How to Create Stimulating Activities for Infants

A stimulating environment is the key to enhancing an infant's development. Infants learn through their senses. In other words, they learn by touching, hearing, seeing, smelling and tasting. When activities are conducted that stimulate these senses, they tend to learn more quickly. You will be amazed to see what your infant can master with a few simple stimulating activities.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Think about the five senses and what kinds of activities you can do to stimulate them.
2. Write down what you plan to do.
3. Give hugs and kisses to your infant.
4. Allow your baby to crawl on different textured surfaces so that she can experience the feel of the textures with her hands.
5. Give different objects with different textures to your baby to touch.
6. Give your infant brightly colored toys to play with.
7. Hang a mobile toy by the crib and move it to a different corner each week for variety.
8. Use brightly colored bed sheets and blankets.
9. Talk to your baby often. Tell her what you are doing and sing to her.
10. Imitate the sounds your infant makes. Show excitement and praise her when she makes sounds.
11. Play music and turn on the radio or TV. Take baby outside to listen to the sounds around them.
12. Buy different types of baby foods for her to try.
13. Make your own baby food by grinding vegetables or fruit.
14. Give your baby different things to smell, such as perfume, soap, lotion, spices and flowers.
15. Place your baby in the kitchen when you are cooking so she can smell the food that is being prepared.

Tips & Warnings

• Help baby to sit up occasionally to explore her surroundings.
• Always reiterate what you are trying to illustrate to your baby. For example, ask baby if she can hear the birds chirping if you are outside or if she can see the toy that is spinning.
• Read books or nursery rhymes to your infant.
• Purchase a few toys that make noise or play music for your infant.
• Be careful not to over-stimulate infants, as it may cause stress.