Examine the milestones listed below to track your child’s sensory development. Remember, if you have a concern talk with your healthcare provider and ask for an evaluation.
0-3 Months
While lying on back, attempts to reach for a toy held above their chest
While lying on back, visually tracks a moving toy from side to side
While lying on back, keeps head centered to watch faces or toys
Able to calm with rocking, touching, and gentle sounds
Enjoys a variety of movements
4-6 Months
Uses both hands to explore toys
Generally happy when not hungry or tired
Brings hands and objects to mouth
Able to calm with rocking, touching, and gentle sounds
Is not upset by everyday sounds
Enjoys a variety of movements
7-9 Months
Enjoys a variety of movements – bouncing up and down, rocking back and forth
Explores and examines an object using both hands and mouth
Turns several pages of a chunky (board) book at once
Experiments with the amount of force needed to pick up different objects
Focuses on objects near and far
Investigates shapes, sizes, and textures of toys and surroundings
Observes environment from a variety of positions – while lying on back or tummy, sitting, crawling, and standing with assistance
10-12 Months
Enjoys listening to songs
Explores toys with hands, fingers, and mouth
Crawls to or away from objects baby sees in the distance
13-18 Months
Helps with getting dressed/undressed
Has a regular sleep schedule
Eats an increasing variety of foods
If you are concerned about your child’s sensory development, record your observations on the Ability Checklist and discuss your concerns with your child’s healthcare provider. Occupational therapy can help children develop the sensory skills they need to reach their fullest potential.
This information is for parents and professionals interested in understanding more about the sensory systems and the importance of the 7 senses in baby’s first year. Use these resources to keep track of your baby’s sensory milestones and have fun with games and activities appropriate for their developmental stage.1
Development at 0-3 Months
At this age, baby is constantly receiving information through all their senses and using these senses to learn and grow every day.
Consistent caregiver responsiveness is essential at this age – it helps baby to learn about their body, their immediate world, and their early social relationships.
Vestibular Sense (Movement and Balance Sense)
The vestibular sense gives information about where our head and body are in space, allowing us to stay up right while we sit, stand, and walk.
What to expect
Arms open outward when baby is tilted backward (Moro reflex)
Starts to hold head up with less support, lift head while on tummy, shows more head control when pulled to a sit
Follows moving objects with their eyes
Begins to support some weight on their legs when held upright, even though they will not be ready to stand for many months
Turns head towards breast or bottle for feeding or away from a bright light
Activities to promote development
Hold baby in a variety of positions
Give baby supervised tummy time
Pay attention to baby’s responses to various types of motions and positions. This will help to provide comforting types of movement and expand the types of movements baby enjoys
Rock and sway with baby
Pull to sit while interacting with baby face-to-face
Head turning with body going over as in early rolling
Proprioception (Body Position Sense)
Proprioception tells us where our body parts are relative to each other and gives us information about how much force to use for different activities.
What to expect
Stretches and burrows head into caregivers’ chest
Learns to use mouth muscles to suckle on breast or bottle
Imitates facial actions – sticks out tongue or begins to smile
Momentarily bears weight on their feet when held upright – sets the stage for walking nearly a year later
Moves head towards voice or light
Activities to promote development
Move baby’s hands together, feet together, and across midline during bath time or dressing
Face-to-face play with baby in support position
Tummy time with baby lifting head
Carry baby in different positions
Tactile Sense (Touch)
The tactile sense gives us information from our skin. When we touch something or are touched, we receive information about shape, size, texture, pressure, and temperature.
