Basics On Sensory Activities For Infants

By Tammie Caldwell


There is a lot that takes place during the first few months of life. Infants develop in different ways, but sensory activities can help. These are known to improve motor skills, raise awareness, improve language acquisition and even be calming. There are numerous sensory activities for infants that are encouraged to aid in development in the first stages of life.

The initial interactions infants have in this world do not involve speaking or use of words. Still, they are capable of taking in a lot of information through different senses. Newborns have limited sight when first born, but this sharpens as they grow. Babies start hearing sounds while they are still inside the womb and can even decipher the voice of their mom at birth. They will learn the differences between sour and sweet tastes, gravitate to smells that are nice and receive comfort through warmth and gentle touch.

Infants naturally grow and mature in their awareness. These activities are often beneficial because they improve vocabulary and understanding of language. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to use words and questions that are descriptive, active and relate to experiences the baby will have while engaging in this type of play. This is important for linking sensory experience and cognitive growth. It can also help them learn the meanings of certain words.

Research suggests that this kind of play is able to build nerve connections in brain pathways. It may also support the development of their language, social interaction, cognitive growth, problem-solving skills and motor skills. This kind of play can be calming for kids who are often anxious or frustrated. It is also useful for teaching various sensory attributes, including hot, cold, sticky and dry.

Infants are usually limited when it comes to their dexterity and mobility, but they can still learn and interact. Babies like the feel of water in a bath or pool. They might also enjoy the wind they feel while on a walk or respond to music that is played over a stereo. As they get older, they might enjoy doing more with activities that involve various materials, objects, and experiments with cause and effect.

To improve touch and sight, a baby could be placed in a soft blanket and have something billowed over their head or be given different objects to touch. Playing in water is, again, another beneficial activity. Adults may fill up a small bowl of water and let the baby sit and play in it. They might also like to use various scooping tools for further exploration. Feeling and tearing of wet paper sounds simple enough but makes a great sensory play activity for the young.

Many resources, online and offline, provide parents with examples of what can be done with this kind of play. It is best that these activities are introduced young and used throughout childhood to help with developments. Different types of play are recommended for the various age groups.

Babies and infants should not be permitted to play with objects that could cause injury, be swallowed or otherwise harm a child. Parents are to be present when the babies are doing this type of play to ensure they are safe. Every child is different and may have a different response to these activities.




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