Baby Sensory | Baby Dribble the Podcast episode: 3

Hello and welcome to Baby Dribble! Brought to you from Sweet Dreamers HQ by the SweetDreamers team, Baby Dribble is a fun, friendly, and FREE parenting advice “channel” for new and expectant parents and caregivers. Our goal is to provide valuable knowledge, support, and insights into the incredible journey of parenthood, featuring expert guests and medical professionals.

Lynda & Lucy here again—welcome to this week’s podcast! Today, we’re exploring the world of baby sensory, and we’re honored to have a special guest in our studio—Emily Bryczkowski. Emily runs a baby sensory group in the Portsmouth area and is a proud mom of two, Violet and Bertie.

So, let’s dive in! Emily, could you tell us a little about your baby sensory classes and how long you’ve been running them?

Baby Sensory is an internationally recognized program, with its headquarters in Salisbury. It has expanded to countries like Canada and Australia, and I run the Portsmouth franchise. The program was founded by Dr. Lin Day, a leading expert in parenting and child development. With over 35 years of experience, she designed these classes to support and enhance babies’ development.

Emily realized that while there were plenty of programs for older babies, there wasn’t much available for newborns. Baby Sensory classes are designed for infants from birth up to 13 months, and some parents even sign up before their baby is born. The first year of life is crucial for brain development—it doubles in size!—making early sensory stimulation essential.

There’s plenty parents can do at home, but these classes also provide social benefits. Each activity has a specific purpose focused on sensory development. Emily has been running the classes since April 2018, and she’s witnessed firsthand how friendships form between parents. It’s a great way to get out and meet other new moms and dads.

Many parents worry their baby might be too young for a sensory class. What’s your take on that?

That’s a common concern, but even newborns benefit! Some babies even fall asleep during class, which is totally normal. Studies show that babies absorb up to 60% of what happens around them, even while sleeping. The first six months are critical for brain development, and while their vision may still be developing, we focus on strengthening eye muscles, brain growth, and even their sense of smell.

Do you incorporate taste into your classes?

Yes, but typically as babies get older. We focus more on smell with younger infants, as babies can detect scents from as early as 17 weeks in the womb. One of the first scents they recognize is breast milk, which helps guide them instinctively toward feeding.

Do you use a lot of lights in your classes?

Yes, we use soft string lights and twinkling lights since babies are drawn to movement. Moving lights help them focus more easily than static objects. We avoid harsh lighting, opting for gentle lights in a dim setting to create a soothing environment.

After Baby Sensory, is there a program for older children?

Yes! We offer a follow-up program called Toddler Sense, designed for kids up to preschool age. These classes have a slightly different structure since they cater to older children’s developmental needs.

There are also great benefits for parents, right?

Absolutely! Beyond the developmental advantages for babies, the social aspect is invaluable for parents. Many assume bonding with their baby happens instantly, but like any relationship, it can take time. These classes help foster and strengthen that bond.

And they’re not just for moms! Dads and grandparents are welcome too—it’s a wonderful bonding experience for them as well.

Earlier this week, we conducted a Baby Sensory Myth-Busting Poll on Instagram!

We received an incredible 3,000 entries—thank you to everyone who participated! Let’s reveal the results:

Babies are born with hand-eye coordination:

Yes: 19%
No: 81%

Answer: No! Our followers got this one right. Hand-eye coordination typically develops around three months, as newborns cannot yet perceive depth.

A newborn’s vision develops faster than hearing:

True: 29%
False: 71%

Answer: False! Babies develop full hearing by one month, but vision takes between 6-8 months to fully mature.

Babies rely on sight and hearing the most in the first six months:

True: 66%
False: 36%

Answer: False! Babies use all their senses from birth. Research shows that they can taste and hear even in the womb.

Babies can see color from birth:

True: 17%
False: 83%

Answer: True! This surprised us too. While newborns don’t distinguish between different shades well, they are drawn to high-contrast colors like black and yellow.

And now for our podcast prize announcement…

Congratulations to Louise Chidgey, the winner of our Ewan the Dream Sheep giveaway! We’ll be reaching out shortly to send you your prize.

Another giveaway alert!

This week, we’re giving away our ultra-soft Baa Baa Blankie! This plush comforter is perfect for snuggles, with silky edges and a cozy touch.

Want to enter? Simply email the word “blankie” to prizes@sweetdreamers.co.uk. The winner will be announced in our next podcast.

Thank you for tuning in! We hope you enjoyed this episode of Baby Dribble.

Bye for now! — Lynda, Lucy, and Emily