The Best Baby Sign Language Books of 2024

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baby sign language chart

The Best Baby Sign Language Books of [year]

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Communication is one of the most crucial and bonding means of expression that we have, especially as parents. However, communicating with a loved one doesn’t always revolve around verbal speech. Often, it’s not even an option for individuals who may be deaf or have experienced auditory impairment. Thankfully, sign language exists to mend the barrier. Baby sign language is one such category of said language. Both hearing and deaf children can master this skill, given that they are presented with the right tools.

Therefore, if you are a parent who wishes to learn more about teaching their child baby sign language, read on. Here are the best baby sign language books of 2024.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks

	Title	Price	Prime	Buy
Top	Baby Sign Language Basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies and Toddlers, New & Expanded Edition		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	My First Signs: American Sign Language (Baby Signing)		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Meal Time (Sign about)		PrimeEligible	Buy Now

What Should I Look For in a Baby Sign Language Book?

Not all baby signing books are created equally; therefore, when shopping around on the marketplace or browsing our selection of top picks, consider these next few factors.

Illustrations

If you’re going to be reading the book to your child on a routine basis, opt for something with vivid illustrations to keep them engaged. However, if you’re doing your own research on the subject, we have included some baby signing books geared towards adults as well. These adult-variations are longer and contain more signs. Purchasing your own book will also allow you to conduct your own research in your free time — you can read up on the topic discreetly while on your lunch break or on the train.

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Price Point

Of course, price is always something you want to consider. If you’re purchasing a book your child can pick up and read on their own, select a sturdy and hardbound book. After all, kids can get messy — and you want this crucial book to last them years. However, hardcover books tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum.

If you’re on a budget, consider purchasing a paperback version, and keeping it in your room or study until they are old enough to handle it themselves.
However, we’ve included a variety of books ranging in price points, so you’re bound to find something that will suit your budget.

Additional Resources

Some books even come with activity guides, flashcards, helpful videos, or CDs. Consider how you learn best, and also how your child learns best. Do they respond well to music? If so, purchasing a book with additional features may come in handy. Also, are you willing to help your child create their own flashcards, or would you rather purchase a set that already comes with some beautifully illustrated cards?

Your Child’s Prior Knowledge Base

Lastly, consider your child’s prior education surrounding the topic of baby sign language. Do they have prior experience with baby sign language, or do they need to know the basics first? Some books out there specialize in one specific topic, like food or manners. However, some books are broad and cover a wide variety of topics for beginners.

Should My Baby Learn Sign Language?

Even if your child isn’t deaf, learning sign language is a helpful tool that can assist your nonverbal child when communicating their wants and needs. Learning the language can also help them communicate with deaf classmates down the line, making them feel more welcomed!

Benefits of Teaching Your Child Baby Sign Language

There are multiple benefits to teaching your young child baby sign language. For starters, this will make learning ASL much easier as they hit various milestones in their lives.

Secondly, teaching your young child baby sign language is also critical in regards to their safety. They’ll understand signs for warnings like ‘hot’ or ‘sharp’ and will know right away to steer clear. Getting an early start in learning sign language can also help increase your child’s self-esteem — they are more likely to feel accepted if you’re the one teaching them this lifelong skill.

Next, this can also be an enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your child. Reading baby sign language books to them can become a sweet routine they look forward to every night. You can also create educational arts and crafts projects together on the weekends. This will also serve as a fun and stimulating challenge for you as a parent.

Lastly, you’ll be in sync with your baby. Once they’ve grasped a few simple signs, they’ll be able to express when they’re hungry or thirsty, making your life as a parent just a little bit easier.

When Can I Start Teaching Baby Sign Language

It’s advisable to start teaching your baby simple signs once they’ve reached eight months of age.

How to Teach Your Baby Sign Language

Some parents may have some anxieties about teaching their young child this new skill if they are unfamiliar with it themselves. However, don’t worry. The books we have listed below will make learning sign language a seamless experience for both parent and baby.

#1. Baby Sign Language Basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies and Toddlers

This baby sign language book by Monta Z. Briant is essential for toddlers. It’s small enough that you can throw it into your purse or your baby’s diaper bag. It also contains several lifesaving signs that will prove to be quite useful when teaching your child how to stay safe. However, the book also includes fun songs and games that make learning fun for both you and your baby.

