Why So Touchy?
Baby’s developing sense of touch is very prevalent in their first year of life. Here are two “touchy” activities that are perfect for this age group.

For younger babies, make a “touch glove" you can wear, that will allow your baby to experience different textures. Take a clean, cloth glove and sew a different textured material to each finger of the glove. Corduroy; corrugated, ribbed cardboard; satin and feathers are all wonderful materials to use. Let your baby feel each finger. This activity will help your baby experience various tactile sensations.

For older babies, make a “texture bag.” Take a cloth bag and add things to the bag that have different textures. A rubber ball or tennis ball, a napkin, and a small satin pillow are examples of such items. Have your baby reach in and pull out the various items, then encourage her to put them back in the bag. This activity will help connect their sense of touch with a particular object and its appearance, as well as aid in motor coordination.

Safety notes: Make sure the glove or bag is clean, and do not leave your baby alone with either of these items. Make sure objects are not small enough to fit in your baby's mouth.

Bad Taste?
Ever wonder why babies like to explore objects by putting them in their mouths? It's actually a natural part of their development. As they near their first year, your baby is able to effectively experience an object’s taste and texture through the many nerve endings found in her mouth.

You can encourage this curiosity in a fun and safe way by giving your baby foods with different textures, like baby crackers, bananas and jello. And remember, just because your baby doesn't like a food the first time you introduce it, doesn't mean she won't like it on the second or third time, so keep trying!

Safety note: Make sure food is prepared in small, bite-sized baby portions, and never leave your baby unattended.