Baby Sign Language and Starting Solids — A Guide for BLW Moms
Helping your baby say “more” or “all done” — even before they talk.
Baby sign language can turn tears into teamwork at mealtimes — and make your baby-led weaning journey smoother, calmer, and more connected.
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Your baby might not be able to say I’m hungry or I’m done, but with baby sign language, they can tell you — and that changes everything.
Welcome to Baby-Led Weaning Academy, the podcast that helps you start solids with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot of support. I’m Alex King, a postpartum doula turned baby-led weaning specialist, and your go-to guide for ditching the overwhelm and making mealtimes feel simple, safe, and fun. Whether you’re feeling unsure about where to start or just need a little encouragement… let’s dig in.
It’s episode 32 of the podcast, and today we’re talking about something that kind of changed everything for me when it came to feeding babies: baby sign language.
This isn’t about learning an entirely new language or making your already busy day more complicated. It’s about giving your baby a way to communicate before they can talk. And during baby-led weaning? That kind of early communication can make such a difference. Less guessing. Less fussing. More connection.
We’ll talk about:
Why signs like more, all done, and milk are total game changers at the table
The most common myths that stop parents from signing (including that big one about speech delay)
And how to start using baby sign even if you feel overwhelmed or unsure if your baby’s ready
But first — a little backstory.
I first learned American Sign Language in college and absolutely loved it. I even lived with a Deaf roommate and we made a pact to only use ASL in the apartment. Total immersion. My skills skyrocketed that year.
Later, I worked as a para at the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, where I was paired with a student who was both deaf and blind. We used tactile signs — where he would feel the signs I made. That experience changed me. It was humbling and beautiful, and it taught me that communication is about so much more than just words.
Later, as a foster mama, I used baby sign every single day. I had babies with speech delays, toddlers learning English, and kids going through a lot of big emotions. Signing at mealtimes became a lifesaver. A baby signing “more” or “all done” instead of crying? Absolute relief.
Why baby sign language is perfect for baby-led weaning
Here’s the thing: babies can sign before they can talk.
Your baby might not say their first word until 12 months or later, but they can start signing as early as 6 to 8 months — sometimes younger — if they’ve been watching you consistently. And when you’re doing baby-led weaning, where the whole idea is following your baby’s cues, having a clear signal for “more” or “I’m done” makes everything feel calmer and more connected.
Imagine this: you offer avocado. Your baby takes a few bites, then signs all done. You pause, repeat, “All done? Okay!” and end the meal. That’s clear, confident communication. Without signs, that same moment might end with food throwing, fussing, and total confusion.
Common myths that stop parents from signing
Myth #1: My baby is too young.
Nope. Babies are soaking up everything — your face, your tone, your routines. Signing isn’t too advanced. It’s just another way to communicate. They learn from exposure and repetition, and they don’t have to sign perfectly to start getting the idea.
Even a wobbly attempt at “more” deserves a cheer.
Myth #2: Sign language will delay speech.
Not true. In fact, studies show the opposite. Signing often supports early speech because it helps babies understand how communication works. It gives them a bridge — not a block. You’re connecting meaning to movement and sound — which builds, not hinders, language development.
The 5 best signs for starting solids
You don’t need 50 flashcards. Just pick a few that make sense for your daily life. These are my go-to signs for baby-led weaning:
More – tap your fingertips together
All done – twist your hands out to the sides
Eat – tap your fingers to your mouth like you’re eating
Milk – squeeze your fist like milking a cow
Drink – tip a closed hand like holding a cup to your mouth
One of my foster babies started signing more at 7 months. I was feeding her yogurt, asked “Want more?” while signing it, and she mimicked me. I thought it was a fluke… but she signed again. The look on her face was like, Finally, she gets me. From then on, meals got easier. She didn’t have to cry to be heard.
🖐 Watch a quick demo of all five moves here!
How to get started — even if you're busy
1. Pick 3–5 signs and stick with them.
Start small. Keep it simple.
2. Say and sign together.
Every single time. “Milk” and sign milk. “All done” and sign all done.
3. Keep it low pressure.
No flashcards. No formal lessons. Just real life.
4. Watch for attempts.
A wobbly hand movement counts! Celebrate it like a babble.
5. Respond when they sign.
More? Give more. All done? End the meal. Reinforce what they’re learning.
Bonus tip: You can gently guide your baby’s hands.
I learned this working with my deaf-blind student. It’s called hand-over-hand signing — your hands go under theirs, gently guiding. Never grabbing or forcing. Just a light, supportive way to help them feel the movement.
Let signs become part of your daily rhythm
Don’t just sign during meals — sprinkle them into playtime, bath time, bedtime. More peekaboo. All done with the bath. Milk before sleep. The more your baby sees it, the faster it clicks.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up.
Here’s your gentle reminder:
Baby sign reduces frustration, builds connection, and helps your baby feel heard. That’s powerful. It makes feeding feel less like a guessing game — and more like a conversation.
So this week:
✅ Choose your signs
✅ Use them during meals
✅ Stay consistent
✅ Celebrate progress (no matter how small)
💬 Did this episode bring a little light your way?
Leave a quick review — it helps this podcast reach more parents who need this same reminder.
📸 Screenshot your review and upload it at babyledweaningacademy.com/review
…and I’ll send you a little gift in the mail!