. By recognising and acknowledging what she wanted, the number of playground tantrums were significantly reduced.
We also used the baby sign for 'All Done' to assist with reducing tantrums as Silvi would either sign back 'More' if she wasn't ready to leave the play equipment, or shake her hands for 'All Done'.
Baby Sign: All Done
✋ How to Make the Sign:
Hold your hands up, palms facing in, then rotate them outward to face away — like you’re shaking water off your hands.
🕒 When to Use It:
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At the end of a meal
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When finishing an activity, nappy change, or bath
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If your baby seems uninterested or starts pushing things away
🗣️ Helpful Tip:
Say “All done!” with a cheerful voice as you sign. Using the same phrase each time helps your baby associate the gesture with finishing up or stopping.
Baby Sign: Water
✋ How to Make the Sign:
Form a W shape with your dominant hand (three fingers up), and tap your index finger to the side of your mouth a couple of times.
🕒 When to Use It:
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Before offering water in a bottle or cup
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When your baby points to a drink or seems thirsty
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During mealtime or on hot days
🗣️ Helpful Tip:
Say “Water” each time you use the sign. Use it consistently so your baby learns how to ask for a drink without tears or frustration.
Ready to Start Signing?
Building signing into your routine doesn’t have to be complicated - just pick a couple of signs, stay consistent, and make it fun! Before you know it, your baby will be signing right back.
👉 Baby Sign Quick-Start Guide
Download our printable 'Baby Sign Quick-Start Guide' to get your started on your journey.
Download Baby Sign Quick-Start Guide
🗣️ Helpful Tip:
The quick-start guide is designed to be printed as a leaflet. Simply print to standard A4 double-sided and then you can fold it in half and you are ready to go.
Happy baby signing!