Cozy up with these sensory activities for colder days…

Embrace the Cozy Vibes: Sensory Activities for Colder Months

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like indulging in cozy sensory activities to warm your spirit and enhance your well-being. The colder months invite us to slow down, cozy up, and engage our senses in delightful ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of sensory activities to help you embrace the charm of winter and create a cozy atmosphere in the comfort of your home.

Hot Cocoa and Aromatherapy:

• Prepare a mug of hot cocoa with your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon) and savor the rich, comforting aroma. Let the scent of cocoa and warm beverages fill your space, triggering a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Fuzzy Blankets and Soft Textiles:

• Wrap little ones in a plush, fuzzy blanket and enjoy the softness against their skin. Experiment with different textures and materials to find what soothes them best. Consider adding velvety pillows or a fluffy rug to enhance the tactile experience.

Crackling Fireplace or Ambient Sounds:

• If you have a fireplace, light it up and listen to the soothing crackle of burning wood. Alternatively, play ambient sounds of crackling fires or gentle rain, creating a serene auditory atmosphere that enhances the cozy ambiance.

Candlelight and Mood Lighting:

• Light scented candles or set up string lights to add a warm, soft glow to your living space. The flickering candlelight and gentle illumination will create a calming and inviting environment for little ones.

Scented Potpourri or Essential Oils:

• Create a delightful potpourri mix with dried spices, citrus peels, and aromatic herbs like cinnamon sticks and cloves. Alternatively, use essential oils in a diffuser to fill the air with seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla, bringing the essence of winter indoors.

Aromatherapeutic Bath:

• Treat little ones to a luxurious, warm bath infused with essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus. Immerse yourself and them in the relaxing scents and let the warm water soothe your muscles and calm your mind.

Baking and Cooking Comfort Foods:

• Engage a sense of taste and smell by baking or cooking your favorite comfort foods like cookies, pies, soups, or stews. The aroma of freshly baked goods will fill your home, creating a cozy and appetising atmosphere. If your baby is old enough let them explore the new flavours or if not allow them to explore the textures with their hands and feet.

Soft Music or Nature Sounds:

• Play soft instrumental music or nature sounds like rain, forest, or ocean waves in the background. Allow the soothing sounds to transport you both to a tranquil and peaceful state of mind.

Texture Exploration with Fabrics:

• Gather an assortment of fabrics with different textures (silk, wool, velvet, etc.) and spend time exploring and comparing how each fabric feels against your baby’s skin. Engaging in this tactile activity can be remarkably comforting and sensory-stimulating. Why not try using one of our Adventure Babies personal parachutes?

Seasonal Reading Nook:

• Set up a cozy reading nook with soft blankets, plush pillows, and warm lighting. Delve into a captivating book, getting lost in the words and the ambiance.

The colder months are a wonderful opportunity to create a sensory-rich, cozy haven in your own home. By incorporating these delightful sensory activities into your routine, you can fully immerse your little one in the pleasures of winter, bringing comfort and joy to even the chilliest of days. Stay warm, embrace the coziness, and relish the beauty of the season!Sensory Activities

Tiny Triumphs – Who’s in the newborn club?

Let’s look at development of our smallest adventurers!

Hey there, proud parents

The first three months with a newborn are an extraordinary rollercoaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and heart-melting moments. It’s a time when your little one transforms from a squishy newborn into a tiny human with budding personality traits. Today, we’re diving into the magical world of developmental milestones in babies aged 0-3 months.

Week 1-2: The Newborn Marvel

Congratulations! You’ve just brought home your little miracle. During the first couple of weeks, your baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb. Here’s what you can expect:

The Grasp Reflex: When you touch your baby’s palm, they’ll instinctively grip your finger. It’s like they’re saying, “Hold my hand, please!”

The Startle Reflex: Loud noises or sudden movements might make your baby flail their arms and legs. It’s their way of showing they’re still getting used to this big, noisy world.

The Rooting Reflex: If you stroke your baby’s cheek, they’ll turn their head toward your hand, seeking that sweet source of nourishment: the breast or bottle.

Week 3-6: Smiles and Social Butterflies

Around this time, you might be blessed with your baby’s first social smile. It’s not just gas; it’s genuine happiness! 😊

Social Smiles: Your heart will melt when your baby looks at you and smiles. It’s a sign they’re recognizing your face and bonding with you.

Tummy Time: Begin incorporating short tummy time sessions to help your baby strengthen their neck muscles. It’s a workout that sets the stage for future milestones.

Week 7-12: Coos and Giggles Galore

Get ready for some delightful vocalisations! Your baby will start experimenting with sounds, giving you a taste of their developing personality.

Cooing: You might hear your baby making adorable cooing sounds. Respond to them; it’s the beginning of conversations to come!

Tracking Objects: Watch in awe as your little one begins to follow objects with their eyes. It’s like their own mini safari adventure.

Giggles: Laughter alert! Some babies start giggling around this age, often in response to playful interactions with you.

Week 13: The Grand Finale of the Newborn Phase

As you reach the end of the first three months, you’ll be amazed at how your tiny newborn has transformed into a more interactive and expressive baby. They’ve grown in leaps and bounds, both figuratively and literally.

Head Control: Your baby’s neck muscles are getting stronger, allowing for better head control. Support them during tummy time to encourage this development.

