Wednesday, May 13, 2015

What To Know About 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 first interactions that infants have with the world do not involve words or speaking. However, they are still absorbing a lot of information through their various senses. Newborns have limited sight at first, but this becomes more finely tuned as they get older. Babies begin to hear sound while still in the womb and can even distinguish the voice of the mother at birth. They are able to differentiate between tastes sweet and sour, gravitate toward nice smells and receive comfort from soft touch and warmth.

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 has shown that this type of play can build nerve connections within the brain pathways, which allows the child to do complex learning tasks. It also supports motor skills, social interaction, language development, cognitive growth and problem-solving skills. This type of activity might be calming for frustrated or anxious children. It also helps children learn various attributes, such as dry, sticky, hot and cold.

Infants are not expected to have mobility or dexterity. However, this does not keep them from being able to learn and interact. Babies are expected to like the feel water in a pool or bath. They might enjoy feeling the wind if they are taken on a walk or hearing music that is played over a radio. As they get older, they are more likely to participate in play that involves objects and materials, as well as cause-and-effect experiments.

In order to improve sight and touch, infants might be placed inside a soft blanket. Parents can give them various objects that they can touch as well. Again, playing in water is another activity that they could enjoy. Adults can fill a small bowl with water, sit the infant upright and allow them to play in it. They might even enjoy using scooping tools to further explore the water. Tearing and feeling wet paper is another sensory play activity.

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.

Infants and babies should not be allowed to play with objects that might cause harm or injury. Parents need to be present when their child is doing these activities to make sure they are safe. All kids are different and are expected to have their own unique response to these activities.




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