1. Stimulation Cards Stimulation cards are used to improve a baby’s eyesight. They are a black and white graphic (see examples below). The best distance to place the card is 8 to 12 inches from a baby's eyes because this is where a baby can see things the best. You can tape it to the side of their crib, the bottom of their mobile or in front of your baby’s car seat. Stimulation cards can pretty much be placed where ever your newborn baby is. Using STIM cards benefits babies as it’s a simple way to improve eyesight all while in your daily routine. Created for you and baby by Jessica Brady for her Girl Scout Gold Award Project 2015 For Babies and Families of Norwalk Hospital NICU Vision and Eye Doctors Your baby’s healthy eyes and vision are a critical part of their development. Their eyes should be examined on a regular basis so vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated as soon as possible. There are several different kinds of eye doctors: Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who provide comprehensive eye care with medicine and surgery. Pediatric ophthalmologists are doctors who have additional special training to treat children’s eye problems. Optometrists provide services that are similar to ophthalmologists, but they do not perform surgery. Some optometrists specialize in children’s eye problems. Opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses. Websites to Download Stimulation Cards brillkids.com/free-download/infant- stimulation-card.php brillbaby.com/free-download/infant- stimulation-card.php Website: GSWelcomeBaby.com

2. Sense: Sight Sight is the least developed sense that a baby has when they are born. Visual stimulation is a crucial ipart of a baby’s development to improve their eyesight. A baby's eyes can only detect large contrasts between light and dark, or black and white. The best stimulation for your baby's vision is using black and white or high-contrast stripes and shapes. Babies need to view stimulating objects to improve their eyesight. Having toys, mobiles and pillows in black and white patterns and even wearing clothes with stripes will help improve your baby’s vision. Babies see things best when they are 8 to 12 inches away. Their eyes are also sensitive to bright lights, so they’re more likely to open their eyes in dim lighting. If your notice any problems with your baby’s eyesight contact your doctor, including: eyes that wander in or out or don’t move together inability to see or recognize distant objects or people persistent tearing, fluid discharge, crusting, or redness of the eyes frequent squinting or sensitivity to light droopy eyelids excessive eye rubbing or scratching Sense: Hearing Babies start to hear sounds when they are in the womb. They can hear their mother’s heartbeat, the gurgles of her digestive system and they can also hear her voice and other family member’s voices before they are born. When babies are born they can hear the sounds of the outside world loud and clear. A baby might be startled by the unexpected bark of a dog nearby, the hum of the vacuum cleaner or the loud voices of children playing outside. Babies will be comforted by hearing their mother’s or father’s voice. Babies will enjoy listening to you talk or sing in loving tones. Most babies have a hearing screening before they are released from the hospital. If a baby didn’t have one or if they were not born in a hospital, it is important that they have a hearing screening within the first month of life. Most babies that are born with a hearing loss can be diagnosed through a hearing screening. Hearing problems will become more apparent as their speech emerges. They should be able to understand simple instructions even if they aren’t talking yet. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns with your baby’s hearing. Sense: Taste Newborns prefer sweet tastes over bitter ones. Even though sweetness is preferred, taste preferences will continue to develop during the first year of life. Babies should try all types of food so they will learn to eat various types. Sense: Smell Similar to taste newborns favor sweet smells over bitter ones. Like adults if they don’t like a smell they will turn away from it Sense: Touch Touch is very important to your newborn. Newborns are learning about life and their surroundings as they touch. They can feel cold, the hardness of their crib as they brush up against it or feel the stiff edge of a seam inside their clothing. You want your baby to find the world to be a soothing place. Provide your baby with lots of soft clothes and blankets, tender kisses and comforting hugs. As babies are curious, they will love to touch everything. You will need to make sure they can explore in a safe environment.