Pros

• Small and portable
• Provides 300 baby sign language signs
• Includes a DVD, flashcards, CD, and an activity guide

Cons

• The book is quite long and can take a couple of weeks to finish

Summary

Consider this one of the most essential books for learning sign language with your baby. It’s a complete guide, and also has a myriad of other useful tools, like an activity guide, and a CD filled with catchy songs. If you’re starting from scratch when learning baby sign language, purchase this book. It’s a wonderful first step towards your journey to fluency.

#2. My First Signs: Baby Sign Language

If you’re looking for something simpler, My First Signs by Annie Kubler can help a child as young as seven months learn and develop their baby sign language skills.

Pros

• Contains over 40 key signs
• Helpful tips are listed at the bottom of each page

Cons

• It’s a good starter book, but your baby may outgrow it quickly

Summary

Overall, this book is a lovely starter book with beautiful illustrations to boot. This is also available as a hardcover version or a board book. Both options are relatively affordable. The 40 key signs included in the text are easy to learn and also crucial to your baby’s development. Expect them to learn signs for sleep, car, and milk. However, your child will require something a bit more challenging once later on in life.

#3. Meal Time (Sign About)

If you’re looking for a baby sign language book specifically about food, consider this option by Anthony Lewis. The text includes 40 signs covering meals, food, and even table etiquette.

Pros

• Cute illustrations
• Dives into greater detail about food than most broad baby signing books

Cons

• Pricer than most baby signing books

Summary

Overall, this is a wonderful book for teaching your baby signs about food. If you’re looking to save some money, opt for the board version of the book instead. The hardcover, though lovely and longlasting, sits at a higher price point. However, this is something you will love to have on your child’s bookshelf for years, so we recommend that it’s worth the splurge.

#4. The Toddler’s Handbook: (English / baby sign language – baby sign language)

This book by Dayna Martin is mostly visual. It also contains 100 words that cover numbers, shapes, body parts, and emotions.

Pros

• Informative
• Budget-friendly
• Makes it easy for adults and children to learn baby sign language

Cons

• Only available as a paperback

Summary

If you’re looking for something comprehensive, but you’re also on a budget, this baby signing book by Dayna Martin is an absolute steal. The photos are vibrant, detailed, and helpful for any baby and parent duo learning this beautiful language.

#5. The Complete Guide to Baby Sign Language: 200+ Signs for You and Baby to Learn Together

For the more advanced toddler, consider this book by Lane Rebelo another must-have when trying to expand your child’s baby sign language vocabulary. This book also contains important stories and songs that will transform the learning experience into a more enjoyable one.

Pros

• Well-organized
• Comprehinsive collection of 200 signs
• Includes memory tips to help engrain the signs into your brain
• Chapter tabs make nagivating the book seamless

Cons

• There are a few signs missing from the text

Summary

The bottom line is, this book makes ideas and signs that can be hard to understand a little easier with its easy-to-navigate design. Also, thanks to its accurate illustrations, songs, and memory tips, both you and your baby can grasp these concepts with ease. You’ll also receive printable charts and free videos with your purchase of this baby signing book.

#6. The Baby Signing Bible: Baby Sign Language Made Easy

Lastly, we have a book catered mostly towards parents. Though this book doesn’t feature as many colorful illustrations as other baby signing books, it’s filled with valuable information covering up to 400 signs in baby sign language.

Pros

• Features real success stories
• Detailed dictionary/glossary
• Excellent for preschoolers and up
• Lays out the developmental milestones your child is bound to reach
• Easy to take anywhere

Cons

• Some may find the first half of the book unnecessary or wordy

Summary

This book is divided up into two sections. The first contains stories and songs, while the backend contains a helpful baby sign language glossary. One of the best parts of this book is that it is small and easy to take on the go. This way, you can help your child learn outside of the house too. Learn baby sign language at the park or on the playground. Taking your lessons on-the-go will certainly allow your child to thrive and learn in new and exciting ways. The glossary will also help you create your own flashcards with your child, which is sure to be an enriching and educational experience.

Conclusion

If you want to give your child a head start in the language and communication department, consider purchasing one of these top baby books on the market. They can help you build a stronger and more trusting relationship with your child for many years to come.

However, if you’re struggling to decide, we highly recommend our number one pick, Baby Sign Language Basics by Monta Z. Briant. It contains a lot of value for the price since the book bundle comes with multiple activities, songs, and games. We have also found that it makes learning fun for both adults and children. Lastly, it contains an adequate amount of signs to where the book is informative, but not overwhelming.

However, whichever books call out to you the most, we hope you enjoy the experience of teaching your child this valuable skill.

Happy learning!