Sensory Development - Prenatal and Postnatal
As a birthing parent, you often wonder what your baby can hear, feel, and even maybe see on the inside. Some parents read to their baby while they’re in utero, while others play music or specific shows for the baby to listen to. Some swear that babies recognize certain sounds, songs, and opening TV show credits once they’re born, and when they’re older can identify these as their “favorites” even before they knew how to talk. There are even parents who swear that by exposing their babies to loud noises and lots of stimuli before birth - rock concerts or sporting events, to name a few - that they will be better adjusted to loud noises and stimuli once they are earthside in those situations.
The truth is, sensory exposure to babies in utero as well as throughout the first years of their lives are extremely important. There are many shows and programs now to help develop baby’s senses from 0-12 months, utilizing sound, color, pattern recognition, contrast - the list goes on and on! In today’s hi-tech world, helping your baby develop sensory awareness is as easy as popping them in front of a sensory show once or twice a day, but for those who don’t want their babies exposed to too much (or any!) screentime, there are options that have worked for years before the tech takeover.
Below are a mix of modern-day tech tricks and tried and true techniques for your baby’s sensory development:
HeyBear Sensory TV - this high contrast, pattern heavy, soothing and stimulating YouTube channel was created by parents of a baby who loved black and white sensory books. Taking that idea, they created an app for sensory development that has transformed into a world of dancing, twirling, and falling foods, shapes, and themed scenes such as holidays and seasons. The high-contrast images are backed by music that features beats reminiscent of house, hip-hop, and techno, because that’s what their kids liked! However, if you’re looking for something a little more soothing, there are videos featuring relaxation or classical tracks as well.
HeyBear has become a huge hit for parents and babies everywhere, especially during the pandemic when it was found these videos hit a sensory soothing nerve with full grown adults too!
High Contrast Board Books - There are HUNDREDS of high contrast board books out there nowadays, and for good reason! When we say “high contrast”, what we mean is a bright color against a dark color, most often white on black. Board books have been helpful in development for babies for years, as they are easy for baby to handle.
They’re small, square, have thick pages that are easy to turn, rounded edges for safety, and often have bright and fun pictures and colors. This quick Google search brings up a ton to choose from, in themes from basic shapes and animals to sports and Modern Art!
Soothing Noises - Most everyone has heard of white noise at this point, that background droning that some people can’t sleep without, or struggle to complete tasks with unless there’s something going on in the background? While “white noise” has become interchangeable with “background noise”, there are actually different frequencies of noise that are labeled different colors! Some of these are proven to help with sleep, focus, mood - it all depends on the frequency. How does this help babies and their sensory development? Making sure your baby is tuned into the right frequency can help them develop healthy sleep patterns! There are many noise machines to choose from, however it’s shown that pink noise may actually help your baby stay asleep longer because it is a frequency they like more.
Pink noise falls in the same frequency range of steady rain, ocean waves, and heartbeats, and can mimic what was heard while baby was in utero most closely. Conversely, the wrong frequency can keep your baby awake - try and play around to see what sensory sounds your baby likes best!
Sensory Toys - Have a baby who doesn’t like tummy time? Check out this mirrored high contrast sensory mat to entice them into it! Have a little one who just found their hands and feet? Try these rattle sensory socks and bracelets!
Baby starting to cut teeth? Would you prefer these colorful classic teethers, complete with iconic banana and giraffe, or would you rather something a little softer with a little more crinkle, crunch, and crush like this Elephant teething plushie? There are so many toys that are designed to give your baby the sensory stimulation they need for healthy development all around!
Home Decor, Especially in Baby’s Room - When choosing decor for your baby’s room, it can feel daunting. You don’t want the room to be so stimulating they have a hard time going to sleep, but peppering in some high contrast artwork or a projecting mobile vs. the classic over-the-crib hanger can give your baby something to look at in those quiet moments between waking and being ready for breakfast, or as they’re self-soothing to sleep.
Of course, as with anything, you will have to find what works best for you and your baby, and if there is any question about safety or developmental milestones, consult with your baby’s medical professional.
