A Sign of Connection: My Thoughts on Baby Signs: A Baby-Sized Introduction to Speaking with Sign Language
The other night, as I settled into bed with my little ones snuggled beside me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were all dancing around something important—communication. Between my toddler’s playful grunts and my baby’s adorable coos, we had plenty to say, but words were still a little out of reach. That’s when I remembered Baby Signs, a sweet little board book that caught my eye during a recent trip to the bookstore. Authored by the clever team at Dial Books, this book promised an engaging way for babies and toddlers to express themselves before they could fully articulate their thoughts.
From the first few pages, I could sense that my kids were enchanted—the illustrations are bright and whimsical, capturing their attention from the get-go. Each sign in the book is paired with a simple, cheerful drawing, making it a joy to flip through together. As I pointed out the “milk” sign, my toddler’s eyes twinkled with recognition, and I couldn’t help but chuckle when she tried to mimic the gesture with her chubby little hands. It was a sweet reminder of just how much playful interaction can flourish even in those early moments of language development!
The book introduces thirteen essential signs, including those for “all done” and “help,” and it’s structured so that parents can easily follow along. One of my favorite aspects of Baby Signs is how the authors encourage consistency—it works best when you incorporate these signs into daily routines. Just like most things in parenting, a little practice makes a world of difference!
As we read, my toddler sometimes giggled and would excitedly shout "more!" after we’d completed a sign. It was wonderful to see her natural curiosity turn into genuine engagement. Even my baby flashed wide eyes at the illustrations, seemingly entranced by the colorful pages. The experience became a delightful bonding moment for our little family, full of laughter and plenty of silly attempts at signing.
While some parents have mentioned needing more signs or a bigger variety, I found this book to be a fantastic entry point for our kiddos. In my opinion, it does a beautiful job introducing the concept of sign language in a way that’s digestible and visually appealing for little ones. Plus, since the book is sturdy, it can withstand all the curious hands eager to turn its pages!
I believe this book is perfect for families with babies and toddlers, especially those eager to foster communication skills in a fun way. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at signing or brand new to the concept, Baby Signs is a wonderful addition to storytime.
So, if you’re looking for a thoughtful baby shower gift or a new addition to your evening routine, I can’t recommend Baby Signs enough. Making communication easier for our children is not just about alleviating frustration—it’s about nurturing those precious connections that form the fabric of our family life. For us, this little board book has become a new family favorite, and I can’t wait to see where our signing journey takes us next!
