Start with a small set of high-value signs, such as milk, more, all done, and eat, since focusing on words your baby encounters daily makes the signs immediately useful and easier to reinforce. Always say the word out loud while making the sign, since pairing speech with gesture supports language development rather than replacing spoken words. Use the sign consistently every time the situation comes up, such as signing milk before every feeding, since babies need repeated exposure over weeks or months before they start signing back. Exaggerate the sign slightly and hold your baby's attention by making eye contact, since clear, deliberate movements are easier for a baby to notice and eventually imitate. Respond immediately and enthusiastically when your baby attempts a sign, even an imperfect one, since positive reinforcement encourages them to keep using signs to communicate. Be patient and expect it to take a few months of consistent practice before your baby signs back reliably, since receptive understanding usually develops well before a baby has the motor control to produce signs themselves.