The school of mum and dad

Stimulate their senses in the right way and your child will be happier, healthier and possibly even more intelligent – and all without hothousing

Photograph: Phil Wilkinson

REARING children seems to have been a lot less complicated a generation ago. We ate what was put in front of us, spent carefree, sunny days playing on abandoned railway lines and grew up to be, on the whole, healthy, rounded human beings.

These days, children are more rounded than they should be, with obesity a growing problem. But diet is just one aspect that helps babies develop into healthy, happy children and adults; all the senses need to be stimulated to help them grow. And it gives a whole new meaning to the five-a-day mantra. In fact, simple stimulation of all five senses in the first year can have a dramatic impact on their creativity, intellect and physical and mental health in later life. Research shows that children with early speech and language skills are likely to be more confident, have higher self-esteem and better academic careers. At the Cowgate Under-Five Centre in Edinburgh, which recently achieved top marks from HMI and Care Commission inspectors, Lynn McNair and her team believe in multi-sensory learning at as early an age as possible. "We'd go as far back as when the baby is in the womb, because babies know when you are calm and stress-free. In the nursery we have low lighting, music and only natural materials for exploring because we want to enrich the senses as early as we can – this allows children to develop confidence."

"The most rapid phase of neural development occurs in the first year of a baby's life," says Margaret McAllister, an Edinburgh-based child psychologist, "so it's important to let the baby interact with the world at its own pace – let them play with toys by themselves, give them books specifically for babies and let them turn the pages."

And although books and stories were a part of everyday life for 79% of children in the Growing Up in Scotland survey, watching TV was also found to be the norm. By the time the children had reached their fourth birthday, 84% were watching the box every day, with just 3% not watching any.

"In our grandparents' time there were no DVDs or TV," says Eileen Carmichael, an early-years education officer for Learning and Teaching Scotland. "They had radio and Listen with Mother. As a result they had excellent listening skills. Nowadays the huge number of visual stimuli can have the effect of quashing the imagination."

It comes as no surprise to find all this affects them in later life – and not just in terms of general health. A 2006 study of literacy in primary-age children in 45 countries found Scotland had fallen from 14th place in 2001 to 26th.

"One of the best ways to encourage a child's hearing is by talking to them," says Carmichael. "Tell them what you're doing: 'It's raining today so we're putting your coat on.'

"Books which show pictures and the names of objects are great, but playing I Spy is even better to stimulate their senses. They'll see things differently to you at the start: they might identify a horse as a dog, as to them all four-legged animals seem the same. When you correct them, take care to be positive: instead of saying, 'No, it's a horse', say: 'It's got four legs like a dog but it's different.'"

However, she adds: "It's important not to hothouse children or push them too quickly. If you try to teach them the alphabet too early you may put them off wanting to learn it. Observe your child and watch for signs that they're interested in something, then delve deeper. Equally, when they're not interested, don't force it upon them."

Touch, too, can make a remarkable difference to your child's development. Iona Beaumont, a massage therapist from Edinburgh, says the benefits of infant massage range from stimulating the body's circulation and digestion to promoting a healthy immune and nervous system. It can even help develop communication skills. "Touch through massage can help to stimulate mind-body awareness and sensory integration, improve muscular development and tone, encourage growth and the elimination of toxins," she says.

"It has also been shown to improve sleep patterns, promote calmness and reduce stress levels in babies."

Which seems as good a reason as any to get started.

WHAT THE PARENTS SAY...

Carrie McIntosh, mother of Aaron (one), Paige (11) and Adam (nine), Edinburgh

When Aaron came along I decided to try baby signing classes – I'd heard good reports. I bought a set of DVDs and started teaching him when he was about six months old. It didn't seem to have much effect, so I stopped. A few months later, he made the sign for 'more', so it showed he had taken something in.

Dee Kearney, mother of Erin (two), Glasgow

I've had to work quite hard on Erin's sense of taste. She has always eaten fruit but vegetables have been a challenge. I've tried everything, including letting her feed herself to experience different textures and tastes, but the vegetables are always the last things to go from her plate.

Geoff Sargeant, father of Anna (two), Kelso

From day one we did lots to stimulate Anna, talking to her, pointing things out to her. She's now coming out with words at an alarming rate – she really has been soaking it all in like a sponge. We've always done a gym class. When she was younger I did worry that it was costing a lot, but now I can see it was all worth it – she's a gymnast in the making and can already do star jumps and balance on a beam.

Andy Horrell, father of Katie (one), Musselburgh

We have more control over some senses than others. Taste, for example – we decide what Katie will eat, and present it to her each day, aiming for a range of flavours. But she'll see or hear things herself and she just touches things of her own accord, so we've limited control there.

Making perfect senses

Take your lead from your child to find easy and practical ways to enhance their development, says Alex Gazzola

Babies learn about themselves and their surroundings through the five senses. These are the means by which they experience the exciting new world into which they have been born. Sensory stimulations are constant and often overlap: when breastfeeding, for instance, all their senses are used at once, adding up to a magical experience.

Research has shown that a varied pattern of sensory stimulation is the key to a baby's intellectual, personal and physical development.

TOUCH

The power of touch is hugely undervalued: it can communicate love to your child, soothe and even boost immunity. Research suggests babies who are more frequently touched and gently massaged develop and grow faster than those who aren't, and this is a powerful means by which you can bond with, relax and stimulate your child.

"Parents spend so much time doing things to babies – feeding them, burping them, changing them, putting them to sleep – but not enough time with them, enjoying them," says Aoife Ryan, a baby massage therapist. "Gentle touch helps them relax and has knock-on physiological benefits. They'll sleep more soundly, feed better, experience less colic, and be more calm and confident in their body.

"Stimulating touch or massage, meanwhile, encourages weight gain and develops muscle tone and strength."

Your baby will also benefit from exposure to a variety of touch sensations: soft, tactile fabrics, such as wools, cottons and the smooth texture of your skin and hair. When old enough, and under close supervision, let your baby roll about naked on textured rugs, carpets, blankets and – dressed – on a patch of grass. Let them play with toys that can be squeezed, moulded and caressed. Encourage them to feel using not only their hands and fingers, but their toes and feet too – a feather on the sole of the foot may well delight.

Good sense tip: Expose your baby to rougher textures too, for instance, by letting them feel Daddy's stubble with their fingertips (a great bonding exercise).

VISION

Sight is vitally important: visual experiences enhance curiosity and concentration. A newborn, though, has double vision, sees largely in black and white, and the world in general may appear blurred.

"Vision develops naturally over time," says Dr Nadja Reissland, a developmental psychologist. "Newborns can't really see colours, don't have depth of vision, and they recognise the mother's face through her hairline. Simple mobile toys with geometric shapes in contrasting blacks and whites will stimulate a baby's vision at first, but it's equally important to choose toys which you, the parent, enjoy playing with. If your baby sees you happy with the toy, they will be more visually stimulated too."

Picture books offer valuable experiences as the months progress and your baby shows increased interest in bright colours. Point out images and objects with contrasting characteristics. Take babies out and about regularly to give them wider visual experiences of the world. If you live in the country, take them to see the sights of the town, and vice versa. Direct their vision to objects that are far away as well as close up, which will exercise their focusing skills.

Art and colourful drawings, too, can offer huge stimulus to older babies. "Visual and artistic stimulation offers a child another way of learning about the world," says Diane Rich, a specialist in early infant education. "They can explore colour, materials and relationships between colour, shape and texture, which will help to stimulate thinking and develop their powers of observation

Good sense tip: As visual awareness develops, your baby might study reflections or moving objects intently. Encourage this by letting them see themselves in mirrors, and point out kinetic objects such as a swinging pendulum or a washing machine drum in action.

TASTE

Children's tastebuds begin to develop before birth, and research suggests flavours which appeal to you will later appeal to your child. Yet even if you prefer savoury foods, your baby is nevertheless born with a sweet tooth, and so when you begin to wean your baby, he or she will probably express a preference for fruit-flavoured purées rather than vegetable-based ones.

Between four and six months, you'll probably find your baby enjoys purées of banana, apple, pear and mild vegetables such as sweet potato and carrot, mixed with milk, mild yoghurt or puréed rice. Don't be tempted to season or spice up these early meals or you'll confuse the developing tastebuds.

From around six months or later – whenever your baby has got used to simple purées – you can begin to slowly introduce other tastes. "Try different proteins in the form of meat, fish, properly cooked eggs or beans, various starchy foods, and of course as many different fruits and vegetables as possible," says nutritionist Dr Frankie Robinson. "Gradually experiment with individual tastes, colours and textures – the more food experiences babies have, the more likely it is they will find more foods they love. By a year, their tastes may almost be as varied as yours."

Good sense tip: If a new food taste is rejected, don't insist it is sampled. Instead, try again gently the next day. Sometimes, a food is declined merely due to the surprise factor of a novel taste flavour.

HEARING

Through hearing, your baby experiences language and music, both of which are key in stimulating intellectual and emotional development, as well as speech.

Reading to your child is invaluable. "When books are read to babies, they learn the familiar sounds of the story, song or poem," says Diane Rich. "Children love to hear sounds repeated, as this gives them a sense of security and order, and will later enable them to join in the reading."

Brian Symington, a specialist hearing expert, adds: "Varying your voice and pitch is useful when reading to your baby as it helps them identify characters in stories and develops learning skills."

Music encourages children's cognitive development in many ways, helping them to concentrate, understand, remember and learn. Even unborn babies respond to music, and a newborn baby will often show a preference for music heard in the womb. "Listening to music from an early age is very beneficial," says Symington. "The radio is good, as it generates both musical sounds and speech, and parents should try playful music, singing nursery rhymes and simple piano chords – repetitive, simple sounds appeal to babies."

Music helps develop listening skills, teaches toddlers rhythm and encourages language and speech. It can also help with their social skills, co-ordination and concentration.

Good sense tip: When they're older, encourage babies to make their own musical sounds with toys and easy instruments.

SMELL

Smell is intimately tied up with taste, and your baby is born with an affinity for natural, pleasant smells. They will be familiar with your own unique scent, and will prefer sweet smells too.

"Babies make strong connections with smells they experience at an early age, and they remember and distinguish them," says Dr Reissland. "A smell they associate with breastfeeding will still be recognised years later, and babies will prefer to drink from bottles that have that smell. This development starts in the womb, as the foods the mother eats are transferred to the amniotic fluid, and later into breast milk. Babies prefer the smell of food their mother has eaten in pregnancy."

Try to keep artificial odours such as detergents, cleaners, bleaches, synthetic air fresheners and perfumes to a minimum in your home.

Good sense tip: Food aromas help stimulate tastebuds, but don't expose babies to the smell of greasy or unhealthy meals; the aroma of fresh fruit and wholesome foods can help them develop an appetite for good foods.

Developmental milestones

TOUCH

Birth Touch is fully developed at birth. After the softness and warmth of the womb, babies will only be interested in comforting and soft touch. They will be able to express a preference for soft and smooth over rough nipples.

3-4 months Starts to enjoy touching their own feet and body.

5 months Develops greater interest in touching other objects, and in grasping objects and bringing them to the mouth to further explore shape and texture.

8-12 months Will respond to more adventurous touch experiences – water, grass, thick carpets, soft sand or smooth stones, for instance, on bare feet.

VISION

Birth Sight is the least developed sense at birth, but babies are able to focus on objects about 10 inches away – the distance between your eyes and theirs during breastfeeding.

2-3 months Begins to show interest in high-contrast black and white images, although some colour vision is present.

4 months Able to focus on objects within a few feet, and will be using the eyes to co-ordinate manual movements; colour vision is developing – bold colours may appeal.

6 months Able to distinguish colours fully (and may prefer red), so reading books to them while you let them observe the brightly coloured pictures will be an endless source of fascination. Babies will also be able to see distant objects more clearly, and can discern relative distances.

7 months + Will understand objects can be hidden behind something, and don't stop existing when they disappear, so will derive great pleasure from 'peekaboo' games.

TASTE AND SMELL

Birth Newborns prefer sweet smells and tastes. They are able to find a nipple using the sense of smell alone, and can detect subtle taste differences in breast milk.

4-7 months The introduction of foods helps develop a baby's tastebuds and lets them discover which tastes they prefer.

