1. A Newborn’s sensory Development

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. 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!

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14.  Dads and diapers 

15. 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

16. 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!!!

17. analysis
Using your text book (specifically Chapter 10 pages and ) 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!

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

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

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

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