Sight. Taste. Touch. Sound. Smell.
These key senses actually start to develop long before your little one is born. Even in utero, a baby can hear the mother’s voice and heartbeat, and a sense of touch begins to develop while a baby is still in the womb.
While DNA certainly plays a role in how these sensory systems develop, equally as important is what babies get from the world around them.
“Sensory development is vital for a child because it helps them learn how to interact with their environment, as well as learn how to ‘regulate’ or calm their nervous system,” explains Britt Collins, a pediatric occupational therapist and author of Sensory Parenting.
From the feel of a soft blanket to the sound of a rattle, the movement of a mobile to the taste and texture of smashed peas, babies learn and develop their senses by doing and experiencing new things.
Plus, engaging a variety of senses has also been proven to lower cortisol levels in newborn infants, which can lead to a calmer demeanor and better sleep.
Want to ensure your baby is exposed to sensory-enriching experiences from day one? From mealtime to bath time, we’ve rounded up sensory-boosting ideas you can use right at home.
