Saturday, May 16, 2015

General Info 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 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.

Babies will naturally become more aware as they grow and mature. Sensory activities are usually effective because they aid in understanding language and improving vocabulary. Caregivers or parents should use words and questions that relate to the experience the baby is having while it plays. This will help link the sensory experience with cognitive growth. Words that show action and are descriptive should also be applied because they can help kids solidify word meanings.

Research says that this type of play can help create nerve connections in the pathways of the brain. It can also aid with developing language, cognitive growth, motor skills, problem-solving abilities, language and social interaction. This type of play is known to calm kids who feel frustrated and anxious often. It is helpful for this learning certain attributes, such as dry, hot, cold and sticky.

Infants are not expected to have much mobility or dexterity, but this does not mean they cannot interact and learn. Babies may enjoy the feel of water in a pool or bath. They could like to feel the wind while on a walk or have a response to music that is played. As they age, they are expected to get involved in more activities that involve use of various materials and objects, as well as experiments with cause and effect.

To improve touch and sight, babies can be placed in a soft blanket. Parents can give the child a variety of objects to touch. They might allow them to play with water as an activity. Filling a shallow bowl with water and placing the infant upright so that they can access it. Sometimes giving them scooping tools is encouraged to allow them to further explore. Feeling and tearing wet paper might is another great option when it comes to this type of play.

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 small objects that could be swallowed, cause injury or be otherwise dangerous. Parents are encouraged to remain with them while they engage in this type of play so that they stay safe. Each child is different and may respond to this type of play in his or her own way.




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