Senses: How children develop them

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 24, 2023

Our senses are our ways of getting information from the world. Our senses develop from birth and continue to develop throughout our lives. It is important to stimulate our senses.

In this article I discuss how our senses develop and how we can stimulate them.

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What are senses and how do babies develop them?

Senses are the ways we perceive information about the world around us. Babies begin to develop their senses from the moment they are in the womb and continue to do so throughout their lives. In this section we will discuss how babies develop their senses and what this means for their growth and development.

Zien

Babies can see from the start, but their eyesight is not yet well developed. In the first weeks after birth, babies can only see things that are very close, about 20 to 30 centimeters. They also can't see color yet and everything seems rather vague to them. As the baby grows, vision develops and the baby can see objects at a distance and perceive colors. Babies also learn to coordinate their eyes to see depth and follow what they see.

To belong

Babies can hear sounds from pregnancy and respond to certain sounds, such as their mother's voice. After birth, hearing continues to develop and the baby can recognize different sounds and words. Babies especially prefer their parents' voices and can distinguish between angry and happy voices. They also learn to associate gestures and voices with certain actions and events.

To feel

Babies have a well-developed sense of touch and can sense different textures and temperatures from birth. They also have a preference for certain touches, such as the feel of the nipple or bottle during feeding. Babies also learn to feel their own bodies and discover what they can do with their hands and feet.

Taste and smell

Babies have a well-developed sense of smell from birth and can recognize different smells. They also have a preference for certain scents, such as their mother's scent. Babies also learn to recognize and taste different flavors.

How does a baby develop its touch sensors?

A baby's skin is very sensitive and can sense different types of touch from the first day of birth. A baby can feel the difference between warm and warmer, between nice and less nice. A baby's skin is also able to feel the mother's warmth and can become calmer as a result. It is important to know that a baby cannot stop crying properly in the first weeks after birth if he or she is restless. As a parent, you can help your baby by paying extra attention to the way you hold him or her and by providing warm clothing.

A baby's eyesight

A baby's vision doesn't begin to develop until after birth. In the first weeks, a baby cannot see well and he or she mainly sees shapes and colors. At about six weeks, a baby begins to see the difference between sharp and out of focus and can recognize faces. After twenty weeks, a baby can also tell the difference between near and further away and he or she can perceive depth. As a parent, it is important to help your baby discover his or her environment by, for example, placing toys at different distances.

As a parent, how can you stimulate the development of your baby's senses?

To stimulate the development of your baby's senses, as a parent you can do the following:

• Talk to your baby a lot and sing songs
• Let your baby hear different sounds
• Provide warm clothing and a warm environment
• Give your baby regular opportunities to feel and cuddle
• Place toys at different distances and let your baby play with them
• Don't worry if your baby is restless and cries a lot, this is normal in the first weeks after birth
• Contact the consultation office if you have specific concerns about your baby's development

Seeing: how does a baby develop his sight?

Babies can see from birth, but their vision is not yet fully developed. Newborns are especially able to distinguish light and dark and see shapes and movements. They don't see colors well yet. As the baby gets older, vision continues to develop.

The first weeks: a baby's vision

In the first weeks after birth, a baby's vision is not yet very well developed. The baby is not yet able to focus properly and sees everything a bit blurry. It is important to know that a baby cannot see very far during the first few weeks. Anything further away than twenty to thirty centimeters is still too far away for the baby to see clearly.

From six weeks: vision improves

From about six weeks of age, the baby's vision gets better and better. The baby can then focus better and can also see colors. It is therefore important to show the baby many different colors so that it learns to recognize colors.

From three months: the baby can follow

From about three months old, the baby can start following objects with his eyes. This means that the baby can move his eyes to follow an object that moves. This is an important development for the baby's vision.

From six months: see depth

From about six months old, the baby can start to see depth. This means that the baby can see how far an object is from him. This is an important development for the baby's motor skills, as it can now estimate how far to reach to grab an object.

When should you worry?

