Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than any other time in their life. Each day they are discovering how the world works, understanding both verbal and nonverbal communication, learning both fine motor and gross motor skills, how their bodies work, and how they relate to others around them. As parents, we want to create a nurturing environment that can help encourage learning and make the baby feel safe and loved. Here are some tips to help boost your baby’s brain power.
Talk Baby Talk to Help Your Baby Learn
One of the best ways to boost your child’s developing language skills is to talk to them. Babies love to hear your voice, listen to the infections in your tone, and watch your facial expressions. Not sure what to say? Talk to your child about the world around them as you explore together. On a walk you can point out the trees and the sky or whether the breeze feels hot or cold. Sing songs or recite nursery rhymes to your child. Heather Lewis, mom of three and music teacher suggests incorporating music through singing lullabies and playing music in the car. “I used to sing the alphabet song, recite the pledge of allegiance, recite our address and phone number while they were strapped in the stroller on walks or in the car.” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. You can even use diaper changing time to smile, talk, and sing to your child. A great way to have some social time with other new parents and expose your baby to language is to take a parent and baby class.
Boost Your Baby’s Brain Development by Reading Books
Reading books with your child is a great way to help them learn new things. Bright, colorful books or books with contrasting colors are fun to look at. Point out objects, shapes, and colors as you read. Mom and preschool teacher, Kara Thomas, suggests printing high contrast cards and hanging them by your baby’s changing table. Use reading time to snuggle with your child and let them know they are loved. Babies’ attention spans are short so don’t stress if they quickly lose patience with reading. The act of reading and interacting with them, even for a short time, still makes a difference.
A Healthy Baby Diet Helps Your Baby’s Brain
A diet that includes healthy protein, fruits and vegetables are important to fuel your child’s growing brain. It’s also important to make sure the baby is getting adequate rest both at night and during regular naps. This will help your baby be fresh and ready to take in the world when they wake up.
Snuggles Help Baby Build Social-Emotional Health
One of the most important ways you can boost your child’s brain development is to make them feel safe and loved. “I consoled them and held them whenever they were upset.” says Angela Leaver, mom and early childhood education teacher. “I think this helps them form a healthy attachment to their parents. Social-emotional health is super important.”. You can not “spoil” a baby by holding them too much. Physical touch is vital in showing your children that they are loved and safe and helps your baby’s brain grow and develop. Learn to recognize your baby’s cries with these parenting tips.
Be A Role Model for Your Baby
If you are stressed, angry, or sad your baby will respond to your emotions. Creating a space that is safe for your baby to explore the world around them and experience the highs and lows of their emotions and how to appropriately respond to those feelings is important for your child’s development. Take care of your physical and mental he
alth so you can provide the best environment for your child. You can also model good communication skills, the importance of reading, and other healthy choices that will encourage your child’s development as well.
During the first few years of life your child is learning to talk, walk, and learn how the world works. They also learn that they are loved, cared for, and safe. Teresa Marshall, grandmother and postpartum doula, says “Finger play, action songs like Peek-a-boo, reading, tummy time, baby wearing, massage, and water play.” are just a few ideas parents can incorporate to help babies’ brains grow. In a short time your child will be running, laughing, playing, and reading their own books. You can give them a solid foundation by interacting with them and stimulating their already curious minds.
Read more parenting articles in our Health, Education, Family Fun and Food & Home sections and get great baby tips like introducing baby to a new sibling and how to handle teething.
JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, is a mom of four and Co-Founder of CharlottesvilleFamily. A believer in hands-on learning and an avid gardener. Beehives, a fruit & vegi plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.
