What Is Sensory Stimulation?

Sensory stimulation is the input and sensation you receive when one or more of your senses is activated.

This type of stimulation is important for infant development and can be used to improve the well-being of developmentally disabled adults, people with neurocognitive disorders, and older adults.

Keep reading to learn more about sensory stimulation, what exactly it is, and the benefits it provides.

The 5 human senses

Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of our five senses:

Seeing (visual): When light passes through your cornea (transparent eye surface) to your pupil (the opening to the inside of your eye). After passing through your pupil, it reaches your lens, which focuses it on your retina (the back of your eye), where it’s converted into a nerve signal and carried by your optic nerve to your brain.

Hearing (auditory): When sound vibrations cross your eardrum to your inner ear, change into nerve signals, and are transmitted to your brain by your auditory nerve.

Touching (tactile): When nerve endings (receptor cells located throughout your body) transmit signals to your brain and it interprets them as pain, pressure, vibration, temperature, and body position.

Tasting (gustatory): When your approximately 10,000 taste buds (receptor cells) send signals to your brain, identifying sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory) flavors. Taste is also affected by also the smell, temperature, and texture.

Smelling (olfactory): When specialized cells (olfactory sensory neurons) high in your nose send signals to your brain for interpretation and identification. There are also olfactory sensory neurons on the roof of your mouth.

Sensory stimulation for babies

Because babies learn about the world around them with their senses, sensory stimulation is linked to:

->emotional development

->cognitive development

->physical development

->Repetitive activities that stimulate the senses can help babies learn and reach developmental milestones.

Examples of sensory stimulation for babies include:

->rattles

->mobiles

->hearing lullabies

->toys

->peek-a-boo games

->bath time

Sensory stimulation for young children

Sensory stimulation continues to be beneficial as babies progress from infants to preschoolers. Sensory play helps children engage with the world in a way that helps them grow and develop.

For young children, sensory play includes any activity that stimulates a child’s sense of touch, smell, taste, sight, movement, and hearing. This kind of play helps create connections in the brain that allow for more complex thoughts and tasks. Sensory activities also help young brains better process and respond to sensory information.

For example, a child may find it difficult to play with another child if there are other sensory stimulations — such as loud noises — in their environment. Through sensory play activities, the child can learn to block out stimulations that are not as important and focus on ones that are, such as social interactions with another child.

Sensory play also supports language development, cognitive growth, motor skills, and problem-solving skills.

Sensory stimulation activities for children include:

->banging on drums (or anything that makes a noise)

->playing in a sandbox

->adding food coloring to water

->making smoothies

->blowing whistles

->making shadow puppets

->playing catch with a balloon

->comparing sweet and savory snacks

->finger painting. 

Takeaway

Sensory stimulation is the response to input from our environment by one or more of our five senses:

->visual (seeing)

->auditory (hearing)

->tactile (touching)

->gustatory (tasting)

->olfactory (smelling)

Sensory stimulation is very important for the development of infants and can be used effectively to improve the well-being of developmentally disabled adults, people with neurocognitive disorders, and older adults.

How To Teach Good Habits To Kids

It's never too early to start educating a child. Most parents are convinced that a child is not able to understand the rules until he speaks, but in reality as early as 6 months a child understands the meaning of a "no". Later it is good to start praising him when he does something right, to reinforce positive behaviors and to point out to him any wrong attitudes or behavior. The first rules to be taught are the fundamental ones, which will allow the child to become a responsible and respectful adult.

Some fundamentals of teaching good habits:

Greeting:

It is important to teach children to always greet the people we meet when they present themselves and when they leave, because it is important for everyone to feel welcome. More and more often, unfortunately, people enter and leave the premises and shops without saying goodbye and pupils in schools do not greet their teachers when they enter the classroom. This is the first sign of respect and must be taught since very young to become a habit for life.

To thank:

In addition to greeting, it is essential to teach children to express gratitude by saying "thank you" and "please" as a sign of respect and appreciation. The best way to do this is by setting a good example by taking advantage of the small daily gestures in the family. For example at the table when mum and dad pour each other's water or pass the dishes.

Being clean and tidy up:

Whether at home or at the home of friends, grandparents, uncles or kindergarten, children must learn to respect objects and environments even more so if they are at public places. After the game it is necessary to tidy up and if you get dirty you must clean up before starting any other activity. Like any other standard of good education, the example given by the parents is fundamental and can be helpful to turn these gestures into moments of play with mum and dad, using baskets, boxes and gift bags to reorder more easily.