What to expect
Able to calm when enveloped in arms or in a blanket
Skin-to-skin contact important
Reflexes – baby grasps at fingers or turn head towards cheek that is brushed
Shows startle response
Activities to promote development
Provide loving, comforting contact – skin-to-skin contact makes them feel connected and safe
Daily massage
Bath time, dressing, and changing diapers offer opportunities for sensory input – lotions, oils, different textured fabrics
Introduce different textures through toys, blankets, and towels
Olfactory and Gustatory Senses (Smell and Taste)
What to expect
Anticipates feeding and orients to the smell of their caregiver / milk
Shows preference for pleasant smells (vanilla) and dislike for pungent odors (spoiled food)
Babies are born with preferences for the types of smells and tastes they experienced from the foods their mothers ate during pregnancy; these preferences continue for breastfed babies
Activities to promote development
Create pleasant, calm, and comforting experiences alongside pleasant scents. This will lay foundations for positive associations
Auditory Sense (Hearing)
What to expect
Turns to sound of a sibling or pet
Calms when caregiver talks in a sing-song voice
Cries when startled
Coos in response to face-to-face contact
Activities to promote development
Play music
Dance and sing with baby (face-to-face contact)
Let baby play with squeaky toys / toys that make noise
Narrate your day
Coo, talk, and smile with infant (face-to-face contact)
Visual Sense (Sight)
What to expect
Sees clearly at a distance of about 1-2 feet – perfect for facial engagement
Turns head away from light
Interested in faces, starting to make eye contact
Activities to promote development
Give lots of face-to-face contact – let them watch your face while you talk or sing to them
Carry baby at shoulder height so they can look at where they are going
Carry baby as you go about daily routine
Interoceptive Sense (Senses of Pain, Hunger, and Temperature)
What to expect
Generally in a calm, alert state
Cries when uncomfortable – hungry, tired, diaper change,
Needs caregivers to help regulate body temperature
Activities to promote development
Give baby physical contact and warmth
Adjust lighting to help baby stay alert or calm down for a nap
Give frequent diaper changes
Take baby outside into the fresh air
Development at 4-6 Months
At this age, baby is constantly receiving information through all their senses and using these senses to learn and grow every day.
Consistent caregiver responsiveness is essential ate this age- helps babies learn about their bodies, their immediate world, and their early social relationships.
Vestibular Sense (Movement and Balance Sense)
The vestibular sense gives us information about where our head and body are in space, allowing us to stay up right while we sit, stand, and walk.
What to expect
Gains greater head control – can hold head and chest upright during Tummy Time
Rolls from tummy to back, and may roll from back to tummy by the end
By 6 months – sits with support
Can use both sides of the body together – claps, bangs toys together
If moved forward, baby will put hands out in front
Transfers toy from one hand to the other
Can push up on forearms
Activities to promote development
Carry and play with baby in different positions
Dance with baby
Use slow back and forth movement – hammock, rocking chair – for calming and more vigorous motion for play
Proprioception (Body Position Sense)
Proprioception tells us where our body parts are relative to each other and gives us information about how much force to use for different activities.
What to expect
Rolls over
Bring hands together and make faces
Rocks back and forth and side-to-side on all fours
Holds their own bottle
Experiments with force – pulls blankets down, pets animals, claps, etc.
Activities to promote development
Let baby explore on the floor on both back and tummy to develop muscles
Spend face-to-face time together, making lots of faces and vocalizations
Provide gentle push and pull actions in playful ways
Help move baby through actions, like patty cake or petting an animal
Tactile Sense (Touch)
The tactile sense gives us information from our skin. When we touch something or are touched, we receive information about shape, size, texture, pressure, and temperature.
