12 Sign Language Words for Baby

Here are the symbols for 12 common words so you can communicate with your baby even before she starts to talk.

Excerpted from Baby Sign Language Basics (Hay House, Inc.), by Monta Z. Briant. from American Baby

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Cat

The thumb and index finger come together at the upper lip and move outward and away from the face, as if sliding whiskers throughout the fingers. (Can use one or both hands.)

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Cold

The shoulders are hunched, and the clenched hands shake as if shivering with cold.

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Daddy

The thumb of the sideways "five" hand taps the side of the forehead several times. Fingertips may wiggle.
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Dog

The hand pats the thigh and snaps the fingers, as if calling a dog.

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Drink

The signer tips an imaginary glass to the open lips, as if drinking.

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Eat

The fingers and thumb, held together as if holding a small piece of food, tap the mouth several times.
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Hot

The signer holds the hand like a claw, palm facing the mouth, then drops the palm downwards as if spitting out hot food and throwing it on the floor.

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I Love You

I Love You can be signed as three separate signs, or by using one single gesture. I: Index finger points to self. Love: Fists cross over the chest at wrists. You: Index finger points to other person. I Love You: The "Y" hand is held up with the index finger extended.

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Mommy

The thumb of the sideways "five" hand taps the side of the chin several times. Fingertips may wiggle.
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Baby Sign Language: Family Members

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More

The thumbs and fingertips of each hand are held together, and the fingertips of both hands tap together several times. Represents gathering more things together.

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Pain

The two index fingers tap together several times at the location of the pain. The face should show a pained expression.
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Baby Sign Language: Starter Signs

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12 Sign Language Words for Baby

Cat

Cold

Daddy

Dog

Drink

Eat

Hot

I Love You

Mommy

More

Pain

Play

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