Mother is playing with her little baby on the bed, baby is just getting teeth in
Education, Health

How To Boost Baby’s Brain Power

words by Sarah Lyons
Simple Activities to Do At Home to Boost Infant Development

Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to five years old than at 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. You can even use diaper changing time to smile, talk, and sing to your child.

Pro Tip: 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.

dad and mom cuddling newborn baby

How Diet and Sleep Help Your Baby’s Brain

In the first few months of baby’s life, they should get their nutrition from breastmilk, formula, or a mix of both. Once they start eating solid foods, incorporating a healthy, varied diet into their daily life will boost their growing brain. Introduce a mix of healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

Sleep is another important part of your baby’s development, growth, and learning. Remember, babies need lots more sleep than adults do! Eight hours a day isn’t enough. Aim for ten or more hours of total sleep time through daytime naps and nighttime sleep.

Emotional Health Fuels Learning and Growing

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.”

During the first few years of life, your child is learning to talk, walk, and understand the world. They also learn that they are loved and safe. No matter what you’ve heard, you can not “spoil” a baby by holding them too much. Physical touch is vital in showing your children that they are cared for, and it helps your baby’s brain grow and develop.

Teresa Marshall, grandmother and postpartum doula, says that 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.

Be A Role Model for Your Baby

Babies 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 is important for your child’s development. Remember, your child is learning by watching! When you model how to handle difficult emotions, good communication skills, and other healthy choices will encourage your child’s development as well.

Resources To Guide You Through Pregnancy & Beyond:

Find more parenting tips on raising your healthy, happy baby, including finding a pediatrician, introducing baby to a new sibling, and choosing a Charlottesville daycare.

Stay connected to even more resources by signing up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. And be sure to get to know the terrific local businesses we feature and support them whenever you can.

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.