What to expect
Soothed by soft, cozy sensations – blanket, clothes, toys
Enjoyment of touch motivates movement and exploration
Reaches for objects, puts objects in mouth
Activities to promote development
Introduce new sensations with lotion, oils, fabrics
Provide a variety of textured hand-held toys and surfaces – blankets, play mats, sponges, balls
Continue to provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact
Olfactory and Gustatory Senses (Smell and Taste)
What to expect
Starts to show interest in smells and look of foods that others are eating
Anticipates feeding by smell of caregiver
Normal reactions to unpleasant odors
Activities to promote development
Facilitate positive associations between pleasurable scents and experiences
Remove strong odors from the environment
Auditory Sense (Hearing)
What to expect
Turns head towards sounds
Notices toys that makes sounds
Coos at caregiver…may start babbling around 6 months
Differentiates cries for different needs
Activities to promote development
Talk to baby frequently – narrate your day
Imitate and engage in vocal play with baby
Listen to music together
Point out objects while you talk
Visual Sense (Sight)
What to expect
Interested in faces, imitating facial expressions
Tracks objects and people moving across the room
Looks around while sitting with support
Activities to promote development
Provide opportunities for baby to see a variety of people and things
Hold baby face-to-face while you talk and make silly faces
Carry baby around and point out objects while you name them
Interoceptive Sense (Senses of Pain, Hunger, and Temperature)
What to expect
More predictable daily rhythm – gets hungry and requires naps at more predictable times
Protests to being put down or handed off to another adult
Shows signs of discomfort – cry, general fussiness, turning away
Activities to promote development
Help facilitate circadian rhythm – take baby out in natural light during the day and reduce lighting at night
Breastfeeding mothers – be mindful of the food you consume
Meet baby’s needs – naps, sleep, diaper changes, hunger – helps them feel secure in knowing that they can have their needs met
Development at 7-9 Months
At this age, babies start to move around on their own and enjoy exploring new textures, movements, and environments. They are constantly receiving information through all their senses and using these senses to learn and grow every day. Use our resources to keep track of your baby’s sensory milestones and have fun with games and activities appropriate for his or her developmental stage.
Vestibular Sense (Movement and Balance Sense)
The vestibular sense gives us information about where our head and body are in space, allowing us to stay up right while we sit, stand, and walk.
What to expect
Shows more control while rolling, sitting, and scooting
Starts to crawl and stand
Tries to lean towards, reach for, and throw toys
Enjoys a variety of movements – bouncing up and down, rocking back and forth
Activities to promote development
Walk with baby in a carrier or baby backpack
Play with baby in many different positions
Take baby out in a baby seat, stroller, or jogger
Use slow, rocking motions for calming and more vigorous motions for play time
Give baby space to move around, but stay close by to maintain sense of security
Proprioception (Body Awareness Sense)
Proprioception tells us where our body parts are relative to each other and gives us information about how much force to use for different activities.
What to expect
Able to stretch, reach, and lean in many directions
Can hold a bottle and place pacifier in mouth
Experiments with amount of force used to pick up different objects
Activities to promote development
Create a safe environment for baby to move around and explore – cover electrical outlets, install safety gates, and keep dangerous items out of reach
Carry baby in new positions – for example, on shoulders or up in the air
Introduce toys and games that involve pushing and pulling, such as toy cars or wagons
Give baby time to sit independently to develop neck, back, and stomach muscles
Tactile Sense (Touch)
The tactile sense gives us information from our skin. When we touch something or are touched, we receive information about shape, size, texture, pressure, and temperature.
What to expect
Investigates shapes, sizes, and textures of toys and their surroundings
Uses hands, mouth, and face to explore objects
Picks up small objects with thumbs and fingers
Activities to promote development
Introduce new textures while baby is eating, sleeping, dressing, or playing outdoors
Use a variety of sponges, soaps, and lotions during bath time
Provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact with a parent or caregiver
Olfactory and Gustatory Senses (Smell and Taste)
What to expect
Starts to look at and reach for food that is nearby
Shows strong reactions to new smells and tastes
Begins to form associations with familiar smells and tastes
Activities to promote development
Place pleasant smells, such as vanilla, almond, or citrus, in baby’s play, living, and sleeping areas
Introduce new foods gradually and watch for baby’s response
Do not force food or show stress over a baby’s dislike for certain foods
If baby refuses a certain food item, try changing the texture
Auditory Sense (Hearing)
What to expect
Can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar voices
Shows recognition of commonly used words
Uses a few different sounds when babbling
Activities to promote development
Respond to baby’s sounds and encourage two-way communication
Describe your actions as you dress, feed, and bathe baby – gives him or her an opportunity to listen to the sounds and rhythms of your speech
Read picture books together to help baby connect words to images
Play music throughout the day – lively, upbeat music during playtime, and quiet, melodic music for naps and bedtime
Visual Sense (Sight)
What to expect
Able to focus on objects both near and far
Mimics facial expressions and gestures
Shows interest in where others are looking or pointing
Observes environment from a variety of positions – while lying on back or tummy, sitting, crawling, and standing
Activities to promote development
Give baby frequent face time
Point out objects while you walk and talk with baby
Encourage baby to play on the floor with toys of various colors, sizes, and shapes
Allow baby to grab and explore items within reach
Interoceptive Sense (Senses of Pain, Hunger, and Temperature)
What to expect
Craves chew toys that can massage sore and swollen gums during teething
Feels full longer after eating more solid foods
Increased anxiety after time away from caregivers
Activities to promote development
Provide baby with a healthy diet – avoid artificial ingredients, sugars, and preservatives
Help baby establish a consistent sleep schedule
Change diaper frequently
Provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact to comfort baby
Development at 10-12 Months
At this age, babies begin to show preferences of where to go, what to touch, and how they are carried. They are increasingly mobile and enjoy exploring new environments. Use our resources to keep track of your baby’s sensory milestones and have fun with games and activities appropriate for his or her developmental stage.
