How is Signalong for Babies Different to Other Baby Signing Approaches?

Baby signing has become increasingly popular to support early communication between babies and their caregivers. Many families enjoy the benefits of reducing frustration, strengthening bonds, and giving little ones a voice before speech develops. But not all baby signing approaches are the same.

Focusing on Communication

Like many baby signing approaches, Signalong includes a core set of useful, everyday signs such as “milk,” “more,” and “sleep.” These provide a helpful starting point for early communication.

What makes Signalong different is how these signs are used. Rather than focusing only on learning a fixed list, Signalong supports total communication, bringing together signs, speech, facial expression, and body language.

This means babies are not limited to memorising individual signs. Instead, they are encouraged to communicate in ways that feel natural to them, using a combination of cues to express their needs, interests, and emotions.

Based on Key Word Signing

Signalong uses a key word signing approach. This means signs are used alongside spoken language, highlighting the most important words in a sentence.

Do you want more milk? … and sign just ‘more’ and ‘milk’

This keeps communication simple, clear, and easy for babies to understand and copy while still supporting speech development.

Rooted in Accessibility and Inclusion

Unlike some baby signing programmes that are designed primarily for typically developing children, Signalong has its roots in supporting people with communication needs, including those with learning difficulties.

This makes it especially valuable in early years settings where there may be a wide range of development stages and needs. Signalong supports:

- Babies who are developing typically

- Children with delayed speech and language

- Those with additional communication needs

Everyday Language

Signalong is built around practical, everyday communication. The signs used reflect real-life situations and routines, feeding, playing, dressing and social interaction.

This makes it easy for parents, carers, and practitioners to:

- Use signs consistently throughout the day

- Reinforce language in meaningful contexts

- Build understanding through repetition and routine

Rather than learning themed sets of signs in isolation, babies experience communication as part of their daily lives.

Consistent Signs

Signalong uses clear, straightforward signs that are designed to be easy to learn and remember. Consistency is key, once you learn a sign, you can use it confidently across different situations. This helps:

- Caregivers feel more confident using signs

- Babies recognise and remember signs more easily

- Communication becomes a natural part of interaction

Supports Speech

A common concern is whether signing might delay speech. With Signalong, the focus is always on supporting spoken language, not replacing it.

By pairing signs with speech:

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Babies hear words while seeing visual cues

- Understanding develops before verbal expression

- Confidence in communication grows

Research and practice show that this often encourages speech rather than delaying it.

Find out more

To find out more about Signalong for Babies and how you can learn it or integrate it into your organisation, please email training@signalongforbabies.org.uk