Tag: senses
Sensory Play with Bubbles
Playing with bubbles is a simple and exciting game for babies, toddlers and children that helps to develop awareness of their senses. I love this game because it combines sensory play and the great outdoors which are important learning experiences for little ones.
If you’re looking for ideas on sensory play with your baby or child head over to The Imagination Tree which is one of my favourite blogs and a great resource for parents.
What’s your favourite idea for sensory play with babies and toddlers?
The Best Early Learning Toys for Babies
Early Learning is a time for play and discovery. It’s a great way to bond with your baby, toddler and child.
Take time to read to your baby daily and encourage exploration through the world around you.
I’m always on the lookout for the best early learning toys. I look for quality toys that encourage dexterity, provoke imagination, stimulate the senses and engage my baby.
Newborn to 3 Months
3 Months to 6 Months
6 Months to 12 Months
12 Months Plus
18 Months Plus
Best Baby Gifts
Development of Newborn Senses
Early Learning Activity Toys
SIGHT
Newborn’s can only see things close up, about 20cms away from them. So when your baby’s being held they’ll be able to see your face, which makes this close contact a great way to bond.
Contrasting colours such as black and white are great for newborns to look at. At around 2 months your baby can distinguish colours and will enjoy mobiles.
At 6 months, new faces and objects are catching your baby’s attention and at 8 months your baby’s vision will be fully developed.
TASTE
It’s no wonder babies like sweet tasting foods, milk is naturally sweet. From 3 months onwards your baby will probably try to put what they can into their mouth, and when teething starts this will heighten their desire to have a good chew on things!
HEARING
Your baby listened to your voice in utero so will recognise it when they’re born and associate this with comfort. Hearing isn’t properly developed when a baby is newborn. At around 1 month old they’ll react to loud noises. Babies learn to associate certain sounds with happy events, so it’s important to make singing and music a fun and special part of the day with your baby. Music is a wonderful way to soothe your baby and develop their hearing and sense of tone.
TOUCH
Touch is essential for babies, kisses and cuddles make your baby feel secure. Babies love to explore with their hands and when weaning, will often squash food before eating it to understand what it feels like. Toys and books with texture really encourage play and development.
SMELL
Newborns have a good sense of smell and will know your natural scent from birth. Babies find your natural scent comforting, so try not to wear any perfume or scented creams for the first few months so your baby can enjoy your natural scent. By the age of 1 your baby will be able to recognise foods by their smell.
For further baby sensory development and a great way to have fun with your baby, you can join a local Baby Sensory Class.
