Why I Regret Not Using Baby Sign Language With My First—And 7 Lessons I Learned the Second Time Around

The pressure of being a new mum is real.

You’re running on no sleep, your hormones are all over the place, and the internet is throwing parenting advice at you like confetti you never asked for. Add in that sneaky little voice of comparison on social media… and wow, it’s a lot.

When I had my first baby, I was anti-everything. Anti-advice, anti-routines, anti-anyone telling me what I “should” be doing. I just wanted to go with the flow, do things my way, and let motherhood unfold naturally.

And that’s okay. We’re all learning as we go.

But wow... when baby number two came along, I realized how much I’d learned the first time around—and how much I wish someone had gently (with love, coffee, and zero judgement) told me about baby sign language.

This post isn’t here to mum-shame—zero tolerance for that. Every mum is doing their absolute best with what they have. But I do wish I had known earlier just how much baby sign would benefit not only my baby, but our whole family.

Because let me tell you... key word signing? It’s a total game-changer. ✨

Here Are 7 Lessons I Learned Using Baby Sign With My Second:

1. Baby sign doesn’t delay speech—it actually helps it.

I used to think teaching my baby signs would confuse her or slow down her speech. Turns out, it actually supports language development. She signed first, then spoke—faster and more clearly than I ever expected.

2. It gave her a voice before she had words.

Those early baby days are full of big emotions and zero vocabulary. With signs, my baby could tell me what she needed—milk, sleep, “all done,” “more”—without tears or frustration, I was providing my baby an option to communicate. Total win.

3. It saved us from so many tantrums.

Ever played the “guess what the baby wants” game at dinner time? Not fun. Signing helped cut the chaos and let her communicate clearly. Cue less crying (from both of us).

4. It made my older child feel involved.

My eldest loved learning the signs too! It became their special little language, and honestly? It created the sweetest bond between them. Melted my heart daily.

5. It deepened our connection.

When she signed “I love you” for the first time, I cried. There’s something magical about watching your baby understand you—and feel understood in return.

6. It made everyday routines way smoother.

From mealtimes to bath time to nappy changes, signs helped set expectations. She knew what was happening and could tell me what she needed. Everything felt less chaotic.

7. It’s never too early (or too late) to start.

You can begin as early as 6 months—or even younger. Babies soak it up through repetition. Even if they don’t sign back straight away, they’re learning every time you do it.

Final Thoughts from This Mama

Whether you're deep in newborn life, chasing a toddler, or somewhere in between—you are doing amazing. 💛

If you’re curious about baby sign, I say: give it a go. No pressure, no perfect system, just one sign at a time. It might just bring you more peace, more giggles, and fewer mystery meltdowns along the way.

Love Cass