Waiting for your turn:

Children should be taught not to interrupt others when they are talking, because everyone has the right to be heard carefully and this is not possible if the voices are added up. The best way to strengthen this habit is by listening carefully to the end even the youngest when we give them the word, so that they understand the importance of being heard. While the child is waiting for his turn, we can hold his hand or glance at him to make him understand that we are aware of his desire to intervene.

While eating:

As for eating habits, many may seem obvious but according to data that are regularly disseminated on childhood obesity. It is not always good to repeat them: feeding the baby must be simple and nutritious and rich in noble proteins, so the snacks of any kind are to be avoided. The same goes for carbonated and very sugary drinks so better a few centrifuged fruit and vegetables that will also be useful to bring the child to new tastes. Do not be afraid if the child will make some resistance: this will be linked more to the novelty of taste than to any other so with a little 'insistence, you will get the desired result. Furthermore, it is good to remember that, especially in the field of nutrition, children learn by imitation rather than by imposition: therefore, as parents we must be the first to set an example.

Mother’s role:

The mother must always be encouraging and collaborative without ever going to criticism.So remembering that good habits are not acquired overnight and that putting excessive pressure can be counterproductive. The best thing is to make yourself part of the game, joining your child in learning good habits and showing commitment and interest in order to maintain focus and inner motivation to improve. The celebrations for the progress achieved must be often and frequent even for minimal things, to make the child understand that the achievement of the objectives can be a great feeling. 

To these fundamental rules, later in the growth can be added more complex habits such as learning to have a sporting spirit, to respect the animals, to be kind to everyone, to accept the differences of culture, race or religion, etc., But if your child has learnt the first four then you are already at a good point with his education

what is tummy time and why it is so important in infants?

Tummy time happens when your baby lies on his tummy with weight on his forearms. Tummy time builds head, neck and upper body strength. Your baby should do it often each day

Start tummy time soon after birth. In the first few weeks, try tummy time for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Your baby can build up to 10-15 minutes, several times a day.

Back to sleep, tummy to play. While asleep, baby spends a lot of time on his back with his head in one position. This can cause flat spots on the back of his head. Tummy time helps prevent this.

How to do tummy time?

       Place safe objects and toys close to your baby. Move them from side to side in front of her face. This encourages her to move, lift and turn her head.

     Get down on the floor next to your baby. Turn pages in picture books or magazines. This develops baby’s eye strength and keeps her interested.

 

    Put a non-breakable mirror next to your baby so she can see her reflection. Try tummy time in different places, like outdoors on a blanket.

Making tummy time interesting, fun and safe

      Let your baby know you’re there by talking and singing, stroking his back or tickling his hands

      If your baby doesn’t like tummy time on the floor, try tummy time on a rolled-up towel, your lap or large ball.

Supervise baby during tummy time. As he gets stronger and starts moving more, clear away dangerous things.

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Benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your newborn.

 

How do I do skin-to-skin contact with my baby?

Ask for your baby to be placed directly on your chest right after birth, with a cap on her head and a warm blanket across her back. It's best if this can happen as soon as your baby is wiped off, even before the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and before your baby is cleaned, checked, and weighed.

But even if it takes a few minutes for this to happen, it's now well understood that skin-to-skin contact can make your baby's early moments in the world smoother and less traumatic. Skin-to-skin contact is also called "kangaroo care," because it mimics what kangaroo mothers do: hold their newborns in a pouch attached to their bodies for safety, warmth, and ease of feeding.

What are the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with my baby?

Skin-to-skin contact offers several benefits for newborns and their moms:

• Warmth. Newborns can't regulate their body temperature well (such as by shivering to keep warm). Your body heat keeps your baby warm and cozy.
• Comfort. Researchers have found that newborns who had more skin-to-skin contact cried less.
• Easier breastfeeding. Newborns who are placed on their mother's chest immediately after birth often begin "crawling" or nudging themselves toward the breast to begin nursing. Some studies have shown that babies who get plenty of skin-to-skin contact latch on easier and nurse for longer.
• Stable heart rate and other health markers. Researchers have found that newborn babies who had more skin-to-skin contact had more stable heart rates, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels than babies who had less.
• Protection against infection. If skin-to-skin contact with your newborn happens before the baby's even cleaned off, there's evidence that he'll be less prone to infection because he has more time in contact with the beneficial bacteria you transmit to him during a vaginal birth.

Skin-to-skin contact offers extra health benefits for premature babies, including:

• Improved neurological development
• Better and faster growth
• A shorter stay in the NICU

 There are also clear benefits of skin-to-skin for you:

• When it happens right after delivery, skin-to-skin contact causes your brain to release a hormone called beta-endorphin that works like a mild analgesic, helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.  
• It also causes your brain to release more oxytocin, a hormone that promotes both bonding and breastfeeding.

