When is Your Toddler Ready to Use Signs?
Updated: Aug 25
Sometimes parents try to teach nonverbal children or late talking toddlers sign language when they are just not ready for it. Yes, your two year old might have the physical capability to use signs but there are other prerequisites.
These developmental requirements for signing include:
They are socially ready. Meaning, they are interested in focusing on you when you interact with them.
Can take turns. Do they engage with you in any sort of turn taking activity? Playing ball or making sounds back and forth?
Imitate actions. It can be anything like clapping, beeping on their nose when you do, waving, or jumping up and down. T
Have receptive language skills. Their expressive language skills might be what you need to work on but do they understand what you say? Will they look for grandma when you say "where is grandma?"
If your child has met these requirements, they might be ready to sign. What you choose to teach your child should be highly relevant. Meaning, it gets them what they want quickly. For example, the sign for "more" is applicable in so many situations: more cookie, more ball, more milk, more up, more Sesame Street. And remember, one of the most important signs we use is pointing. Keep using and encouraging pointing to items or actions your child is interested in and get them to follow your point when you give them directions.
Sign language is also a way of communication.
The more relevant the signs are to your child's life, the more likely they are to be motivated to use them and frustration might also be decreased since they now have a way to get what they want.
Try to get a good mix of signs for your toddler to learn. Don't only choose nouns (person, place, thing) like ball, car, book, cup. Instead add some verbs (action words) like go, open, and up. Toddlers that are late talkers have been show to use disproportionately more nouns that verbs so getting a good mix is important.
Ultimately, you want your child to learn two key points:
You need to learn to imitate me
You need to do something (communicate) to get something
These skills build the concept of communication and helps get your child ready to talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can toddlers start learning sign language?
Most babies can begin learning simple signs between 6 and 12 months, though they typically start signing back around 8 to 14 months. Every child develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your toddler takes a little longer. Starting early gives them a communication tool before spoken words are fully established.
How will I know if my toddler is ready to use signs?
Look for signs of readiness like making eye contact, imitating your gestures, waving bye-bye, or pointing at objects they want. These behaviors show your child is tuned into communication and ready to learn intentional signs. If you are unsure whether your toddler is on track, a speech-language pathologist can give you a clear picture.
Will teaching my toddler signs delay their speech development?
Research consistently shows that sign language supports speech development rather than replacing it. Signs give toddlers a way to express needs while their verbal skills catch up, which often reduces frustration and actually encourages more vocalization. Pairing each sign with the spoken word is the key strategy for building both skills together.
Which signs should I teach my toddler first?
Start with high-motivation signs that reflect your child's daily life, such as more, eat, drink, all done, and please. Signs tied to things toddlers genuinely want tend to be learned fastest because the reward is immediate and meaningful. Introduce one or two at a time and repeat them consistently throughout the day for best results.
When should I talk to a professional about my toddler's communication development?
If your toddler is not gesturing, pointing, or imitating by 12 months, or has no words by 16 months, it is a good time to consult a licensed speech-language pathologist. Better Speech connects families with licensed SLPs who accept insurance and have no waitlists, so you can get guidance quickly. Early support makes a meaningful difference in communication outcomes.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
