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It’s amazing to think 85% of a baby’s brain is formed during the first three years of life! Research shows that sensory stimulation during these early years strengthens the neural processes necessary for lifelong learning.
As a mom, this means you can play a vital role in helping to develop your child’s brain. Everyday routines like bathtime are an ideal opportunity for multi-sensorial stimulation.
But according to the JOHNSON’S® Global Bath Time Report which studied over 4,000 parents, only 51% of parents say bathtime is extremely important to their child’s brain development. This means that 49% of SA parents are missing this wonderful opportunity.
Read these tips from Johnson’s on how to make the most of your baby’s bathtime.
1. No distractions
Don’t rush bathtime, rather ignore the rest of the world and engage fully with your baby. Remember, you are a vital part of your child’s early learning experiences.
2. Tender touch
As you wash your newborn and run your hands down her arms or legs, your touch not only soothes her, but also teaches her about her body and how it moves. Massaging her gently with Johnson’s Baby Oil after her bath lets her feel your love. It also has many added benefits for your baby, including improving weight gain, digestion, circulation, and promoting a positive emotional state.
3. Sight sense
Newborns can only focus on objects about 20–25cm away, but by their vision improves rapidly as they get older. The best way to boost baby’s vision is by making regular eye contact to help her focus on your face. To improve your baby’s visual tracking, you can slowly move your hand or a brightly coloured toy across her field of vision.
Bathtime is special for babies because it’s a time when they have your undivided attention. It is a time of sensory stimulation and learning, from watching bubbles burst to listening to the water splash, to the smell of JOHNSON’S® Top-To-Toe™ as you lather her.
Remember, your baby’s brain is like a sponge… and bathtime can be so much more than just cleansing.
[1] Bruner, Charles, et al. "Early Learning Left Out: An Examination of Public Investments in Education and Development by Child Age." Voices for America's Children (2004).
