TIPS - The Senses 3-6 month
Ages: 3-6mElements: The Senses
- While the baby's five senses are innate, his motor development limits his ability to actively seek stimulation. Parents and caregivers must bring the stimulation to him.
- Massage the baby often. Research has shown that massage contributes greatly to the baby's development and growth. Baby massage can be studied in a special course, but you can also learn as you go with an instructional booklet or video.
- To stimulate the baby's sense of touch, allow him to play with a wide variety of toys, of different shapes, textures and materials.
- Talk and sing to the baby often. Play music and dance to the beat. This also stimulates inter-sensory development, as the baby sees the dancing and hears the music.
- Give the baby toys that make sounds, such as rattles. This way he becomes an active listener and not just a passive one.
- Don't hesitate to speak to your baby in "motherese" or short, animated baby talk. This is a natural way to relate to babies, and the special intonation, nicknames, rhythm and tone are what babies like and therefore their ability to listen is at its best.
- Because the baby's depth perception does not mature until 5 months, he cannot gauge the distance to a hanging toy over his crib. But if the toy moves, the ability to gauge distance improves.
Any advice and information provided in this website is given as suggestions only and should not be taken as a professional medical diagnosis or opinion. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent.