A baby’s brain makes more than 1 million new neural connections EVERY SECOND in the first few years of life. The connections that form early provide either a strong or weak foundation for the connections that form later. By helping young children develop stronger, more extensive brain cell connections, we create smarter, more productive kids, and ultimately a more prosperous community.
Caring adults and nurturing environments support positive, strong brain architecture. Here are a few tips on what you can do boost your baby’s brain.
- Encourage hands-on experiences. Nothing builds a brain better than experiencing something first hand. Watch Brain-Building Activities.
- Building brains through repetition.
- Stimulate young minds. Read, talk, sing, and play with your child every day.
- Do activities that engage your child. Ones that include touching, talking, listening, tasting, smelling, singing, looking, and playing.
- Implement variety. Frequent new experiences and challenges “feed” the brain and enhance its growth.
- For Baby’s Brain to Benefit – read the right books at the right time .
- Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Development – Q&A about brain development especially for parents and other caregivers, how experiences in the first three years of life can dramatically shape and support brain development into adulthood.
- Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development from Birth – see what you can do in everyday moments to help your baby develop healthy brain connections.
- Babies on Track Preview — for more about Babies on Track, two baby board books with an Alaska theme and a 14-minute DVD for parents, click here.
