Baby Sign Language Guide

Bring all your fingertips together on each hand to form two pinched shapes, then tap them together in front of your chest. Repeat the tapping motion two or three times.

Hold both hands up in front of you with palms facing outward, then twist them back and forth at the wrist, as if waving goodbye with both hands at the same time.

Extend your hand in front of you and open and close your fist repeatedly, as if you are squeezing a cow's udder. The motion should be gentle and rhythmic.

Bring your fingertips together into a pinched shape and tap them against your lips several times, as if you are putting food into your mouth.

Cup your hand as if holding an imaginary cup, then tilt it toward your mouth as if taking a sip. Repeat the tipping motion a couple of times.

Make a fist with one hand and place it on top of the open palm of your other hand. Raise both hands together upward, as if the open hand is lifting the fist.

Place your open hand flat against your chest and rub it in a circular motion. Keep the movement slow and gentle.

Make a W shape by holding up your three middle fingers (index, middle, and ring finger) and tap them against your chin two or three times.

Point your index finger upward on one hand to represent the banana, then use your other hand to make a peeling motion down the length of the finger, as if peeling a real banana.

Make a fist with one hand and tap it against the elbow of your other arm, as if you are cracking something. Repeat two or three times.

Press both palms together flat, then twist them back and forth against each other as if pressing cheese in a cheese press.

Make a fist with your hand and press the knuckle of your index finger against your cheek. Twist your fist back and forth as if twisting the stem of an apple.

Place your open hand flat against your chest and brush it upward and outward in a circular motion, as if joy is bubbling up from your heart. Repeat two times with a smile.

Hold both open hands in front of your face with fingers spread, then drag them downward slowly, like tears falling down your cheeks. Make a sad facial expression as you sign.

Point both index fingers toward each other and twist them back and forth in opposite directions in front of your body, as if something is twisting painfully.

Hold both hands open with fingers spread in front of your chest, palms facing your body. Let both hands slowly drop and droop downward, while also drooping your shoulders and head slightly.

Hold both fists in front of your chest and quickly open them while pulling your hands apart, as if something startled you. Widen your eyes and make a surprised expression.

Cross both arms over your chest in a self-hug, hands resting on opposite shoulders. Squeeze gently, as if hugging yourself or someone you love.

Pat your thigh with your open hand a couple of times, as if calling a dog to come, then snap your fingers once. Babies often just do the patting motion.

Pinch your thumb and index finger together near the side of your cheek and draw them outward, as if tracing a cat's whisker. Repeat on one or both sides.

Hold your index finger and thumb together near your mouth and open and close them like a bird's beak pecking or chirping. Keep the motion small and quick.

Hold one hand flat in front of you with fingers together, palm facing sideways. Wiggle the hand side to side, imitating a fish swimming through water.

Cross both arms over your chest and make scratching or clawing motions with your fingers against your shoulders, like a bear scratching itself.

Hold up two fingers (index and middle) behind your head like bunny ears, then bend and straighten them together a few times, imitating a rabbit's ears twitching.

Extend your thumb and pinky finger on both hands (hang-loose shape) and twist both wrists back and forth at the same time, with a playful expression.

Place both palms together in front of you as if praying, then open them outward like a book opening, keeping the pinky edges together as the spine.

Make two fists and rub them up and down on your chest in a scrubbing motion, as if washing yourself in the tub.

Hold one open hand in front of your face with fingers spread, then slowly draw the fingers together as you bring your hand downward, closing your eyes at the same time.

Hold one hand open with fingers together in front of you like a door, then pull it outward toward you in a grasping motion, as if reaching outside through a doorway. Repeat twice.

Hold one arm out horizontally in front of you and wave your other hand back and forth above it, as if conducting an orchestra or keeping time to music.