Best sensory videos to entertain your baby

Sensory videos are a fantastic way to entertain your baby while stimulating their developing senses. Designed with bright colours, calming sounds, and rhythmic patterns, these videos captivate infants and encourage early learning.

However, finding suitable sensory videos that are engaging and appropriate for your baby can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best sensory videos below, ensuring your little one stays entertained and happy.

What Are Sensory Videos?

Sensory videos are specifically created to engage a baby's senses. They often feature:

• Bright colours and contrasts that stimulate visual development.
• Soothing music or repetitive sounds to help with auditory recognition.
• Gentle movements and patterns that capture attention and encourage focus.

As a result, these videos can be an excellent tool for short bursts of screen time, especially during fussy moments or when you need a brief distraction.

1. Hey Bear Sensory

Hey Bear Sensory videos are a firm favourite among parents and babies. They are perfect for keeping babies entertained with vibrant animations of bouncing fruits and animals set to cheerful, upbeat music. The repetitive motion and happy tunes captivate babies and often soothe them.

Where to find it: Available on YouTube for free.

2. Baby Einstein: Lullaby Time

Known for its baby-focused educational content, Baby Einstein's Lullaby Time combines soothing visuals with classical music. This is an excellent choice for winding down before nap time, as it helps create a calming environment.

Where to find it: Available on YouTube and streaming platforms like Disney+.

3. Infant Visual Stimulation Videos

These videos feature high-contrast black-and-white patterns perfect for newborns whose eyesight is still developing. Some incorporate soft sounds and slow movements to help babies focus and engage.

Where to find it: Search "infant visual stimulation" on YouTube for various free options.

4. The Wiggles Nursery Rhymes

While primarily musical, The Wiggles include lots of colourful imagery and simple, repetitive patterns that keep babies entertained. The familiar tunes also make it a hit with slightly older infants transitioning to toddlerhood.

Where to find it: YouTube and Netflix.

5. Relaxing Sensory Rainbows

These videos show gently changing rainbow lights with soft, calming music. They’re great for creating a peaceful mood and can also work as a nightlight for bedtime.

Where to find it: Available on YouTube and other video platforms.

6. Sensory Baby TV

This channel offers a wide range of sensory videos featuring colourful toys, bubbles, and playful objects moving to gentle music. It's great for entertaining your baby while promoting visual and auditory exploration.

Where to find it: Free on YouTube.

Tips for Using Sensory Videos

1. Limit screen time: Keep screen time short for children under two, around 10–15 minutes.
2. Watch together: Stay with your baby while they watch to bond and encourage interaction.
3. Prioritise real-world play: Use sensory videos as an addition to, not a replacement for, physical play and exploration.

Benefits of Sensory Videos for Your Baby

Sensory videos, with bright colours, soothing sounds, and smooth movements, provide many benefits for your baby’s development when used properly. Here’s how they can help your little one:

1. Stimulates Visual Development

High-contrast visuals and bright colours in sensory videos help babies develop their vision, especially in the early months when they are still learning to focus and differentiate between shapes and shades.

2. Enhances Auditory Skills

Gentle music, rhythmic patterns, and repetitive sounds in sensory videos help babies develop their listening skills, making it easier for them to recognise and respond to different sounds. As a result, this enhances their auditory recognition.

3. Encourages Focus and Attention

Babies are naturally drawn to moving patterns and rhythmic sequences. This helps them focus for short periods, which is an important skill for learning as they grow. In turn, it encourages their ability to concentrate.

4. Provides Comfort and Relaxation

Sensory videos with calming music and soft visuals can help soothe a fussy or overstimulated baby, offering comfort and relaxation when needed. Therefore, these videos are great for calming your little one.

5. Supports Early Cognitive Development

Exposure to sensory-rich environments stimulates a baby's brain, providing a foundation for cognitive development and sensory integration as they grow. In the long run, this helps strengthen their overall development.

6. Offers Entertainment

Sensory videos offer safe, engaging entertainment, especially during car rides or when parents need a short break. For this reason, they can be a helpful tool to keep your baby entertained in various situations.

7. Helps with Sleep Routines

Specific sensory videos, such as those featuring lullabies or ambient light patterns, can help establish a calming bedtime routine, making it easier for babies to wind down.

Important Considerations

While sensory videos have benefits, it is crucial to balance screen time with real-world interactions, hands-on play, and exploration. These activities are essential for overall development and bonding.

When used thoughtfully, sensory videos can be an excellent addition to your baby's growth journey!

You may like to read: Five reasons why a baby monitor is better than a security camera?

Conclusion

Sensory videos can be a delightful tool to keep your baby entertained while supporting early sensory development. With options like Hey Bear Sensory and Baby Einstein, you'll find plenty of choices to suit your baby's needs. Just remember to balance screen time with interactive, real-world activities for a well-rounded approach to development.

FAQs