A Baby's Brain- how to boost development from newborn to 6 months.

Did you know that during pregnancy, the basic framework of a babies brain is formed. The different parts of the brain are in place, for example the brain stem, thalamus, and cerebellum. This initial development also provides basic brain functions that help the baby live. After birth the brain is still immature in that the connections between different parts of the brain are not yet formed. The literature also says that to some extent formation of the connections depend on exposure to our environment--through relationships and experiences. So just think about what you do and what environment your baby is in.

 

Babies learn to talk through you, they learn by hearing language and having a "conversation." Between the ages of 6-12 months, babies begin to fine-tune their ability to perceive the speech sounds of their native language as opposed to non-native language. Finally did you know that, a baby's brain has the greatest density of brain synapses by age 3! I just think that is amazing. So here a few things you can do to a baby form newborn to 6 months of age and beyond.

• Massage your baby after bathing, it's relaxing for you and your baby and it bonds you closer.
• While you are changing, carrying, pushing the stroller or when ever just being together just talk to your baby. Tell her what you are doing. She will learn about your language and how to speak it from you.
• Sing to your baby. With the repetition of the same songs your baby will learn new words. Also, do not worry if you do no have the best voice in the world, he wont mind!
• Show your baby picture books, initially they will not respond but as they get older you will notice them looking for the books for you to read.
• Play games with your baby. Peek-a-boo teaches a baby about object permanence and that even if he can't see you, you are still there, plus it's a load of fun for both of you. What about "Old McDonald" that's a great song that you can really get involved in what ever age.

• Imitate facial expressions and sounds. You may even catch her poking her tongue out at you.
• Vary your baby's positions every half hour when she is awake. Sit her on your lap, lay her on her front and then back, put her in her stroller and take her out, even sit in her baby carrier. This will expose her to different areas of her environment and also help so she doesn't get bored.
• To practice her hearing take a rattle and shake it off to one side and behind her etc. She will begin to focus her hearing to find where the object is.
• Give baby lots of different things to touch. Even when you go for a walk show her the leaves, large pebbles etc.
• Give baby several safe toys to explore with her mouth, vary these toys throughout the day.
• Point out animals in the environment, state the name and tell baby the sound. Sometimes baby will pick up the sounds long before she will actually be able to say the name.
• Take baby for walks to give her fresh air and introduce her to new experiences, through sites and sounds.

As you can do the things mentioned are very simple and inexpensive things that you and your baby can do. Plus you know that you are doing something to help your babies brain develop.

(Sources: essortment.com, yourbabycanread.com)