How much stimulation does your newborn need? We've got you!
As a new parent, one of the most important things you want to do is to provide your newborn with the best possible start in life. Part of this involves understanding how to properly stimulate your baby's developing senses and skills. However, with so many conflicting ideas and opinions, it can be difficult to know what the right approach is. You might be asking yourself questions like, "How much stimulation does my newborn need?" or "What kind of newborn stimulation is best?" Overstimulation can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of a sense of safety. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of finding the right balance of stimulation for your baby and discuss some effective ways to stimulate your baby's senses and skills.
How much stimulation is needed for my baby?
Overstimulation is real!
When it comes to stimulating your baby, it's important to find the right balance between providing enough and not overdoing it. While babies do need some stimulation to help them learn and develop, too much stimulation can lead to negative outcomes, as we discussed earlier. Quality stimulation is more important than quantity, as it's the kind of stimulation that counts.
This means engaging with your baby in a meaningful way, providing them with opportunities to explore and discover, and tailoring activities to their individual needs and interests. Babies also benefit from periods of quiet and calm, as this is when their brains process and consolidate new information. By focusing on providing your baby with high-quality, age-appropriate stimulation, you can help them reach their full potential while keeping them safe and happy.
Stimulating my Newborn
There are some amazing toys that could develop your baby’s sensory need adequately including:
- Simple
- Octahedron Mobile
- Contrast Ball
- Soft Tactile Book
- Complex High Contrast Cards, and
- Rolling Bell Rattle
Those are all excellent tools that can help babies develop their senses and skills. Each of these items is designed to promote specific developmental areas, such as visual tracking, tactile exploration, hand-eye coordination, and auditory perception.
These sensory developments are crucial at the newborn stage (0-2 months) and wriggler (3-4 months), which means that you’ll get your baby on the brain development drill early on!
"Once I started incorporating age-specific sensory stimulation into my baby's routine, I noticed a huge difference in her development. She became more curious, engaged, and interactive, and her skills improved rapidly. It was amazing to see how a few simple activities could have such a positive impact on her growth and learning." - Sarah, 29
How can I know that my baby’s overstimulated?
The signs of overstimulation can vary from baby to baby, but some common indicators include fussiness, irritability, crying, and difficulty sleeping. You may also notice that your baby has a hard time calming down or that they seem restless and hyperactive. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take a break from stimulating activities and give your baby some time to rest and recharge. Remember, babies thrive on routine and predictability, so try to keep their schedule consistent and pay attention to their individual needs and preferences when it comes to stimulation.
On a final note…
By making informed choices about how to stimulate your baby, you can set them up for success and avoid the negative effects of overstimulation. By providing age-appropriate, high-quality stimulation, you can help your baby develop the skills and abilities they need to thrive. At the same time, paying attention to your baby's individual needs and preferences can help you recognize when they may be overstimulated and need a break. And now, it’s time to order your baby’s playset and unleash their skills!