Exploring Smells with Fruits

What you'll need

Baby seated in parent's lap or propped up comfortably. Have 3-4 items with different strong scents ready — fruits, herbs, flowers. Items should be safe and non-irritating.

How it works

1. 1~25s

   Let's start with something sweet — try an orange or banana. Hold it a few inches from your child's nose and let them get a good whiff. Watch their face very closely. Does your child change expression at all? You might see eyes widen, a little smile, a wrinkled nose, or they might lean toward it or pull away. Tell me what happens.

   Watch for: Baby shows facial expression changes in response to a new scent — indicating the ability to communicate preferences nonverbally.

2. 2~30s

   Now let's try something very different — maybe the mint or a piece of lemon. After your child gets a whiff, compare their reaction to the first scent. Does they respond the same way or differently? Also watch your child's arms and body — does they move toward the scent or wave their arms with excitement? Or pull back?

   Watch for: Baby moves arms or body in response to something interesting — showing physical expression of interest or excitement.

3. 3~30s

   For our last round, let's go back and present two scents that your child has already smelled — the one they seemed to like most and the one they liked least. Offer each one again briefly. Does your child show the same reaction as before? Does they seem to remember or recognise the scent? Watch for any signs of recognition — maybe they gets excited before the item is even close, or turns away from the one they didn't like.

   Watch for: Baby communicates likes and dislikes through facial expressions and body language when re-presented with scents.

Visual example