A baby’s brain begins to develop right inside the womb in the first trimester. The nerve connections that develop help the baby move inside the womb. By the end of the third trimester, the cerebral cortex connects with the brain stem, preparing the baby for future learning. Their brain continues to develop for several years, and the experiences they face during their growth phase determine their personality as they grow. In other words, their brain development determines the type of adult they will become.
The neurons continue to grow, supporting the baby throughout the brain development phase. Parents need to create a supportive, loving and gentle environment for the baby that helps in the baby’s brain development. As the brain develops, they learn about their environment, and ‘play’ is one of their learning methods. Several other factors influence babies’ brain development, including health status, the food being fed, genetic makeup, parent-child relationship quality, the activity of the baby, and the experience of the baby in the immediate environment.
This article explores how parents can support their baby’s brain development. As parents, it is essential to understand that the baby’s first year is about cognitive and physical growth. Hence, parents need to indulge in activities with the baby that will keep them active throughout the day.
Phases of brain development
The brain development of a baby has several phases. These developmental achievements aid in understanding the signs and symptoms of the rate of brain development. Milestones could act as checkpoints for parents to assess how their child’s brain is affected by their environment and relationship with their primary caregivers. Let us explore some of the milestones that, as a parent, you should observe in your child as signs of brain development.
- Vision: They can see and recognize objects. If they can realise their parents as they get closer, this is a sign that your child’s brain is developing.
- Hearing: You start calling your baby by name, and they respond to you.
- Fine motor skills: Control and coordination of small muscles of fingers, cheeks, and eyes. Regular blinking, yawning, crying to ask for attention or food, are signs that your baby’s brain is developing.
- Gross motor skills: The little and significant movements of the baby as they start crawling, sitting, kneeling, or spoon-feeding themselves, are all signs of the baby’s brain development.
- Speech and language: The continuous babbling and the first few words they speak are clear signs of baby growth.
- Social and emotional development: Babies can socially interact as their brains develop. They can play with toys and respond to small questions you or others ask in the environment. They start speaking to you in their babbling language as you converse.
Ways to support your baby during brain development
Parents play a vital role in the lives of their babies. Supporting them during their developmental stage helps them build a bond of love and respect. They also feel close to their parents as they are supported during their entire brain developmental phase. Being there for the baby as they grow also aids in emotional solid development, one of the primary developmental areas in the brain development process.
Below are some of the ways you can support your child in developing their brain as they grow:
- Reading stories: As you read stories to your baby, they develop their hearing. They learn to speak as they observe you talk about every word as you narrate the story.
- Playing music: Babies also develop hearing abilities through music, and they even learn to dance, involving their small and big muscles as they dance their way. Dancing with or supporting them in dancing actions could help them develop their brains.
- Games: Playing games has always helped develop a baby’s brain. They start thinking critically and curiously about the toys in front of them. They explore them and learn how to play with them. As parents, you can teach them how to play with the toys as they learn from you by seeing.
- Provide comfort when needed: Babies often feel stressed if they drop a toy or cannot hold it. Having them and making them feel at ease occasionally as they develop their coping mechanisms is essential. This also aids in developing emotions, as several studies show that supportive caregivers handle stress more effectively, knowing they have parents by their side.
- Food: Parents should know that their babies should have foods that give them adequate nutrition for brain development. It is always good to consult the paediatrician or dietician to understand the best food for their babies. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be in the correct quantity per their daily nutritional requirements. Keeping a balanced, healthy diet can help children with brain development as they grow.
Parents play a vital role in developing a baby’s brain as they support them as they grow. Considering the different milestones as signs of growth, parents should be aware of any possibility of delay in the milestones.
At Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, we support the journey of brain development as students grow by teaching them vital life skills. Additionally, we help children through music, dance, and the arts to enhance their brain development over time. Contact us today for a brighter future for your child.
