Supporting Early Brain Development in Your Child

Supporting early brain development in your child

As a parent or parent-to-be, it’s only natural that you’ll want the very best for your child; from providing healthy meals and spending time with your little one, to introducing a range of toys and resources, every moment is an opportunity to bond with your baby, and each day a chance for them to learn something new.

According to research, a child will develop some 700 new neural connections each second of every day, while her brain will process more during the first three years of life than it will in a lifetime. Whether they’re learning language or motor skills, or exploring relationships and consequences, now is the time to support your child’s voyage of discovery in every way possible. Below are just some of the ways that you can start that journey now.

Giving your child the best start

The kind of start that your infant has will determine the adult they become; numerous studies have shown that parental support is pivotal in these formative years, and that brain development really does rely upon adults’ guidance at every stage. From early eye contact and encouraging a child to imitate your movements, facial expressions, and sounds, to providing a healthy diet and stable environment, there are numerous ways that you, as a parent, can support your child’s early brain development, motor skills, and ability to nurture relationships. The key is consistency, and approaching as many avenues as you can in the time you spend together; there is no end to a child’s ability to learn new things, and as they grow, their brains develop in very different ways; the adult your child becomes, and the experiences they enjoy, all start at this moment – and with you as their parent.

Communicate with your child at every opportunity

Regardless of how silly you feel talking to your baby, it is absolutely vital that you begin those first attempts at communicating with your little one now; early communication will inspire language skills and develop the brain’s capacity for learning. Remember to remain attentive at all times. React to your infant’s gurgles, gestures, and facial expressions, regardless of whether they mean anything at this point. Communicate with your baby as you complete simple tasks, such as turning a light on and off, or cooking meals, as this will help them to associate words and actions, and allow them to explore replication as they get older, as well as adapting to routines.

Read with your little one

There are few resources as precious as books, and even fewer opportunities for bonding quite like reading at bedtime. Reading with your child from infancy will help her brain to develop vital language skills and a keen creative interest, while that moment of closeness will encourage a loving and nurturing relationship between parent and tot. Once you’ve found a story that your child enjoys, encourage her to recount details, or ask her to create her own tales; an active imagination is incredibly healthy for brain development.

Provide a well-stocked toy box

Age-appropriate toys from a variety of stores and ranges will ensure that your child is getting the very best of each world; from toys that nurture the imagination and a child’s grasp of the world, to those that will develop motor skills, language, and logic, there are so many playthings to choose from these days. Choose items that both you and your baby love to play with, and always take the time to understand what vital skills a toy can offer before making your purchase.

Stimulate your baby’s senses

From those very first moments, your baby will rely upon her developing senses to tell her more about the world; from colors and shapes, to textures and tastes, very few things will get past those eagle eyes, fumbling fingers, or sharp tongue, once they begin to focus and reach out. Such concepts are fantastic for brain development, and will teach your baby all about opposites, and how to use her senses. Play mats are a wonderful way to introduce a variety of shapes, colors, textures, noises, and experiences, as well as the ideas of playtime. Once she is old enough, you will soon find that your baby loves her play mat, while her playtime will give you precious moments to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Music at play and bedtime

From silly songs and nursery rhymes, to lullabies and action songs, music is a fantastic way for babies to learn, and for you to encourage enjoyment during a variety of occasions. Nursery rhymes in particular have been credited with assisting the brain’s understanding of language, while lullabies can soothe and create a peaceful environment in which your baby can relax and recharge. Music is also a wonderful way to spend time together, and silliness should be encouraged; making up dance routines, leaping around the bedroom, and singing together can help your child’s personality and sense of humor to develop, while rhythm and rhyme have been associated with the propensity to learn.

Create a positive atmosphere

There’s a lot to be said for organizing a wealth of activities for your child and ensuring you’re getting out and about together, but the kind of atmosphere you choose to create can do so much to support her brain’s development. By encouraging creativity and questioning, and using positive reinforcement during discipline, your child can engage with the world without fear and confusion, and she will learn so much if she’s made to feel that each day is an adventure. What kind of example can you set for your little one?

Nourish your baby with healthy treats

We all know that healthy eating is vital for wellbeing, but did you know that the kinds of foods your child eats could also affect her brain development? Provide healthy, age-appropriate meals and snacks for your child, and always give her access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Hydration is also important, so provide water during the day and milk to soothe at bedtime – prior to teeth cleaning, of course. A well-fed and hydrated brain is one that is ready to learn, after all.