What if I can't have skin-to-skin contact with my baby right after birth?

Sometimes skin-to-skin contact isn't possible immediately after birth. If your baby has a health issue, seeing to his immediate medical needs is more important than skin-to-skin contact. If that's the case, don't worry – that closeness and contact can and will happen later.

If you have a c-section, you may not be able to have your newborn placed on your chest while you're on an operating table. However, many hospitals now routinely give moms the option of immediate skin-to-skin contact after c-sections. 

But if you're not feeling up to it right away, that's fine. Your partner can initiate bonding with skin-to-skin contact instead. Skin-to-skin with dad or another partner can help your baby with heartbeat and temperature regulation as well.

How long should I do skin-to-skin contact with my baby?                                                                                            Skin-to-skin contact isn't just for newborns. Holding your baby against your skin whenever you can during the first few months after birth helps you develop a close bond and makes breastfeeding easier. Your baby will be soothed by the warmth of your body, the feel of your heartbeat, and the sound and vibrations of your voice.

When will my baby see clearly?

                            

Your baby will be able to see pretty clearly by the time he's 12 months old, but his vision won't be fully developed until he's between 3 and 5 years old.

A baby's vision improves dramatically over the first year. At birth an infant can detect light and motion, then can make out faces and large shapes. By the end of the first month, a baby can make eye contact and focus on objects about 12 inches away.

By the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old, he can distinguish between colors and focus on smaller objects. As his depth perception improves, he can focus on objects up to 3 feet away and watch activity around him. If you move a rattle from side to side a few inches from his face he'll follow it with his eyes – a skill known as "tracking."

If your baby doesn't watch moving objects, or if he seems to have trouble moving one or both eyes in any direction by the time he's 4 months old, talk to his doctor. His routine well-child checkups include basic vision assessments, but he probably won't have a formal vision screening until he's 3 to 5 years old.

How to help improve your baby’s eyesight?

• Chat baby up. When you’re breast- or bottle-feeding, your face is close enough for even the youngest baby to see — and it’s also conveniently one of her favorite things to observe. So talk to her while you look her in the eyes — you’ll bond and help her begin to learn language, too.
• Hang a mobile. Babies love images with contrasting colors and patterns. So until your little one is able to sit up (at about month 3 or 4), securely hang a colorful, patterned mobile high above her crib or bouncy seat. (Just make sure to remove it as soon as she can sit to prevent her from becoming entangled).
• Mirror her. Another visual hit with babies: mirrors. While they can’t recognize themselves until about month 15, they do love seeing the changing image reflected back at them as they move.
• Bring baby along for the ride. Bring baby in a forward-facing carrier as you go about your day — whether you’re taking a walk around your neighborhood, shopping for groceries or just brushing your teeth. Describe what you see to boost her verbal development at the same time she’s observing the world around her.

Signs of baby vision problems

While many infant vision problems are only detectable by a pediatrician or an ophthalmologist, you can take a few steps to ensure early intervention on any potential issues:

• Snap photos. While “red eye” isn’t the look you’re going for, this nuisance actually shows that baby’s eyes are correctly refracting light. Pictures that show whiteness in baby’s pupils, on the other hand, indicate a condition known as leukocoria, which may signal serious problems (such as a cataract or a tumor) that require attention from a pediatrician right away.
• Watch for focus. In the first few months, it’s normal for a baby’s eyes to sometimes seem like they’re looking in different directions (a condition known as strabismus). However if this continues past 4 months, take your child to a pediatrician for an evaluation. Same goes if your baby doesn’t seem to focus on your face and instead appears to be looking through or around you, or if she consistently seems to be looking off to one side.
• Check if she’s interested in objects. If by around month 4 your baby can’t track objects or by month 7 doesn’t seem interested in any new visuals you show her (like that bright new toy you just bought), check in with your doctor.
• Monitor for other eye issues. Other symptoms that needs to take to the doctor include bulging eyes, eyes that seem to quickly flutter up and down or side to side, constant redness or wateriness, sensitivity to light, itchy eyes or eye pain.

If you notice any of the above or any other visual issues that don’t seem quite right, don’t hesitate to bring baby to the doctor for an exam.

Your Child's Immunizations

Babies are born with protection against some diseases because their mothers pass antibodies (proteins made by the body to fight disease) to them before birth. Breastfed babies continue to get more antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary.

Immunization (vaccination) is a way to create immunity to (protection from) some diseases. Sometimes this is done by using small amounts of a killed or weakened germ that causes the disease. Other times the vaccine is simply a small piece of the germ, such as a protein or a piece of its genetic material.

