Infants are amazing; their brains are changing at lightning speed and these positive developmental changes are enhanced through infants' interaction with their environment. During this important time, it is essential that the infant be exposed to appropriate levels of stimulation. By appropriate levels of stimulation, it means that the stimulation should not overwhelm the infant or under-engage the infant, and that the stimulation should be oriented at supporting the infant's ongoing development.
Infant stimulation is especially critical for infants who are born at high risk due to biological or environmental issues or those infants with diagnosed disabilities. There is nothing more important to developing children than exposure to a stimulating environment. A stimulating environment is one that offers children many interesting things to do, see, hear and touch. It is the parents' role to provide a stimulating environment for their children. During the first year of life, the amount of positive contact parents have with their babies will affect their physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. The more parents interact with their young children the more rapidly they develop.
Stimulating activities increase an infant’s curiosity and encourages him to try new activities without feeling fearful or anxious. Babies who are stimulated with a wide range of sensory activities during their early developmental stages may also reach development milestones easily, enjoy feelings of security and calm and have longer attention spans. When infants feel secure and loved in their environment, they will be more likely to explore new activities, initiate eye contact with family members and friends and enjoy a wide range of new activities in their toddler years.
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