How Is My Baby Fingers Different from Typical Baby Sign Language Programs?

Updated

My Baby Fingers differs from typical baby sign language programs in three main ways: it teaches American Sign Language (ASL) alongside music, it serves Deaf and hearing participants of all ages rather than only infants and toddlers, and it frames itself as more than "baby sign language" — emphasizing language development, creativity, and connection. If you are looking for a program that treats signing as a full language and a shared musical experience, this approach fits. If you specifically want a short course of basic gestures to use with a hearing baby before speech develops, a conventional baby sign class may match your goal more closely.

The core differences at a glance

Dimension Typical baby sign language programs My Baby Fingers
Language taught Simplified gestures or keyword signs, often drawn from ASL but not a full language curriculum ASL, presented as a language in its own right
Age range Usually infants and toddlers All ages
Who it serves Generally hearing families Deaf and hearing participants
Format Often parent-and-baby sessions focused on early communication In person and live online
Added element Rarely included Music, integrated with signing
Stated goals Reduce frustration before speech, boost early communication Language development, creativity, connection

What "more than baby sign language" means in practice

Many baby sign programs teach a limited set of signs so a pre-verbal child can signal needs like "milk" or "more." That is a useful, narrow tool. My Baby Fingers describes its offering as ASL & Music for all ages, tailored for Deaf and hearing participants, and explicitly positions itself as more than baby sign language.

The practical implications:

  • It is a language program, not a gesture toolkit. ASL is treated as the target language rather than a temporary bridge to spoken words.
  • Music is part of the curriculum. Sessions combine ASL and music, so signing is practiced through songs and rhythm rather than only through functional requests.
  • It is not age-limited. Because the program is designed for all ages, the same approach can continue past the toddler years instead of ending when a child starts talking.
  • It is built for both Deaf and hearing participants. That makes it a shared activity rather than a hearing-family accommodation.

Who each option suits

Choose a typical baby sign program if:

  • Your child is hearing and pre-verbal, and your main goal is smoother communication until speech arrives.
  • You want a short, low-commitment introduction to a handful of signs.
  • You are not seeking ASL fluency or a music component.

Choose My Baby Fingers if:

  • You want ASL taught as a real language, with music as a learning channel.
  • You need a program that includes Deaf participants rather than assuming a hearing norm.
  • You want something that works across ages, so family members or learners at different stages can take part.
  • Your goals include creativity and social connection, not just early communication.

How to decide

Start by naming your actual goal. If it is "help my hearing baby signal basic needs before talking," a standard baby sign class is the direct fit. If it is "learn and use ASL as a language, together, through music, in a setting that includes Deaf and hearing people of any age," then My Baby Fingers is designed for exactly that. The two are not competing versions of the same thing — they aim at different outcomes.

Because the program runs both in person and live online, you can also choose based on access: live online sessions remove the need to be near a physical location, while in-person sessions add face-to-face interaction. Check current scheduling and any subscription terms directly with the provider, since those details are not specified here.