Touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste are the five tools your baby uses to engage and learn from the world around them.
Even before being born, babies can hear their mom’s voice and heartbeat, with the sense of touch starting to develop right at the beginning too. To help your baby navigate the new world they are growing up in and to stimulate their sensory building experiences, try out these tips shared by Early Childhood Development expert and researcher Lisa Lohiser.
Black & white is right (at first)
Trying to work on sensory development with toys or nursery décor that’s black and white is popular – and good for developing eyes. But at around two to three months, babies start to decipher more colours, like red. Try adding more high-contrast colours to keep your baby’s senses engaged.
Let them explore
Babies are new here – they need to explore absolutely everything! Giving them opportunities to do that will not only help develop their senses, but start building cognitive, physical and social-emotional skills.
Toys as sensory tools
Toys with mirrors provide self-discovery. Gyms with overhead toys promote eye-tracking, toys with auditory feedback – sounds or lights or both – help with cause and effect. And of course, textured teethers – all babies start their sensory exploration by putting things in their mouths!
Beware sensory overwhelm
If you and your baby are playing with sensory toys, and they’re turning their head or getting fussy, they may be overstimulated. Try introducing one new toy or activity at a time to allow them to process the sensory information they’re taking in. Then add to it when you think they’re ready. If you’re concerned about your child’s reaction to sensory play, be sure to contact your pediatrician.
Here are a couple of sensory tips you may not have thought of:
Turn nappy duty into a sensory experience
Changing your baby’s nappy is a great opportunity to engage all their senses – except taste, that is! The feel of the lotion on their skin, your touch, seeing your face, hearing you talk or sing – what a wonderful bonding time as well!
Encourage them to play with their food!
Yes, you read that right! When your baby is old enough, mealtime is the perfect sensory time, with different smells, tastes and textures for your baby to explore. So go ahead and let them get messy!
Hold it!
Once your baby is about three months old, try gently opening their fist to help them hold a small rattle. This will introduce a whole new way for them to engage their senses independently and help them begin to understand their actions can make things happen!
Parent Check-In
Remember, your baby was born equipped with the necessary senses to discover the world. What we talked about here will just help them build on that. So trust your own parenting senses when doing what you think is best for your baby!
