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Sensory Development

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Sensory stimulation is the input you receive when one or more of your senses are activated. This type of stimulation is important for infant development.

Although the senses develop independently, by the end of the first-year babies achieve sensory integration. They are then able to process information from multiple senses together, especially vision and hearing.

The brain and senses work together to create a meaningful world. Activity in the brain creates tiny electrical connections called synapses. The amount of stimulation an infant receives directly affects how many synapses are formed. Sensory development in early childhood is important for overall health and well-being. Repetitive and consistent stimulation strengthens these synapses and makes them permanent. It continues to be beneficial as babies’ progress to pre-schoolers and it forms the foundation of a child’s learning and perception.

For more information on how to promote your baby or toddler's sensory development, take a look at our video Sensory Development in Infants and Toddlers. You can download the transcript here.

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