Busting Common Myths About Baby and Toddler Signing

Baby signing has grown in popularity over recent years, but alongside that growth has come a number of misunderstandings. In this post, we will be busting some of the most common myths about signing with babies and toddlers, so you can feel confident about what it really means for your child’s development.

Signalong for Babies uses clear consistent signs alongside spoken language to support early communication, reduce frustration, and strengthen connection.

Myth 1: Signing will delay my child’s speech

This is by far the most common worry. The truth? Research consistently shows that using signs does not delay speech development. In fact, signing can:

• Support understanding of spoken language

• Reduce frustration

• Encourage early communication

• Build confidence in expressing needs

When babies sign, they are still hearing the spoken word alongside the sign. This reinforces meaning rather than replacing speech.

For many children, signing acts as a bridge to spoken language, not a barrier.

Myth 2: Babies are too young to understand signing

Babies understand far more than they can say. Many babies begin to use simple signs between 6-12 months old, though understanding starts much earlier. Even if they’re not signing back yet, they are absorbing what they see and hear.

Mother and daughter modelling Signalong for Babies signs

Myth 3: Signing is only for children with additional needs

Signing benefits children with additional needs, but it is not only for them. Baby and toddler signing can help:

• Typically developing children

• Late talkers

• Bilingual children

• Children in busy nursery environments

• Children who are shy or less confident communicators

Signing is a communication tool and children benefit from more ways to communicate their needs and wants.

Myth 4: If my baby doesn’t copy the signs, it’s not working

Receptive understanding develops before expressive communication. A baby may not immediately copy a sign, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t learning. Many children go through a ‘silent absorbing’ phase before using signs.

Myth 5: Only parents need to sign, it won’t work in nursery

Signing works best when it’s consistent across environments. When families and early years practitioners use the key signs for everyday routines e.g snack time, tidy up, toilet, children experience continuity and clarity. In busy nursery settings, signing can actually:

• Support group understanding

• Reduce repeated instructions

• Help children who are quieter or less confident

Myth 6: If my child can talk, there’s no point signing

Signing isn’t only for verbal children. It can continue to support:

• Emotional regulation

• New vocabulary learning

• Group routines

• Inclusion in mixed-ability settings

  
  

Even verbal children benefit from visual reinforcement, especially in noisy or stimulating environments.

Myth 7: Signalong for Babies is the same as British Sign Language

British Sign Language (BSL) is a complete language with its own grammar structure.

Many early communication systems including Signalong use individual signs to support spoken English word order. The goal in baby and toddler contexts is to support speech development, not replace it.

When used consistently alongside speech, signing supports understanding, encourages communication, and can ease the frustrations that naturally come with early development.

How can Signalong for Babies help you?

Get in touch by emailing training@signalongforbabies.org.uk to find out more. Interested in a course? Get in touch with our qualified Signalong for Babies Trainers.