Baby Brain Development

Interesting Facts

As scientists continue to study the brain's development, their findings continue to fascinate and educate others.

1. The first years of life are the most important in brain development.
2. The amount of stimulation your child receives directly impacts the amount of synapses that are formed within his brain.
3. The creation of these synapses are virtually complete after the first three years of a baby's life.
4. Babies prefer high contrast images and pictures. This is why you see baby's books and toys decorated in bright colors!
5. You aren't the only one who wants your child to learn. Your baby has an inate need to learn, also!
6. Your baby's environment will play a huge role in his brain development.
7. Visual stimulation plays an important role in stimulating your baby's curiosity, concentration and attentiveness.
8. While toys and books are wonderful stimulants, simple interaction between you and your child is the best way to help his brain develop!

Helping Baby Brain Development

There are simple and fun activities you can do to help stimulate your child's brain development.

1. Read! Read! Read! Not only are you teaching your baby new words, but you are also stimulating his curiosity in the world around him. Reading is very important and it should be begin as soon as your child is born, if not before!
2. Talk to your baby on a daily basis. Point out both familiar and strange objects and repeat their names. Talk to him about what you are doing and what he is doing.
3. Respond to your baby's needs as quickly as possible. When you do, you are teaching him the value of language, not just verbally but emotionally.
4. Babies need to be loved and touched. Spend lots of time cuddling your little one. Give him lots of kisses and hugs throughout the day. Your love will teach him to love others. It will give him confidence and make him feel secure in the world around him.
5. Discover new experiences with your baby. Take him for walks. Let him go with you to new places, such as the library, grocery store, movies, etc.
6. Play with your baby. Sing silly songs, and make up funny games. Babies love to imitate, and you can encourage this by playing simple games with your child.
7. Give your baby opportunities to explore. Take him outside, and give him room to crawl or run. Of course, you always want to keep him out of danger, but don't constantly tell him "No!" or pull him away from things.

Baby Brain Development Milestones

There are several major milestones that will occur in your baby's brain during the first three years of his life.

1. Birth to Eight Months-He'll learn to respond to the stimuli and noise around him.
2. Eight to Ten Months-She'll begin to retain specific memories of how to accomplish a particular activity.
3. Ten to Twelve Months-He'll respond regularly to your high-pitched, sing-song tone of voice.
4. Twelve to Eighteen Months-Her memory will expand, allowing her to retrieve hidden objects.
5. Eighteen to Twenty-four Months-He will remember faces clearly in his mind.
6. Twenty-four to Thirty-six Months-She will be acutely aware of her surroundings, and she will have a widely recognized range of emotions.

Yes, your little one is growing in leaps and bounds. Have fun helping him learn and develop every day!