If you notice that your baby does not respond well to sounds or does not seem to be able to see well, it is important to contact the consultation office or the general practitioner. In addition, it is important to know that it is normal for babies to be restless from time to time and to turn and move a lot. This does not always mean that something is wrong. If you are concerned, you can always contact a professional.

Baby hearing senses: How does a baby's hearing develop?

A baby's hearing starts working from birth. Babies can hear and recognize sounds, such as their mother's voice. It is even possible that babies can hear sounds already in the womb. From about six months into the pregnancy, a baby can already perceive sounds. The mother's voice in particular can be heard clearly.

How does a baby's hearing develop?

A baby's hearing develops rapidly in the first months after birth. In the beginning, babies can hear loud and high sounds especially well. As the baby gets older, he or she learns to recognize and distinguish specific sounds better and better.

A baby's preference for voices and language

Babies have a preference for voices and language from the start. They can quickly hear the difference between different languages ​​and often have a preference for the language they hear most. Babies also prefer their mother's voice and can recognize it among other voices.

When should you worry about your baby's hearing?

It is important to be alert to signs that your baby's hearing is not working properly. If your baby doesn't respond to sounds or if loud noises make him or her restless, this could be a sign that something is wrong. In that case, please contact the consultation office.

Baby's senses of smell and taste: how do they develop?

From birth, a baby has a well-developed sense of smell. This is because the olfactory nerves are already formed in the womb. A baby can recognize certain smells from the first day after birth, especially those of the mother. Smelling the mother gives the baby a sense of safety and security. A baby can also recognize the smell of food and will respond to this by, for example, smacking or searching for the nipple. As the baby grows older, the sense of smell will continue to develop and the difference between different smells will be perceived better and better.

The sense of touch: the foundation of primal trust

Parents can stimulate their child's sense of touch by offering different types of toys and materials. It is important to pay attention to the safety of the toy and to ensure that it does not contain any sharp edges or small parts. For example, think of a soft ball or a round hug. Holding and hugging the baby is also important for the development of the sense of touch. It gives the baby a sense of security and safety.

The role of the sense of touch in the child's exploration

As the child grows older, it discovers more and more of the world around it. The sense of touch plays an important role in this. The child learns by feeling and experiencing. Holding things, feeling different textures and exploring the environment with the feet are all ways the child discovers the world around them. It is therefore important to give the child the space to play and discover. The use of plastic toys can sometimes be an obstacle, because they do not always provide the right stimuli for the sense of touch.

The sense of touch and the sense of balance

The sense of touch and the sense of balance are closely linked. Holding things and feeling the ground under the feet helps the child to keep his balance. It is therefore important to give the child space to play and move, so that it can practice and develop its balance. It is also important to pay attention to the safety of the environment and the toys.

The sense of touch and the inner sense of security

The sense of touch not only plays a role in the perception of the outside world, but also in the inner sense of security. Holding and cuddling the baby gives a sense of safety and security. It is therefore important to hold and cuddle the child regularly, even when it gets older. It gives the child a feeling of love and belonging, which contributes to the healthy development of basic trust.

The existential meaning of the sense of touch

The sense of touch not only has a practical significance in the development of the child, but also an existential significance. It is the foundation of the primal trust, the deep sense of security and safety that the child needs to be able to discover the world. It is like the seed of a plant, which must be planted deep in the ground before it can grow and bloom. The sense of touch is the basis of the child's exploration, and it is therefore important to pay extra attention to it.

The meaning of life: feel good in your own skin

The sense of life is the sense of well-being and contentment that a child experiences when they feel good in their own body. It is the basis for healthy development and an important part of a child's sensory development. The sense of life already arises in the womb, where the child receives warmth and love and feels safe.

How can you stimulate the zest for life?

As a parent you can stimulate the development of the sense of life by paying attention to the signals your child gives. This allows you to respond to your child's needs and help them discover their own body and feelings. Some tips to stimulate the zest for life are:

• Give your child sufficient warmth and comfort, for example by wearing warm clothing or using a hot water bottle.
• Let your child move and play nicely, for example with toys such as a ball or by being outside together and climbing trees.
• Give your child space to cry and try so they can learn to deal with pain and sadness.
• Ensure a healthy balance between active and relaxing moments, for example by maintaining a fixed rhythm.
• Give your child extra attention and love, so that it feels loved and appreciated.