Germs can be viruses (such as the measles virus) or bacteria (such as pneumococcus). Vaccines stimulate the immune system to react as if there were a real infection. It fends off the "infection" and remembers the germ. Then, it can fight the germ if it enters the body later.

What Are the Types of Vaccines?

There are a few different types of vaccines. They include:

Attenuated (weakened) live germs are used in some vaccines such as in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccines.

Killed (inactivated) germs are used in some vaccines, such as in the flu shot or the inactivated poliovirus vaccine.

Toxoid vaccines contain an inactivated toxin (harmful chemical) made by the germ. For example, the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are toxoid vaccines.

Conjugate vaccines contain small pieces of the germ combined with proteins that help trigger a strong immune response. Many commonly used vaccines are made this way, including those that protect against hepatitis B, HPV, whooping cough, and meningitis.

mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines use a piece of the germ’s RNA, which is part of its genetic material. Some of the COVID-19 vaccines are this type.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends that kids get combination vaccines (rather than single vaccines) whenever possible. Many vaccines are offered in combination to help lower the number of shots a child gets. This has been shown to be very safe. From the day a baby is born, their immune system is exposed to countless germs every day. A few more in a combination vaccine is very easy for the immune system to handle.

What Vaccines Do Kids Need?

The following vaccinations and schedules are recommended by the IAP. Some variations are normal, and recommendations change as new vaccines are developed. Your doctor will talk to you about the right vaccinations and schedule for your child.

    Indian Academy of Pediatrics schedule

Some of the vaccine are optional which are recommended for certain high risk children's. 

Vaccine Concerns:-

      Some parents may hesitate to have their kids vaccinated. They have questions or worry that a child might have a serious reaction or get the illness the vaccine prevents. But the components of vaccines are weakened or killed. In some cases, only parts of the germ are used. So they're unlikely to cause any serious illness.

Some vaccines may cause mild reactions, such as soreness where the shot was given or a fever. But serious reactions are rare. The risks of vaccinations are small compared with the health risks of the diseases they're intended to prevent.

Immunizations are one of the best means of protection against contagious diseases.

For any queries kindly contact me. Thank you. 

Age-by-Age Guide to Toys

How They Play: 0-12 Months

baby inspecting toy

For the first three months, your baby isn't able to do much more than observe her surroundings. Because her vision is still blurry, she sees bright, boldly patterned items best. "Toys don't have to be black and white so long as the colors contrast with each other,"As your baby grows, she'll enjoy toys that engage her other senses as well. That's why so many toys are designed to promote interaction in a variety of ways: They may make a squeaking or crinkling noise, have a nubby texture, and be soft and cuddly. Infants tend to mouth toys, and textured ones can help relieve teething pain.

Top Toys:

• Brightly colored, multipatterned crib mobiles (Note: Remove from crib once your baby can sit up)

• Rattles

• Unbreakable mirrors

• Floor gyms

• Activity boards

• Soft, washable, colorful stuffed animals or dolls with a smiling face

• Small stuffed fabric balls 

How They Play: 1-2 Years

playing with toy:

"Your baby is fascinated by cause and effect and will enjoy any toy that responds to his actions and makes use of newly acquired motor skills," For instance, he'll love toys that allow him to hit a ball with a hammer as well as toys with buttons that cause music to play or characters to pop up. Some high-tech toys for this age will name a letter, a shape, or a number when your baby presses a button. He's too young to actually learn his ABCs, but he'll still enjoy interacting with these toys and being exposed to language.

Top Toys:

• Stacking rings

• Nesting cups or boxes

• Push- or pull-toys that make noise or have pieces that pop up or move

• Hammering sets that let kids hammer pegs or balls through holes

• Simple, sturdy musical instruments like tambourines, drums, or maracas

• Shape sorters

• Large play vehicles, such as a school bus or a fire engine, plus plastic people that ride in them

• Puzzles with four or five pieces

• Rubber ducks or toy boats for bathtime.

Best Toys for Babies and Toddlers:

How They Play: 2-3 Years-

Your child's play is now more purposeful, and she has the fine motor skills needed to complete a puzzle or build with blocks by herself. She'll start to enjoy pretend play that imitates the actions of people around her. She'll like high-tech toys that make real-life sounds, such as telephones that ring or dolls that talk. No matter how politically correct you are, your child will probably play in a gender-stereotypical way—at least some of the time. A boy may use his dump truck to scoop up sand, while a girl might pretend to feed her doll and put it down for a nap. Boys and girls are both very active at this age and will still enjoy their push- and pull-toys. You can also introduce a ride-on toy: Start with one that your child can propel with both feet, and move up to a tricycle.

