Touch is one of the first senses to develop in the fetus, from the very first weeks of pregnancy. At birth, it plays a central role in how a baby discovers their environment.
A sense already active at birth
Unlike sight, which is still blurry in the first few weeks, touch is fully functional from birth. The newborn perceives warmth, texture, pressure, and pain with fine sensitivity, especially in the hands, mouth, and face.
Skin-to-skin contact, recommended from the first minutes of life, relies directly on this early tactile sensitivity.
The role of hands in exploration
Around 3 to 4 months, the baby begins to voluntarily bring objects to their mouth, a primary tactile exploration gesture. This oral phase complements manual exploration and contributes to the construction of sensory landmarks.
Stimulating touch daily
Offering varied surfaces and materials helps the baby refine their tactile discrimination. A reversible play mat with two sides of distinct textures allows for alternating sensations without multiplying objects.
Varying without overstimulating
It is not necessary to multiply stimulations. A few carefully chosen materials, offered regularly, are enough to nurture this sensory exploration without overwhelming the child.
Touch and emotional security
Touch also remains a vector of connection: carrying, massaging, or simply placing a hand on the baby contributes to their emotional security, a subject developed in our article on cognitive development.
To discover other avenues for sensory awakening, consult our article on awakening through water or our guide to using the play mat by age. For any questions, contact us.
