Sensory Play for Babies: 6 Months to 1 Year

The first year is sensory

A baby has no words to think with, so thinking happens through the senses. Every explored texture, located sound and studied face is real cognitive exertion and contributes to the growing foundation everything else will build upon.

Vision

High contrast is the name of the game in a baby’s visual world, which is why black and white is recommended for newborns. Then comes colour and detail, as their vision matures. Let them follow things around the room, encouraging tracking of your movements or a toy.

Touch

Provide a range of interesting textures for them to feel – silk, wool, a cold spoon, fluffy flannel, dry rice in a bottle, etc. Name what the texture belongs to as you let them explore. Always keep in mind that babies at this age need your supervision at all times, and small enough to fit in their mouth.

Sound

Expose your baby to a range of sounds and voices, and a variety of musical styles, from classic piano to tribal drums. Rhythm is also something very important to developing cognition, as it forms the basis for language as well as counting. Equally important is the value of silence; a baby who is exposed to a home where everything is always on can find it hard to tune in and hear.

Movement

Belly time, rocking, being carried in different positions, all of these things contribute to the vestibular system and its connection to the brain, which governs balance and sense of direction.

Connection

The most important sensory connection for a 6 month old is the one to their caregiver, so nothing beats a responsive face.

In Stage 1

Our infant classes incorporate all of the senses into a dynamic sixty minute lesson, much of which is spent in the parent’s arms.

Curious to see it for yourself? The best way to understand the Shichida Method is to experience a class. Contact us via WhatsApp to book your free trial, and we’ll help you determine which level is most suitable for your little one.

Sources & Further Reading

For readers who would like to explore the wider science of infant sensory development, visual tracking, and early neural connections, the following authoritative organisations offer trusted further reading:

1. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. Serve and Return: Back-and-Forth Responsive Interactions.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?.
3. NHS. Sensory Exploration and Tactile Play in the Early Years.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). The Importance of Touch and Sensory Input for Babies.