An Introduction to Baby Sign Language
Baby sign language is a method of communicating with babies and toddlers using simple gestures before they develop the ability to speak. At Tiny Signers, we use signs based on British Sign Language (BSL) in a technique called Sign Supported English.
While babies can understand language from a very early age, their vocal cords and mouth muscles don't develop enough for speech until they're around 12-18 months old. However, babies develop the motor skills needed to make simple hand gestures much earlier - often from around 6-8 months.
Early Understanding
Babies can understand words from around 6-8 months, long before they can say them.
Motor Skills First
Hand coordination develops before the ability to form words, making signing possible earlier.
Bridge to Speech
Signing acts as a bridge, supporting language development until speech catches up.
How Does Baby Sign Language Work?
Baby sign language uses simple, modified signs from British Sign Language that are easy for little hands to make. You use these signs alongside spoken words when talking to your baby. For example, when you say "milk," you also make the sign for milk.
Babies watch, learn, and eventually start making the signs themselves to communicate their needs and wants. It's a natural and fun way to enhance communication with your pre-verbal child.
The Process
- Watch & Learn: You consistently use signs while speaking to your baby
- Recognition: Your baby begins to recognize and understand the signs
- First Signs: Baby makes their first sign (usually between 8-14 months)
- Expansion: Baby's signing vocabulary grows rapidly
- Transition to Speech: As speech develops, signing naturally decreases
Using British Sign Language
We use real British Sign Language signs (Sign Supported English) so your baby learns a genuine language that's used by the Deaf community. This respects BSL as a real language and gives your child a valuable skill.
Why Sign with Your Baby?
Is It Right for My Baby?
Baby sign language is beneficial for all babies, regardless of their hearing ability or developmental stage. It's particularly helpful for:
- Hearing babies who understand more than they can express
- Babies with hearing difficulties as a primary communication method
- Children with additional needs including speech delays or developmental differences
- Multilingual families as signs transcend spoken language barriers
- All parents and carers who want to understand their baby better
What Makes Tiny Signers Different?
At Tiny Signers, we don't just teach signs - we make learning fun! Our unique approach combines expert knowledge with engaging activities that captivate children and grown-ups too!
Our Unique Features
- Customised Music and Songs: Original songs designed specifically for baby signing that children and parents love
- Signing Sam: Our resident puppet who helps deliver classes and is adored by everyone who meets him! He even stars in his own DVD, CD, and song book
- Qualified, Enthusiastic Teachers: All our teachers are trained, DBS checked, and passionate about baby sign language
- In-House Speech Therapist: Professional support from our Speech and Language Therapist who advises, teaches and helps develop our programmes
- Real British Sign Language: We use genuine BSL signs (Sign Supported English), respecting Deaf culture and language
- Truly Inclusive: Everyone is welcome regardless of ability - whether deaf or hearing, and if they have additional needs
Beyond Classes
Our qualified team also visits:
- Nurseries and Preschools throughout West Yorkshire
- Schools (primary and secondary) - visit www.signing4schools.co.uk
- Local Libraries in partnership with local authorities
- Children's Centres working with families across the region
Everyone is Welcome
At Tiny Signers, we believe in inclusive education. Our classes welcome all families, regardless of ability. Whether your child is deaf or hearing, has additional needs, or is developing typically, baby sign language can benefit them. Our in-house Speech Therapist ensures our programmes support all children's communication development.
The Science Behind Baby Signing
Research-Backed Benefits
Numerous studies have shown that babies who learn sign language often:
- Speak earlier than non-signing peers
- Have larger vocabularies (50+ words more by age 2)
- May have higher IQs (one study showed a 12-point advantage at age 8)
- Experience less frustration and fewer tantrums
- Have stronger bonds with their parents and carers
It's not about replacing speech - it's about supporting it! Signing gives babies a way to communicate during the gap between understanding and speaking.
Getting Started
Ready to start your baby sign language journey? Here's how:
- Try a FREE Taster Session: No commitment, just come and see what it's all about
- Join a Regular Class: Find your nearest Tiny Signers class in West Yorkshire
- Learn at Home: Can't make classes? Use our DVD, CD, and song book with Signing Sam
- Stay Consistent: The key to success is using signs regularly in daily routines
You can start signing from birth! While most babies sign back between 8-14 months, the earlier you start, the more familiar they become with the signs.