A Newborn’s sensory Development

Growth versus development The terms “growth” and “development” are often used to mean the same thing – BUT… there is a DIFFERENCE! Growth refers to measurable change in SIZE Development refers to an INCREASE in physical, emotional, social or intellectual skills. Both GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT are RAPID within a baby’s first year of life.

Think about this… Why is it important for a parent or caregiver to provide stimulation for an infant? What are the benefits of a stimulating sensory environment?

The senses A newborn is powerless to change it’s environment It is therefore important for a parent/ caregiver to provide for a newborn’s needs One key need is for sensory stimulation: a newborn needs something to focus their SIGHT on, to HEAR, to TOUCH and to SMELL It does not need to be sophisticated, exotic or expensive; a newborn is fascinated by everything as it is all new to them!

SIGHT Development of sight in the newborn is limited by the lack of BRIGHT LIGHT in utero Newborns see objects best that are 8-12 inches away They have a very NARROW field of vision and so they need to turn their head frequently Their eyes are very SENSITIVE to light so they prefer dim lighting

Sight cont’d They can perceive light and motion and so they will track a MOVING object They do not have well-developed DEPTH PERCEPTION so their world appears somewhat FLAT They cannot see all colours until 4 months but at birth, can perceive RED & GREEN

hearing At birth a baby’s hearing is developed to approximately HALF of it’s potential Within 72 hours, newborns are able to recognize and respond to their MOTHER’S voice

Hearing cont’d Babies prefer rich sounds such as a human voice or a rattle They are more likely to notice sounds that pulsate over continuous noise (MUSIC vs VACUUMING) Newborns have a 5 to 10 second delay when responding to noise They also prefer “baby talk” (which is the sing-song pattern of exaggerated pauses)

touch TOUCH is the first language that babies and parents use to communicate: feelings of security help babies to know that their home is a safe one Touch is a baby’s MOST developed sense This can be seen in the newborn’s reflexes as they respond to touch

Touch Cont’d Some babies like to be wrapped or tightly swaddled while others enjoy skin to skin contact Some prefer motion while others prefer calm Some are extremely sensitive to a wet diaper while others seem to be oblivious

taste Newborns react to different tastes, just as adults would Babies have a SWEET tooth, dislike sour tastes, and display little reaction to saltiness

smell As with taste, babies not only can distinguish between pleasant and unpleasant aromas but actually prefer certain smells to others Six day old babies recognize and display a preference for their MOTHER’S smell Life long preferences for certain smells are established in infancy

Smell cont’d GIRLS appear to be more sensitive to smell than BOYS; this increased sensitivity persist throughout life. Or does it?????

 Dads and diapers 

Integrating the senses By three months of age, the senses, while NOT fully developed, are in good shape They are all ready to work together as the infant begins to explore and discover their world

Activity – toy shopping You each have a partner and an invitation The invitation includes the age of the child you are “shopping” for You will go “toy shopping” at the back of the classroom with your partner to find a stimulating and age-appropriate toy Choose ONE TOY ONLY and return to your seat You have ONLY ONE MINUTE to select your toy!!!

analysis Using your text book (specifically Chapter 10 pages 306-308 and 312-313) and the information you have just learned about sensory stimulation, complete an analysis of the toy you have selected Play with the toy, discover it’s functions! As you analyze the toy, complete the chart and prepare to present your findings to the class You will have 15 minutes to analyze your toy!

As a group… Think of three different ways a parent can visually stimulate their newborn (your ideas can include toys, nursery décor, or activities)

As a group… Think of three different ways a parent can stimulate their newborn’s hearing

As a group… Think of three different ways a parent can stimulate their newborn’s sense of touch

As a group… Think of three different ways a parent can stimulate their newborn’s sense of smell