How to Create A Sensory Rich Nursery

Education use to start at preschool, when a child is old enough to talk and play with other kids. But studies have shown that parents can improve their baby's cognitive development and motor skills by introducing sensory rich items that will stimulate baby's brain activity. You don't have to turn your nursery into an Ivy League University. You can still choose a wonderful nursery theme and color scheme, but here are some suggestions to boost your baby's sensor skills and development.

Baby Bedding

The baby bedding you choose is very important because it is the first and last thing baby sees around sleep time. Because their eyesight is not fully developed at birth, baby can typically only see 8-10 inches and cannot decipher between subtle shades of color. It is recommended that you choose a baby bedding theme with simple designs and contrasting colors, so baby will be able to differentiate between colors, thereby stimulating the part of the brain that effects vision. Modern themes often have simplistic designs, including geometric patterns, stripes, dots, etc. There are many gender neutral, contemporary designs to choose from, and plenty of room for creative design ideas.

Wall Art

Since we are looking for contrasting decor, keep it consistent with the rest of your nursery by applying wall art that really stands out. The best way to do this is by having a neutral or light background, then implementing bold decor to stimulate baby's site and enhance intellectual development. Black and white photos are a great way to add character and contrasting images to your baby's line of vision. Animal murals, stencil art, geometric patterned wallpaper are all creative ways to add excitement and stimulation to your nursery.

Stimulating Sounds

Studies have shown that classical music stimulates a certain part of the brain and is known to enhance baby's cognitive development. Many parents play classical music when baby is still in the womb for the soothing sounds and quite possibly intellectual excitement. Machines that play white noises, such as ocean waves, rain fall, night sounds are great ways to develop baby's hearing senses. Musical mobiles are also another wonderful device for baby to not only listen to, but it is visually entertaining for baby to watch different characters dancing above the crib. You can also work these different sounds into baby's bedtime routine.

Pleasure Textures

During playtime, allow baby to touch fabrics and toys with different textures. It doesn't really matter what it is, as long as it is safe. Many babies prefer soft, cuddly items so soft toys are usually preferred over hard toys. Baby can feel the difference between textures, which may send curious signals up to the brain, leading to more and more sensory stimulation. Don't overwhelm the baby with items, just 2-3 at a time is more than enough.

You don't have to buy the latest and expensive nursery items to stimulate your baby's sensory skills. There are many creative ways to boost your baby's intellectual development and implement a wonderful nursery theme. Watch as baby's eyes light up at all the sensory-rich nursery items mommy or daddy has placed in the nursery. You will be amazed at how quickly your baby genius' motor skills and mental development advances.