Long before babies say their first words, they’re already trying to communicate—and in Vivvi’s infant program, many educators are helping them succeed through baby sign language. For Amanda Olivares, an infant teacher at Vivvi, introducing sign language isn’t just a helpful classroom practice—it’s a powerful tool that deepens connection and supports development.

“We depend a lot on talking as a form of communication,” Amanda explains. “But with babies under one, they can’t even speak yet. One of the biggest challenges is knowing what they need when even they don’t fully know what they need.” Through sign language, Amanda says, infants can express their needs clearly—long before verbal language arrives.

Why It Matters

In Amanda’s infant classroom at Vivvi, baby sign language is embedded into daily routines—during meals, diaper changes, and transitions—offering infants the opportunity to learn key signs like milk, more, all done, and diaper. “I’ve had children who could sign all those things before they could even say hello,” Amanda says. “It makes a huge difference in how we respond to and support them.”

The Benefits of Baby Sign Language

• Reduces frustration: Gives babies a clear way to express themselves before they can speak.
• Strengthens emotional connection. Builds trust and deepens caregiver-child relationships through meaningful communication.
• Encourages early communication. Fosters expressive and receptive language skills from infancy.
• Supports smoother transitions between classrooms. Children who begin signing in infancy continue to use signs as they grow, easing communication during classroom changes.
• Bridges the gap until speech develops. Enables toddlers to share needs and feelings even before they’re fully verbal.
• Creates inclusive communication. Sign language is a universal tool that transcends spoken languages and supports families from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Boosts confidence and independence. Empowers babies to advocate for themselves in small but important ways.
  

As Amanda puts it, “We’re communicating from the moment we enter this world. If we can meet babies where they are—without waiting for words—we build stronger relationships and help them feel seen and heard.”

A Quick Guide for Parents

Want to start using baby sign language at home? Here are a few tips from Amanda:

1. Start small with 2–3 simple signs and use them daily.
2. Always pair signs with the spoken word to reinforce meaning.
3. Repeat often—repetition helps babies connect the sign with the need.
4. Be patient and consistent—signing back takes time.
5. Celebrate progress, even if it’s just a partial sign or gesture.

“When a baby can tell you what they need—without saying a word—it’s powerful,” Amanda says. “Sign language is one more way to give them that voice.”