How to Stimulate a 12-Month-Old's Senses

At one year, your baby loves to experiment with new sensations: wet, slimy gelatin; hard, cold ice cubes; the sound of a spoon against a place mat or her high chair. Enjoy helping her expand her horizons. (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Shoes
• Balls For Toddlers
• Children's Board Books
• Tapes Or CDs
• Toy Car

1. Read to her from a variety of books. See if she wants to turn the pages by herself.
2. Introduce her to different types of music. The car is a good place for tapes and CDs. If she hears music a lot when she's little, she's likely to develop a love for it later in life.
3. Put several pairs of shoes on the floor. Pick up one and give it her. Then see if she can find the match.
4. Give her a long cardboard tube from the center of a wrapping paper roll. Show her how to use it to push a ball along the floor.
5. See if she can push a toy car along the floor. Then tie a ribbon to it. Can she pull it?
6. Make a tunnel out of a box. Show her how to push a car through it and watch it come out the other end.
7. Dance together: Hold her hands and let her bop up and down with a lively tune. Or try holding her in your arms as you dance to a favorite song.
8. Practice clapping: Put on a marching tape and clap to the music with her.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your baby be your guide when selecting activities: What new skills is she working on? What sorts of toys engage her attention? What makes her smile?
• If a particular activity seems stressful or frustrating, stop and give it a try another day.
• Remember that all babies develop at different speeds, usually with spurts and plateaus.
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's development.