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

A baby̵7;s surroundings provide a sense of wonderment, and your 12 month old is likely crawling or even walking to explore his universe. Children learn through play, and since you are your baby̵7;s favorite toy, you can ensure your child receives stimulation through his senses of touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing. It is through sensory experiences that babies learn how to move, communicate and reach other important developmental milestones.

Things You'll Need

  • Books
  • Blanket or scarf
  • Musical toys

Instructions

    • 1

      Point to objects and name them. This activity might seem simple, but it develops the sense of sight as well as boosting vocabulary development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babies can look at the correct picture when that thing is named at 12 months of age.

    • 2

      Read to your 12 month old. As you read aloud, point to pictures or words in the book. Choose books with bright colors because older infants like bright and bold colors like blue, green, red and yellow. Reading encompasses both visual and auditory stimulation.

    • 3

      Give your 12 month old verbal requests, such as ̶0;pick up the ball.̶1; By 12 months, children should hear and respond to simple directions.

    • 4

      Play peek-a-boo with your baby or hide an object underneath a blanket or scarf. At 12 months, your child will look for things you hide and find them easily. These games are entertaining ways for your baby to use his sense of sight.

    • 5

      Massage your baby̵7;s arms and legs or gently touch your baby̵7;s skin with different textures like a fleece blanket, sponge or cotton ball. This practice stimulates your 12 month old̵7;s sense of touch and provides comfort and relaxation.

    • 6

      Offer foods with a variety of tastes and smells. If your child doesn̵7;t like a food on his first taste, try again; according to the Kids Health website, it can take 10 or more tries for a baby to accept a new food.

    • 7

      Let your baby smell items like clean diapers, leather shoes or fresh fruit. Say things like, ̶0;This smells so sweet!̶1; to promote language development in addition to stimulating the sense of smell.

    • 8

      Encourage your baby to play with musical or cause-and-effect toys like shakers or toy xylophones. These toys develop the sense of hearing while also showing your 12 month old that he can control things in his environment.

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