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Introducing sound games now that your baby can follow sources of sound
Introducing sound games now that your baby can follow sources of sound
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Written by Emily Greenberg
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Visual and tactile stimulation often take center stage when engaging your baby's senses. However, don’t overlook your baby’s sense of hearing, which is quite developed right at birth (remember, they could even hear in the womb).

Babies have a remarkable ability to absorb and respond to the sounds around them, contributing to their cognitive development, language acquisition, and emotional well-being.

Here is one simple newborn activity every parent should know: sound tracking!

Like visual tracking, when you hold a toy for your baby to see and encourage them to follow it with their eyes. The same can be done with sounds.

  1. Grab a rattle that makes noise when shaken, and introduce your baby to this sound in isolation – not with other items or background noise that would compete with the single sound.

  2. Gently move it to a different position, such as over to the baby’s left or right side, and repeat the noise. This invites them to track the source of the sound.

As your baby gets older, this can also encourage motor skills as they not only turn to find the source of the sound but also reach, scoot, and crawl towards it.

It’s that simple to do, but you might be surprised just how fun and engaging it is for your baby! These games promote auditory discrimination, cognitive skills, and the development of head and eye movements.

Other ways to introduce new sounds:

  • Take your baby outdoors to experience nature sounds. Narrate what you hear, such as birds chirping, and encourage the baby to turn towards the source.

  • Play gentle and rhythmic music.

  • Incorporate developmentally appropriate instruments in their toy collection, such as rattles, a wooden drum, or a xylophone.

  • Attach a soft bracelet with bells to your baby's wrist or ankle. Gently move their limb to create tinkling sounds, capturing their attention and encouraging them to explore the sound with their eyes and ears.

  • Sing or play soothing lullabies to help your baby relax.

By incorporating sound games into playtime, you're nurturing a well-rounded sensory experience for your little one.

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