Five signs to start with

These are American Sign Language (ASL) signs, words from the language of Deaf communities in the US and Canada.

Sign each word as you say it, in the everyday moment it belongs to.

Milk

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How to sign it

1. Raise your right hand in front of you, a little to the right, palm facing left.
2. Curve your fingers and thumb into a loose C.
3. Squeeze your hand shut into a fist, thumb across the front, then let it relax back to the C.
4. Squeeze twice, gently, as if milking a cow.

When to use it

Right before every breastfeed, bottle, or cup of milk, while your baby is looking at you.

More

How to sign it

1. Shape both hands into a flat O: fingers straight and together, tips resting on your thumb, like two little duck bills.
2. Hold them in front of you, a few inches apart, with the fingertips pointing at each other.
3. Bring the fingertips together so they tap, pull apart a little, and tap again.

When to use it

Each time your baby finishes a bite or sip and looks for the next one, sign it just before you hand it over.

All done

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How to sign it

1. Open both hands wide with the fingers spread and pointing up.
2. Hold them up in front of you, shoulder width apart, palms facing you.
3. Flick both wrists so your palms turn out and away from you.
4. Turn back and flick once more. One firm twist also works when you want it to sound final.

When to use it

When your baby stops eating, pushes food away, or turns their head, and again as you end the meal and lift them out.

Eat

How to sign it

1. Shape your right hand into a flat O: fingers straight and together, tips resting on your thumb.
2. Raise it to your mouth with the fingertips pointing at your lips.
3. Tap the fingertips against your lips twice, keeping your mouth closed.

When to use it

As you set food on the tray or plate, and when you ask if your baby wants to eat.

Sleep

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How to sign it

1. Hold your right hand in front of your face, palm toward you, fingers loose and spread.
2. Draw the hand slowly down past your eyes and nose.
3. As it moves, bring your fingertips together onto your thumb so the hand ends in a flat O just in front of your chin.
4. Let your eyes droop closed as your hand comes down.

When to use it

When you see sleepy cues, when you start the nap or bedtime routine, and as you lay your baby down.

Tiny Talk is for learning, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your baby’s hearing or development, talk to their doctor.