Sensory Activities for Infant

Everybody knows someone with sensory issues.  I know for me personally, as a little girl I just couldn't stand the sound and feel of a big gust of wind.  I would cover my ears and shiver in terror.  I've grown out of that, but as an adult I get pretty anxious in incredibly loud situations.  I'm no occupational therapist, but I do believe that exposing Sarah to activities that engage all of her senses is very important.  You know I'm also all about free and cheap activities, so I bring you sensory activities on the cheap to engage sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.

• Hairbrush - Sarah obviously doesn't have much hair, and it definitely never gets tangled, but she still likes the feel of her soft hairbrush or comb brushing through her hair.  She also likes it if I take the comb or hairbrush and stroke her skin with it.  The brush may or may not be one of her favorite toys as well.

• Gum brush - When your baby gets teeth you need to start caring for them.  Thinking about using a toothbrush and toothpaste with Sarah right now is laughable, but she LOVES the little finger brush on her gums and teeth.  It tickles and massages them
• Bath - Baths aren't just for getting clean.  It really engages all the senses - splashing, temperatures of warm or cold water, textured wash cloth, smelling soap, tasting water, chewing on toys, hearing herself hit the water.  
• Splashing in sink - Similar to a bath but a little less work
• Crinkle paper bag - I don't know about your baby, but Sarah loves anything that crinkles - bags, crinkle books, plastic 
• Look at shadows or look in the mirror - Your baby might not know what or who she's looking at, but it's still very entertaining
• Watch fireplace - Sarah is mesmerized by our fireplace. 
• Sound machine - We use the ocean sound for sleep, but ours also three lullabies and three classic songs that it plays.  I'm also a big supported of turning on Spotify and pumping up the jams.  Bonus points for dancing with your baby!  
• Scratch at different textures - Carpet, your couch, satin pillowcase, a scarf, scratchy sweater, fluffy blanket, canvas tote back
• Naked play with pad underneath - Babies spend nearly all of their waking (and sleeping) hours all covered up in clothes and huge diapers.  Let your baby enjoy some naked time and feel things with her whole body.  Put a waterproof pad underneath to prevent messes.  My mom and Aunt Pam made us some reusable ones that are awesome to wash and keep, but we've also used some disposable ones.  They're like medical pads that are absorbent and can be thrown away after one use.

• Tummy time looking out a window - It's fun to make ordinary things like tummy time more interesting.  Your baby will enjoy watching people and dogs walk by on the sidewalk, watching trees and sticks blow in the wind, seeing and listening to birds, and hearing and seeing cars go by.  And who couldn't use some sunshine streaming into your house?
• A wide variety of foods - I read once that babies need about 20 experiences with a food to really determine whether or not that like or dislike a food.  Sure, Sarah devoured butternut squash immediately and literally gagged and threw up on green beans the first time, but 5 tries later and she eats all of her green beans.  Don't give up after one or two tries.  Of course your baby will have a personal preference just like you do, but give her a chance to figure it out!