Effects of Multisensory Stimulation on Preterm Infant Development
Stimulating multiple senses at once in premature babies may increase weight gain before hospital discharge, but evidence remains limited on whether it improves long-term development or survival rates.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Multisensory interventions involve activating two or more senses—such as hearing, touch, and smell—simultaneously in preterm infants.
- Data from 19 studies show small increases in total weight gain before leaving the hospital, though clinical significance is uncertain.
- Critical outcomes like major developmental disabilities at 18 to 24 months remain largely unstudied or inconclusive.
Providing positive sensory experiences during rapid neonatal brain growth supports memory formation and emotional regulation. Multisensory stimulation engages hearing through a parent’s voice or soothing music, touch via massage, smell and taste using breast milk or maternal scent, balance through gentle rocking, and sight via soft, cycled lighting.
Evaluating Multisensory Stimulation in Premature Infants
Researchers examined whether multisensory stimulation compared against standard care or single-sense touch interventions helps newborns survive, grow, and develop without severe deficits. Nineteen studies involving 1,544 premature babies met inclusion criteria up to November 28, 2025. Eighteen trials compared multisensory methods with standard care, while one evaluated multisensory care against touch alone.
Ten investigations focused on brain and behavioral development. The remaining nine analyzed weight gain metrics, neonatal intensive care unit length of stay, total hospitalization duration, time required to achieve full oral feeding, and days of respiratory support.
Infants Show Slight Weight Gains Before Discharge
Infants receiving multisensory stimulation showed potential for increased total weight gain prior to hospital discharge. However, the observed effect remains small and its ultimate clinical significance is unclear. When comparing multisensory care directly to single-sense touch stimulation during the intervention window, data were insufficient to determine whether multi-sensory approaches produced superior weight gains.
Evidence regarding mortality is similarly constrained. Data from one large study indicated that multisensory stimulation may result in little to no difference in death rates before hospital discharge.
Long-Term Developmental Milestones and Evidence Limitations
None of the studies comparing multisensory stimulation to standard care tracked major developmental disabilities at 18 to 24 months of age, such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, cognitive limitations, blindness, or deafness. Only a single small study assessed cerebral palsy at 12 months, rendering the evidence regarding neurological risk highly uncertain. Thirteen additional studies remain ongoing, with four more awaiting full assessment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.