by Maggie Larkin

Created on: January 12, 2010   Last Updated: January 13, 2010

Infants who receive stimulation through movement, conversation, and color therapy help infants' brains to learn and develop at faster rates than non-stimulated ones. While sensory stimulation probably does not create "infant geniuses" as many companies will promise, stimulation does lead to an increased attention span and a better bond between caregiver and child.

Babies can see, hear, taste, and smell at birth, even though many of these senses are muffled until a few weeks after birth. Still, it is important to begin stimulating the senses as early as possible to inhibit their development and ensure that they will function properly in the future.

The easiest way to stimulate an infant is to talk to them! Talking, making noises, and cooing will not only introduce the voice as a comforting device, but test the range of hearing and exercise the auditory areas of the brain. To encourage movement and exercise the muscles and joints, infant massage and movement is highly encouraged. Classes in infant massage are offered nationwide, and many parenting magazines offer how-tos on their websites, including Parents.com. Infant massage is a relaxing activity for you and baby, and makes a great addition to the bedtime routine. This is also a chance for you to check the infant's body for irregularities, and provides for a wonderful bonding activity. Including movement of the legs, knees, feet, wrists, elbows, and hips to fully work out the joints.

Color therapies stimulate vision and make important connections between the eyes and the brain. Wal paint in a vibrant but not too harsh color is a great start, and  vibrantly-colored bedding and toys also aid in this. Many toys today are designed to provide stimulatory color combinations. If these are too expensive, simply create shape collages with construction paper and hang them in baby's room and play areas. This is also a great activity to bring together babies and older siblings.

The final two senses are more difficult to stimulate in babies, so it is best to leave taste and smell to slightly older infants. Begin with the transition to solid food by alternating fruits and vegetables that both taste and look different. This is not only good for these senses, but is more healthy for baby, as different foods offer different nutrients.

The most effective forms of stimulation combine as many senses as possible. For example, Baby Einstein videos offer good visual stimulation and play music. They may not make your baby a genius, but it will give him or her the best start possible!

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