How to involve parents, siblings, and other carers in Signalong for Babies
- Signalong for Babies
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Signalong for Babies is most effective when it extends beyond the session itself and becomes part of everyday life. Babies learn best through repetition, relationships and real-life experiences and that means people around them play a vital role. Involving parents, siblings and other carers helps create a consistent, supportive environment where communication can flourish.
Below are some practical and realistic ways to encourage family and carer involvement, while keeping Signalong fun, inclusive and pressure-free.
Why Family and Carer Involvement Matters
Babies learn by watching familiar adults, copying siblings, and experiencing communication in meaningful contexts. When everyone uses the same signs:
- Babies see signs more frequently and naturally
- Communication becomes consistent across settings
- Confidence grows for both babies and adults
- Relationships are strengthened through shared interaction
Signalong is always used alongside speech, helping to support your baby’s language development rather than replace it.
Supporting Parents and Carers
Many parents worry about “doing it wrong”. Perfection is not the goal, consistency and enjoyment are far more important.
- Start with just one or two signs
- Speak alongside signing
- Follow your baby’s interests
Using Signalong with your baby can:
- Help them express needs before they can talk
- Support understanding of everyday words
- Encourage attention, eye contact and turn-taking
- Strengthen your bond through shared communication
Even using signs occasionally, alongside natural speech, supports your baby’s learning.
The Role of Siblings
If your baby has brothers and sisters, they can be wonderful role models. Siblings often enjoy joining in with signs, especially when it’s part of songs, play and routines.
When siblings use Signalong:
- Babies see signs modelled in a fun, natural way
- Communication becomes part of everyday play
- Positive relationships are encouraged between siblings
There’s no pressure for siblings to remember lots of signs, enthusiasm and enjoyment is what matters most.
Including Other Carers
Many babies spend time with grandparents, childminders, nursery staff or other family members. When these carers use some of the same signs, it helps your baby feel secure and understood across different settings.
It can be helpful to share:
- A small number of everyday signs
- When those signs are usually used, such as at mealtimes or bedtime
- Recommend local Signalong for Babies courses
Even just using a few signs can make transitions easier for your baby.
Keeping It Simple and Pressure – Free
It’s completely normal to worry about getting signs wrong or forgetting them. Signalong for Babies doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective. For example, your baby might sign a word using two hands instead of one, however you know when they demonstrate that sign, they mean a specific word.
Try to:
- Start with one or two useful signs
- Always use signs alongside speech
- Follow your baby’s interest and routines
Your baby benefits from seeing communication that feels natural and relaxed
Making Signalong Part of Everyday Life
Signalong works best when it fits into what you already do each day.
Simple opportunities include:
- Mealtimes (drink, more, finished)
- Nappy changes and getting dressed
- Bath time and bedtime routines
- Favourite songs, books, and games
Using signs during real experience helps your baby understand their meaning more quickly.
A Shared Experience
Signalong for Babies is most powerful when it’s shared. By involving parents, siblings and other carers, you create a warm, supportive communication environment where your baby feels confident, understood and connected.
Every sign you use, every shared smile and every moment of interaction help build strong foundations for your baby’s communication, now and the future.
Want to find out more? Email signalongforbabies.org.uk, we’re happy to help.
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