8-12 months Taste preferences are very well established, and your baby will understand that there are lots of different food tastes available.

1 year Will be able to send clear messages to you about taste and smell likes and dislikes.

HEARING

Birth Hearing is advanced at birth – your baby will respond to soothing music, sounds and repetitive, gentle beats (like the heartbeat heard in the womb); will be startled by sudden or loud noises (such as dogs barking or the doorbell ringing; will quickly recognise and be comforted by mother's voice; prefers high pitches.

1 month Sense of hearing is almost fully developed.

4 months Will recognise parents' voices even when they're out of sight and will turn their eyes in the direction of those voices.

7 months Your baby can pick out your voice in a crowded room, as long as they're not otherwise distracted; will turn immediately to your voice from across a room.

9 months Will enjoy listening attentively to everyday, familiar sounds; will try to listen out for quiet sounds out of sight; will take great pleasure in babbling – making and listening to their own sounds.

10-12 months Beginning to understand some words and simple phrases ('yes', 'no', 'bye bye'), eventually leading to a response to their own name.

Katie Crooks and her daughter Charley

TOUCH OF GENIUS

Katie Crooks, a paediatric assistant from Denholm, learned about the benefits of craniosacral therapy at work. The technique uses a very light touch to gently work parts of the infant's body and release compressions that could have resulted at birth. Crooks took her then one-year-old daughter, Charley (now nearly three), in for the treatment when she was teething and having trouble sleeping through the night.

"Craniosacral is very unobtrusive and really does help," Crooks says. "Getting a one-year-old to sit still can be quite tricky, so I was really surprised that Charley responded well to it and stayed very still."

In the session, the therapist delivers a touch no stronger than the weight of a 20p piece, working from the baby's toes up to the head. Touching in different areas around the stomach and back can alleviate trapped wind, help with colic and aid constipation, while light touches around the face and ears can also soothe babies who are teething.

"I really noticed a difference afterwards," says Crooks. "It wasn't a magic solution, but Charley was sleeping better and it helped with her teething. It was especially good to learn techniques to use when she is feeling ill or when she has a sore tummy. The touch soothes her. If I was going to have another child, I would do craniosacral soon after birth."

WHAT THE PARENTS SAY

Diana Loosmore, 38 weeks pregnant, Glasgow

I dance with Scottish Ballet, so my work means my baby will have been exposed to lots of movement and music, and often the same piece of music over and over again, so I'll be interested to see the reaction if I play it after he or she is born.

I have craved more sugar during my pregnancy and lots of citrus fruit, and I wonder if that means my baby will automatically have a preference for that type of food.

Julie O'Hanlon, mother of Martha (six months), Edinburgh

Waterbabies is fantastic for Martha. I would never have believed that she would enjoy going under the water, but she loves it – and that's a chance for her to experience a whole new set of sights and sounds. We also do a PEEP (www.peep. org.uk) story group – I thought she'd be too young but it has really helped her listening. She now recognises her name being called.

Judy Rafferty, mother of Alfie (one), Wallyford

A lot of the things I do with Alfie are as much for me as for him, to get us out of the house. We go to mother-and-toddler groups and his confidence has improved from being with other babies. It's vital to interact with other children. They need to integrate, and watch and learn from them.

Louise Holmes, mother of Jack (one), Glenrothes

I listened to a lot of music when I was pregnant, and I went to a few concerts, which I'm sure has developed Jack's ear for a tune. Since he was six months old, I've regularly taken him to Bounce and Tickle sessions, where we sing songs and dance about. There's an emphasis on repeating certain songs and rhythms which he loves – he'll smile when he recognises a song and even move as if he's dancing.

Kirsty Nicol, mother of Elspeth (six) and Beatrice (two), Ormiston

We've done a lot with touch – when Elspeth was a baby I bought lots of different textures of cloth for her to play with, and she loved the feel of it. Beatrice and I have spent many a happy afternoon in B&Q, where we touch the different wallpapers, tiles, doorknobs etc, and feel the sensations of hot and cold moving from the greenhouse to the store. We have acquired a huge cardboard box from there which serves as a Wendy house.