Touch and Feel in Baby Development

Introduction to unit 1

In Unit 1, mothers will learn how to help their babies develop an awareness of their bodies by stimulating the sense of touch, which plays a key role in healthy development. By encouraging exposure to different textures and sensations, you can help prevent tactile defensiveness (for example, children who are uncomfortable with physical contact or resist hugs). Babies who lack opportunities for messy play or sensory exploration may develop challenges such as being fussy eaters, difficulties with fine motor skills, or even motor planning issues. Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, it is important for babies to experience textured stimuli across their whole body. Touch is essential for a baby’s development, as research shows that tactile stimulation promotes brain growth and helps establish a sense of emotional safety and security. By encouraging your baby to interact with finger foods, they can explore various textures (hard, soft), temperatures (hot, cold), and flavors (pleasant or unpleasant), which helps further develop their sensory system. The touch system also helps babies understand their body’s boundaries—where their body begins and ends—and their position in space. Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, it is important for babies to experience textured stimuli across their whole body. Touch is essential for a baby’s development, as research shows that tactile stimulation promotes brain growth and helps establish a sense of emotional safety and security. By encouraging your baby to interact with finger foods, they can explore various textures (hard, soft), temperatures (hot, cold), and flavors (pleasant or unpleasant), which helps further develop their sensory system. The touch system also helps babies understand their body’s boundaries—where their body begins and ends—and their position in space.

Skill Development Milestones:

- • Around 8 months: Babies begin stroking objects with their hands and poking with their fingers.

- • Around 9 months: Babies develop the pincer grip, allowing them to pick up small objects.

- • Around 12 months: Babies start to return your affectionate touch, rotate toys in their hands, and use both hands simultaneously for tasks.

This progression highlights the importance of touch in supporting both emotional and motor development, providing a foundation for key milestones in early childhood.