Boost Baby’s Brain Power 

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 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.

Talking and singing helps your baby develop language skills

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, a music teacher and mother of three, suggests incorporating music through singing lullabies and playing music in the car. Stephanie Looux, also a mother of three, says, “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.

One of the most important ways to boost your child’s brain development is to make them feel safe and loved. Photo by Kimberly Parodi.

Reading to your child expands their world

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.

Healthy diet and adequate rest prepare babies for learning

A diet that includes healthy protein, fruits and vegetables is 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.

Feeling safe supports babies’ healthy brain development

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.” You cannot “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. “Strong social emotional health and attachment provides the foundation for healthy relationships and communication,” says Anna Bauer, Executive Director of First 5 Butte County. “Caregivers who consistently respond to their children are setting them up for lifelong success.”

Take care of yourself so you can take care of 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 health 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.

During the first few years of life, your child is learning to talk, walk and understand 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 (carrying baby in a body-hugging sling), 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.