Senses and Your Baby
Your baby is learning fast and while he is learning he is using all five of his senses to understand the world around him. Why not help him out a little bit by letting him explore things in your house that you use everyday. He sees you “playing” with them; next time let him play a bit too.
Unconventional Toys
There are many items in your home that your baby can use as toys. They include
- Pots, pans, and lids
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic Tupperware and bowls
- Different textured fabrics from a stocking cap, a silk scarf, a cotton napkin and more
- A splinter-free wooden spoon
- Toilet paper or paper towel roll
- Things that make noise like keys and rattles
How to Use Them
There are many ways to make use of these items. Remember to only use them one at a time so that they don’t overwhelm or confuse your baby. Not only do your household items help your baby use his senses, but inspecting things also helps them coordinate and strengthen their hand muscles. To get the most out of your “toys” remember these three things.
- Let your baby look at, touch, listen to, smell and even taste several different items. Brightly colors, textures, and noises will grab your baby’s attention. Remember that most of what your baby touches will end up in his mouth so make sure it is clean first.
2. Encourage your baby to hit and bang the items. Invest in some ear plugs for the day that you let your baby play with your posts and pans.
3. You don’t have to put the toys away as your baby gets older. Many of them will continue to interest toddlers and older preschoolers as they use their imagination to make different toys out of the items. Your baby may get quite good at playing “Jingle Bells” with the wooden spoon on your collection of pots.
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