As you help your baby learn about the world and develop their senses, don’t neglect the sense of smell! Your infant is born with an acute sense of smell already, but new items will be a delight.

While she was happy and alert today, I sat Veronika down for this little game, and gathered together a plate of items with strong smells.

The vanilla bean was a great hit. Her eyes went wide.

Hmm, she wasn’t so sure about pungent nutmeg.

Cloves also got a big wide-eyed look; offer the whole jar in this case, since the cloves are so tiny.

She also really seemed to love the rosemary.

And was tickled pink for fresh lavender.

Fresh flowers make a great option, too.

As you play, definitely let your little one feel the items as well (just be sure to supervise closely, as several are choking hazards).

Since the sense of smell is strongly linked to memory, I had the fond thought that these scents might imprint in her brain. Will vanilla forevermore take her back to a feeling of infancy and comfort, now? It’s a nice thought!