Why Early Gestures Matter: Helpful Tips for Parents

*This information has been adapted from the FIRST WORDS® Project

Effective communication begins long before a child speaks their first words. Early gestures play a significant role in language development by helping babies express themselves, build connections, and lay the foundation for future learning. Research indicates that children who use at least 16 gestures by 16 months tend to develop stronger language skills as they grow. Parents can support their child's communication development by observing these early milestones and promoting a gesture-rich environment.

The Importance of Gestures

Gestures are one of the first forms of communication children use. Before speaking, babies rely on hand and body movements to express their needs, share interests, and engage with caregivers. This nonverbal communication helps children:

• Form social bonds with family and caregivers

• Expand their vocabulary and language skills

• Express their needs and reduce frustration

• Strengthen cognitive abilities for future learning

Research shows that the number of gestures used by a child between 9 and 16 months is a predictor of their language skills at age three. Early recognition of communication delays can help prevent learning challenges later on, making it important for parents to monitor and encourage gestures.

Tracking Gestures by Age

Children typically adopt at least two new gestures each month between 9 and 16 months. Below is a guide to the gestures your child may use:

• 9 Months: Give, Shake head ("no")

• 10 Months: Reach, Raise arms (to be picked up)

• 11 Months: Show (hold up objects to share), Wave

• 12 Months: Open-hand point, Tap

• 13 Months: Clap, Blow a kiss

• 14 Months: Index finger point, “Shhh” gesture

• 15 Months: Head nod, Thumbs up, Hand up (to signal "wait")

• 16 Months: Other symbolic gestures (e.g., high five, "I don't know" shrug)

If your child isn't using these gestures or seems to be behind, it's a good idea to consult a pediatrician or speech-language therapist for advice.

Ways Parents Can Encourage Gestures

Here are some easy ways to help your child develop gestures through everyday activities:

• Model Gestures Frequently – Use gestures naturally during conversations, like waving, nodding for “yes,” and pointing to objects while naming them.

• Encourage Imitation – Babies learn by mimicking. Show your child different gestures and encourage them to try, offering praise for their attempts.

• Incorporate Gestures in Daily Activities – Use gestures during routine moments, like mealtime (pointing to food), playtime (raising arms for "up"), and bedtime (blowing kisses).

• Play Interactive Games – Games like peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, and high-fives make learning gestures fun and interactive.

• Pair Gestures with Words – Reinforce gestures by saying the word while demonstrating the gesture (e.g., saying “bye-bye” while waving).

• Respond to Your Child’s Gestures – Show excitement and respond positively when your child uses gestures, reinforcing their communication.

• Read Books and Sing Songs with Actions – Stories and songs with hand motions, such as “The Wheels on the Bus” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” promote gesture use.

When to Seek Support

Every child develops at their own pace, but if your child isn’t using gestures or seems to struggle with communication, early intervention is essential. Consider consulting a pediatrician or speech-language therapist if:

• Your child isn’t using at least 16 gestures by 16 months.

• Your child shows little interest in social interactions.

• Your child has difficulty imitating gestures or sounds.

Final Thoughts

Gestures play a key role in language development. By actively engaging with your child and encouraging their use of gestures, you're helping them build strong communication skills that will benefit them academically and socially. Start using these simple strategies today to support your child’s growth in a fun and natural way!

For more resources, check out First Words Project 

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