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8 ways to boost your baby’s sensory development

From the moment they’re born, infants hone their senses by interacting with the world around them. From mealtime to bath time, here are some simple ideas for how you can better engage your baby’s senses right at home.

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.

8 Ways to Boost Your Baby’s Sensory Development

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