What if the sense of life does not develop properly?

When the sense of life does not develop properly, a child can feel restless, tense or very quiet. It may have difficulty regulating its emotions and behavior and may have difficulty concentrating. As a parent you can help with this by making your child feel that you are there for him and supporting him in developing a healthy sense of life. When in doubt, you can always seek help from a professional.

Development of the sense of movement in children

The sense of movement develops in early childhood and is an important part of a child's physical development. Babies discover their own bodies through movement and play. They learn to move their arms and legs and discover the world around them by crawling, rolling and sitting. As children grow, they develop more control over their bodies and are able to perform more complex movements, such as jumping and climbing.

Why is the sense of movement important?

The sense of movement is important for the development of healthy balance and coordination. It helps children understand their body and control their movements. It is also important for the development of primal confidence, the ability to trust your own body and mind. Children who have a well-developed sense of movement often feel freer and have more freedom of movement.

How can you help develop your child's sense of movement?

There are several ways you can help develop your child's sense of movement:

• Give your child the freedom to move and play. Let them set their own rhythm and active and relaxing times.
• Let your child play and explore outside. Outdoors, there are many more cues your child can use to develop their sense of movement, such as trees to climb and grass to roll on.
• Let your child experiment with different movements and activities. Let them jump, run, dance and play.
• Help your child to find and keep his balance. Have them stand on one leg or walk on a balancing plank.
• Give your child the freedom to try and relapse. It's important for kids to learn that it's okay to fail and that they can get back up and try again.
• Help your child to develop his willpower and strength. For example, let them put a cake in the oven or carry a heavy shopping bag.
• Give your child the freedom to cry and yell when they are frustrated. It is important that children learn to manage their emotions and develop their inner mental capacity.

What if your child has trouble with his sense of movement?

If you notice that your child is having trouble with his sense of movement, it is important to deal with this and seek help where necessary. Talk to your doctor or a specialist to see what you can do to help your child. Your child may need extra practice to develop their sense of movement or there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

4 fun sensory games for toddlers

A simple activity perfect for toddlers to develop their motor skills and stimulate their senses. Collect different materials such as blocks, string, paper and tape in different sizes and colors. Let your toddler sort the materials by size, color and shape before you start building. Get your toddler involved in the building process by building a tower together and see how high you can go before the tower topples over. This game is not only fun, but also teaches your toddler patience and cooperation.

Paint feet

A wonderful sensory game where your toddler gets to know himself and his body parts better. Put a piece of washable sheets on the floor and collect paint in different colors. Have your toddler run their feet through the paint and step on the paper to make impressions. This game can also be played with ice cubes by placing frozen ice cubes on the paper and letting them melt as your toddler walks over them. This game is an excellent way to stimulate your toddler's motor skills and increase his awareness of his body and posture.

Jumping rope

A simple activity perfect for toddlers to develop their sense of balance and stimulate their senses. Gather a sturdy piece of string and lay it on the floor in a straight line or at different angles and shapes. Have your toddler jump the rope and increase the distance between jumps as he gets better. This game can also be played by weighing down the string with dots or other small objects to make it more difficult. This game also teaches your toddler steering and coordination.

Weight down the finger paint

A more complex activity perfect for toddlers to develop their sense of touch and stimulate their senses. Collect washable finger paint and add ice cubes to make it cold and delicious. Let your toddler apply the paint to the paper with his fingers and feel the ice cube move as he paints with it. This game can also be played by weighing down the paint with small objects such as centimeters or other loose objects to make it more difficult. This game also teaches your toddler patience and creativity.

Conclusion

It is important to know how children develop their senses and how you can help them with this. As you have read, a baby's senses begin to develop from the womb and continue to develop throughout life.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.