Does Baby Sign Language Delay Speech?

A common misconception about American Sign Language is that only individuals in the deaf community use it. However, sign language can also support children who are nonverbal and need other ways to communicate, including those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses often associated with speech delays. There is also a form of sign language used for infants as young as 6 months old, called baby sign language. Baby sign language includes simple gestures parents can teach to better understand their child’s needs and reduce frustration when others cannot understand their speech. 

Many parents wonder if teaching their child sign language will hinder speech development. So, does baby sign language delay speech?

No. Research shows that using baby sign language can actually support a child’s speech development. It may also help reduce social and emotional frustration because children can communicate through signs when their speech is not yet fully understood by others. Using signs does not replace speech. Instead, it gives children another way to communicate while their verbal skills are still developing.

How Baby Sign Language Supports Development

When babies use sign language, they are actively connecting meaning with communication. This process supports cognitive development and strengthens early language skills.

Using signs helps children express their needs before they can speak clearly, which can reduce frustration and support social interaction. It also encourages earlier use of vocabulary and reinforces the connection between spoken words and actions.

At What Age Can Babies Learn Sign Language?

You can start teaching your baby sign language as early as six months old. At this age, babies often begin to develop the ability to make hand gestures. You can start by introducing one gesture at a time to your little one, and preferably begin with basic signs that will develop their signing skills.

Each family has its own unique needs, and there may be some signs that are more beneficial to incorporate into your specific routine. A child, for example, who is attached to their bottle may pick up the signs “bottle” or “milk” more quickly than the sign for “hungry.”

Some signs that may be beneficial for your family include:

• Milk: Teaching your child this sign helps them express when they’re hungry, especially if milk or a bottle is their main source of food.
• Hungry: This sign allows your child to express when they’re hungry and can be used for bottles, breast, or solid foods.
• More: If your child wants more of something, they can tell you instead of you guessing whether they want more or are finished.
• All done: This sign allows your child to tell you or another caregiver they want to stop an activity without crying. For example, they can show when they’re finished eating, playing, or taking a bath.
• Poop: This sign is helpful when your child is aware they had a bowel movement and need a change, or when they are ready to communicate they need to use the restroom.
• Help: This allows your child to ask for help instead of you having to guess. It also supports independence by letting them try tasks first and request help when needed.
• Mom or dad: These signs allow your child to communicate that they want their mom or dad or to get your attention.
• I love you: This one is a favorite. It gives your child a way to express love before they’re verbal.

These simple signs can make everyday communication smoother, reduce frustration, and help your child feel understood.

Signing vs. Speaking Milestones

Many babies can begin using signs around 6 to 9 months of age, often earlier than when they begin using spoken words. This allows them to communicate during a stage when verbal skills are still developing.

As speech develops, most children naturally transition from using signs to spoken language while continuing to build their vocabulary.

Learning and Teaching Sign Language

Teaching sign language skills can be challenging. However, you can find many helpful videos and demonstrations by searching for “baby sign language.” If this is something you will frequently use, there are apps available for your phone or mobile device to help you learn more signs and steps for introducing new signs to your child. You can talk with your speech therapist about apps they recommend to teach Baby Sign Language to your child, or signs they would recommend incorporating into your child’s daily routine 

It is recommended that parents show the sign while speaking the associated word to their child, so their child begins to understand the word as they hear it and the sign as they see it. While the child may not yet be able to repeat the word, they will begin to associate the sign with the object, person, action, etc. Do this several times while slowly repeating the word with the sign. 

Once the sign has been introduced to your baby, it is important to begin encouraging your baby to start using the sign on their own. You can do this when your child indicates they want their bottle by guiding their hand to sign the word “milk” before giving them their bottle. This will take some time for them to fully comprehend the pattern, but before you know it, they will be doing it all on their own! 

Every child learns at their own pace. Some children may quickly begin using signs, while others may take longer to understand and imitate them. Consistency and repetition are key to helping your child build communication skills.

Are There Long-Term Benefits to Using Baby Sign Language?

While more research is needed to determine the long-term benefits and effects of using Baby Sign Language, the research on short-term effects is promising. Short-term benefits include your young child developing the ability to have a conversation with you and other caregivers. This ability to initiate conversations and continue conversations will strengthen the bond between a child and their caregivers.  

Teaching a baby sign language skills will also strengthen their ability to begin practicing using words and phrases that they otherwise would not be able to do until they are quite a bit older, usually until they are able to speak. 

Typically, young children who develop the ability to communicate at a young age build stronger verbal communication skills when it is appropriate and are also more comfortable conversing with others.

What Are the Disadvantages of Baby Sign Language?

The most common disadvantage of using baby sign language is when caregivers are unfamiliar with how to teach it or use it appropriately. It is important that caregivers are, first and foremost, patient with their child and with themselves as they begin to introduce baby sign language.

Remember to introduce the sign while also saying the word to your child. Then, gently guide your child’s hand to mimic the sign when they are trying to communicate a need related to a sign you’ve shown them. If you want your child to use baby sign language, it’s important to stay consistent by pairing each sign with spoken language, as previously discussed. This helps your child connect the sign with the word over time.

It’s also recommended to introduce only a few signs at a time until your child has mastered them. Showing too many signs at once can feel overwhelming for both you and your child and may make it harder to use them consistently. Another reason to keep it simple is that your child is still developing fine motor skills, so forming specific signs may take time.

Try introducing signs that look different from one another so it’s easier for your child to recognize them and for caregivers to understand what they’re communicating. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and your child—this is a new experience for both of you. With repetition, practice, and encouragement, baby sign language skills will grow over time.

When to Seek Additional Support

While using signs is a normal part of development, it is important to monitor your child’s overall communication progress. If your child is not using vocal sounds, gestures, or signs by expected developmental milestones, it may be helpful to seek guidance.

Early support can ensure your child continues to develop strong communication skills.

Pediatric Speech Therapy Can Help 

Obtaining a prescription for pediatric speech services may be beneficial to you and your child if your child is not developing age-appropriate speech skills or if you are having difficulty understanding their speech. Our speech therapists can provide you with resources and suggestions for home to help your child build their speech skills, whether verbal or through gestures like signs. They can also provide recommendations on which signs may be most beneficial to introduce to your child and begin incorporating into your daily routine.  

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s fine motor development or school readiness, don’t hesitate to contact an Ivy Rehab Network clinic to provide you with more information. Visit our website to request an appointment online or contact the location nearest you for additional information.