First Interaction: Your baby might start showing more interest in their surroundings and other people. Peek-a-boo becomes the ultimate hit!

Sleep Patterns: You might notice that your baby’s sleep patterns are slowly becoming more predictable. You might even get a few longer stretches of shut-eye.

As you cherish each moment with your little one, remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Celebrate these milestones as they come and savour the journey of discovery together.

Feel free to share your own experiences either in class, or on our Adventure Babies Instagram page

Let’s celebrate the tiny triumphs of these precious first three months! 🍼👶💕

Until next time,

Emma x

When Will My Baby Start To Talk?

Babies typically start babbling and making sounds within their first few months of life. However, the age at which they begin to say their first words can vary. On average, most babies say their first words between 9 and 12 months of age. Some babies may start talking as early as 7 or 8 months, while others may take a little longer and begin speaking around 15 months.

It’s important to keep in mind that each baby develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal. Some babies may be more focused on physical development initially, while others may show a stronger inclination towards language skills. Also, the language environment and interactions within the family play a significant role in language development.

Before saying their first words, babies often engage in babbling, cooing, and experimenting with sounds. These early vocalisations are part of the process of developing the muscles and coordination needed for speech.

If you have concerns about your baby’s language development, it’s always a good idea to consult with your GP or a speech-language pathologist. They can assess your baby’s development, provide guidance, and offer suggestions for activities that can support their language skills such as our Adventure Babies sensory storytelling classes.

Reading is incredibly beneficial for newborn babies and infants. Here are some reasons why reading is good for your new baby:

1. Language development: Reading aloud to your baby exposes them to the rhythm and patterns of language. It helps them become familiar with the sounds and tones of your voice, which in turn aids in their language development. Regular exposure to language through reading can enhance vocabulary, sentence structure, and communication skills as they grow.
2. Cognitive development: Reading helps stimulate your baby’s brain and promotes cognitive development. As you read, your baby’s brain makes connections between the words they hear, the pictures they see, and the meaning of the story. This helps develop their thinking, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Bonding and emotional connection: Reading to your baby is a wonderful way to bond with them. The close physical contact, soothing voice, and shared attention create a positive and nurturing environment. It fosters a sense of security and emotional connection between you and your baby.
4. Exposure to new concepts: Books introduce babies to various concepts, such as shapes, colours, numbers, animals, and everyday objects. They help expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Bright and colourful illustrations capture their attention and make learning engaging and fun.
5. Listening skills: Reading aloud helps develop your baby’s listening skills. They learn to focus their attention, follow along with the story, and understand spoken words. These skills are important for later language and literacy development.
6. Imagination and creativity: Storybooks often take babies on imaginative journeys. They introduce characters, events, and different worlds, stimulating your baby’s imagination and creativity. This lays the foundation for creative thinking and problem-solving abilities in the future.
7. Early literacy skills: Even though your baby may not understand the words at first, they are building important pre-literacy skills. They learn about the structure of books, how to hold them, turn the pages, and associate the printed text with spoken words. These early literacy skills pave the way for future reading and writing abilities.

It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Make sure you join your local Adventure Babies sensory storytelling class! Choose age-appropriate board books with simple, colourful illustrations and repetitive text. Make reading a part of your daily routine and enjoy the special moments of closeness and learning with your little one.

Attending an Adventure Babies baby class can be beneficial for you as a parent in several ways:

1. Knowledge and Education: Our baby class provides you with valuable knowledge and information about various aspects of child development, parenting techniques, and early childhood education. You can learn about topics such as feeding, sleeping, cognitive development, motor skills, and socialization. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions and enhance your understanding of their baby’s needs.
2. Skill Development: Our baby class involves hands-on activities and demonstrations that help you develop practical skills related to caregiving. For example, you can learn how to properly hold and handle your baby or how to engage in stimulating activities that promote your child’s development. These skills can boost confidence and competence in taking care of your baby.
3. Social Interaction: Attending our baby class allows you to meet and interact with other parents who are going through similar experiences. This social support network can be invaluable, as it provides an opportunity to share experiences, exchange tips and advice, and build friendships. Connecting with other parents can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional support during the early stages of parenting.
4. Bonding and Attachment: Our baby class often involves activities that promote parent-child bonding. Through activities such as baby massage, music, or sensory play, parents can strengthen their emotional connection with their baby. Building a secure attachment early on has been linked to positive outcomes in a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
5. Stimulation and Development: Our baby class typically offers a range of activities designed to stimulate a baby’s senses and support their overall development. These activities can include age-appropriate play, sensory exploration, music, movement, and interactive games. Exposure to new experiences and stimuli can enhance a baby’s cognitive, social, and physical development.
6. Professional Guidance: In our baby class, you have access to experienced instructors or experts in child development who can provide guidance and answer questions. They can offer evidence-based advice, address concerns, and provide personalised support tailored to each family’s needs. Having access to professional guidance can be reassuring for you, especially when you are navigating the challenges and uncertainties of early parenthood.

Overall, attending Adventure Babies, can offer adults a range of benefits, including knowledge acquisition, skill development, social support, enhanced bonding with your baby, and opportunities for stimulating your child’s development. It can contribute to a positive and informed parenting experience, laying a strong foundation for the well-being and growth of both parents and babies.