Vestibular Sense (Movement and Balance Sense)
The vestibular sense gives us information about where our head and body are in space, allowing us to stay up right while we sit, stand, and walk.
What to expect
Able to crawl, stand, shift weight, and cruise along furniture
May start to walk independently
Enjoys more energetic activities – for example, dancing or horseback riding on a parent’s back
Can look around while body is in motion
Activities to promote development
Provide push toys that allow baby to practice walking with some support
Encourage baby to dance and sway to music
Provide opportunities to experience slow, rocking movements – for example, swinging on a hammock
Proprioception (Body Awareness Sense)
Proprioception tells us where our body parts are relative to each other and gives us information about how much force to use for different activities.
What to expect
Puts arms and legs into, under, and over new spaces and objects – for example, may crawl under tables or into cupboards
Climbs on and off cushions, small toys, and carpeted stairs
Cranes neck to see around a corner or other obstacle
Activities to promote development
Create a safe space where baby can explore while sitting, standing, and crawling
Encourage baby to play with push and pull toys that require different amounts of force
Tactile Sense (Touch)
The tactile sense gives us information from our skin. When we touch something or are touched, we receive information about shape, size, texture, pressure, and temperature.
What to expect
Increases interaction with small objects
Enjoys different textures from food, blankets, mud, paint, etc.
Explores toys with fingers and mouth
Activities to promote development
Introduce baby to new textures through food, toys, clothes, sponges
Name textures, shapes, and sizes to help baby attach words to tactile experiences
Provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact with caregivers
Olfactory and Gustatory Senses (Smell and Taste)
What to expect
Enjoys a greater variety of smells and tastes
Has more teeth and better control of tongue and lips
Ready to try soft-cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and finger foods (e.g. teething biscuits, pasta)
Might be ready to start spoon feeding
Activities to promote development
Provide safe environments for baby to experience new smells and tastes
Keep baby away from areas where people are smoking or using harsh chemicals
Keep track of what your baby is eating – well-meaning friends and family members may give baby food inappropriate for his or her age
Auditory Sense (Hearing)
What to expect
Understands many familiar sounds and words
Enjoys listening to songs
Points and gestures with sounds to communicate wants and needs
Crawls towards or away from sounds coming from a distance
Activities to promote development
Describe your actions throughout the day as you dress, feed, and bathe baby
Respond to baby’s sounds to encourage two-way communication
Visual Sense (Sight)
What to expect
Able to look around while sitting or standing without falling over
Can spot things at a distance – may crawl towards or away from things
Activities to promote development
Point out objects while you talk
Make consistent gestures that baby can see and interpret
Show baby where things go so that he or she can find them again
Interoceptive Sense (Sense of Pain, Hunger, Temperature)
What to expect
Teething may cause swelling, pain, and general fussiness
Frequent diaper rashes
Experiences stomach aches, constipation, and diarrhea from new food in diet
Activities to promote development
Provide a predictable but flexible daily routine
Provide baby with a variety of nutritional and age-appropriate food
Carry baby throughout the day to reduce stress and maintain sense of security
Control lighting at home during the day and night
Respond to baby’s distress signals
Sources
Mailloux Z & Smith Roley S. Sensory Integration Development and Early Signs of Difficulties. July 2013.