Top Toys:

• Dolls and stuffed animals

• Props for make-believe play, such as toy telephone, a tea-party set, a toy kitchen, or a doll stroller

• Ride-on toys and tricycles

• Musical instruments (especially popular are those with flashing lights on the keys that your child needs to press in order to play a tune)

• Large transportation toys with buttons to make a horn honk or a siren whistle

Puzzles

• Construction toys that snap together.

How They Play: 4-5 Years

 

There's a tremendous explosion in learning ability at this age, and it's a good time to introduce interactive educational toys that teach math and verbal skills, such as phonics boards or mini computers. "Choose toys that say positive things like 'Good job. Let's try again' instead of ones that make negative beeping noises whenever kids get an answer wrong,".Kids are now able to imagine that they're someone else and may fantasize about being airplane pilots, police officers, doctors, or teachers.

Top Toys:

• Art supplies and craft kits

• Blocks of different shapes

• Electronic phonics toys

• Construction sets with large pieces, such as Legos or Lincoln Logs

• Puzzles of greater complexity

• Action figures

• Barbies

• Dress-up clothes

• Transportation toys, such as parking garages, airports, and train stations.

How They Play: 6-7 Years

Your child is developing his own interests while learning from both his teachers and peers. Some kids like doing science experiments (with your help); others love making beaded jewelry or playing with dolls. Friends are becoming increasingly important, and your child will start asking for a particular toy (if he hasn't already) because "everyone else has it." This is the age when kids often become huge fans of computer games, but they also enjoy having their friends over to play sports, card games, and board games. Many like music-related toys, but the playing of actual instruments can still be difficult.

Top Toys:

• Remote-control cars

• Basic science kits

• Magnets, magnifying glasses, and telescopes

• Craft kits

• Barbies

• Game Boys

• Computer and video games

• Construction sets, such as Legos 

• Sports equipment

• Board games that involve strategy, including chess and checkers.

How They Play: 8+ Years

Kids this age enjoy outdoor sports as well as scooters, bicycles, and in-line skates. They acquire adult-like interests, abilities, and hobbies and may display a passion by becoming a collector. Girls still love doing crafts and writing in diaries, and boys find computer and video games irresistible. "These years are all about doing things that give kids a sense of mastery and competence,". "With computer and video games, kids can challenge themselves to get a better score than they did the time before," she says. "They enjoy competing with their friends, and you'll hear a lot of 'I got this score—what score did you get?' " Kids also like working on longer projects, some of which might take days to complete.

Top Toys:

• Computer and video games

• Craft kits

• More elaborate science kits

• Outdoor sporting equipment

• Intricate construction sets

• Board games like Scrabble, Monopoly. 

• Model kits

Newborn sleep: what to expect

                               

Newborn sleep: how much and when

Babies need sleep to grow and develop well. For newborns this is usually 14-17 hours in every 24 hours. But sleep patterns can vary a lot.

Newborns usually sleep in short bursts of 2-3 hours each. Some newborns sleep for up to four hours at a time. Newborns wake frequently to feed because they have tiny tummies. Your newborn might go straight back to sleep after feeding or they might stay awake long enough for a short play.

Some newborns get tired after being awake for 1-1½ hours. Some stay awake and alert longer.

Newborns sleep during the day and night. They don’t know that people sleep at night. The parts of their brains that control day-night sleep cycles haven’t matured yet.

Newborn play might just be a quiet cuddle or some time stretching out and kicking on a blanket. You might find that 10-20 minutes of play is enough for your newborn. You can increase playtime as your baby gets older and stays awake for longer.

Newborn sleep cycles

Newborns have two different kinds of sleep – active sleep and quiet sleep.

During active sleep, newborns move around a lot and make noises. They can be woken easily during active sleep.

During quiet sleep, newborns are still. Their breathing is deep and regular. They’re less likely to wake during quiet sleep.

When newborns sleep, they go through sleep cycles. Each newborn sleep cycle has both active sleep and quiet sleep, and takes about 40 minutes.

At the end of each cycle, newborns wake up for a little while. When they wake, they might grizzle or cry. If your baby wakes at the end of a sleep cycle, you might need to help baby settle for the next sleep cycle.

At night: newborn sleep and waking

In the first few months, newborns usually wake several times a night for feeds.

Between one and three months, your baby might start waking less often and have a longer period of sleep at night.

By the time your baby is around three months old, they might regularly be having a longer sleep at night – for example, around 4-5 hours. But you can expect that your baby will still wake at least once each night.

If your baby is premature or low birth weight, your pediatrician might recommend that you let your baby sleep for only a certain amount of time at night before you wake them for a feed.