CORE B GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPLORING EARLY CHILDHOOD 2014

What are our SENSES?

Aristotle (384 BC- 322 BC) discovered the tradition classification of our
five senses, sight, smell, touch and hearing. Our knowledge of the
outside world depends on these senses and how they function and help
us perceive things. Our senses constantly relay information back and
forth from our brain.

4 Facts about baby senses
Sight
Newborns can see more than was previously thought. Even in the
womb they may be able to distinguish between light and dark
At birth the baby has good vision up to 20-25cm
They prefer to colours that are complete contrast -Black and white
Babies are more interested in looking at a drawing of a face rather than
a random pattern and smiling faces are much better than grumpy ones.

Hearing
Research shows that the inner ear is the only organ to develop fully
before birth, reaching its adult size by the middle of pregnancy.
Within moments of being born, a baby will be startled by loud noises.
A baby can recognise your voice and also music or sounds she heard
from the womb.
A baby is interested in human speech and like high-pitched voices

Touch
Your babys body becomes sensitive to touch soon after conception.
By 32 weeks of pregnancy all body parts respond to physical
stimulation.
A baby responds to pressure pain, vibrations and changes in
temperature.
Within a few days, a baby can distinguish between the touch of brush
bristles.
CORE B GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPLORING EARLY CHILDHOOD 2014
Taste
In the womb a fetus swallows amniotic fluid containing traces of the
mothers diets.
A baby has around 10,000 taste buds (more than an adult).
Taste buds can be found not only on the tongue, but the sides, back
and the roof of the mouth.
A baby prefers sweet tastes.

Smell
Studies show that two-day-old babies show a reaction to certain smells such
as garlic and vinegar.
The baby learns the fragrance of their mother.
In the dark the baby will turn towards the source of nourishment.
Studies show that within 45 hours of birth a baby knows her mother by her
smell alone.