Smell and Taste as part of baby development

Smell and taste are among the most advanced senses a baby has at birth. The olfactory receptors in the nose detect smells and send chemical signals to the brain, playing a crucial role in early sensory development. These chemical senses, responsible for both smell and taste, begin functioning before birth and are already highly active by the time a baby is born. Experiences with different fruits, vegetables, and other foods help wire the brain to recognize familiar smells, tastes, and textures, shaping future preferences. Early exposure to various tastes and smells, even while in the womb, can influence a baby's later attractions or aversions to certain foods. Interestingly, more than 75% of what we perceive as taste actually comes from our sense of smell, which is why these two senses are closely connected and develop in tandem.

Skill Development Milestones:

- • 6 to 9 months: Introduce your baby to a variety of soft foods like oat porridge and baby cereal. Teething rings can be chilled in the fridge to soothe gums.

- • 9 to 12 months: Allow your baby to chew on safe, softer foods like biltong or offer baby-safe solid foods that soften quickly.

- • Important Safety Tip: Avoid giving your baby foods that can break into small pieces, such as carrots, apples, or toast, to prevent choking hazards.

Fostering early sensory experiences through smell and taste helps promote a baby's brain development and paves the way for healthy eating habits in the future.