How to support your baby’s brain development

The brain is made up of several regions that control everything we do: listening, walking, solving problems or feeling feelings. Each region contains millions of brain cells called neurons. These neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages to each other in tiny spaces called synapses. When messages are sent repeatedly, new connections are made to form “neural pathways”. These passages are the “wiring” of the brain. In the first few years of a baby’s life, these connections form at an accelerated rate.

But how does this development happen? In fact, parents have an important role to play in helping their baby’s brain develop. This doesn’t require special equipment or toys, and it’s easier than you think!

Did you know that…?
At birth, your baby’s brain connections are not yet well established. They are still malleable and can be modified or created based on what’s going on around your baby. It’s everyday experiences, such as playing, reading, learning, interacting and reacting to people, that help your baby’s brain develop.

The quality of these connections, and therefore the development of your child’s brain, will affect your child’s ability to learn language and solve problems, as well as his or her success in school. Later on, this development may influence your baby’s physical and emotional health and relationships with others.
Relationships are essential. Warm, consistent and positive relationships support your baby’s brain development and protect him or her from the negative effects of stress.
Even infants can experience stress when their living or playing environment is scary or unsafe. Toxic” stress, which is much more serious than the temporary stress experienced on a daily basis, can be caused by long-term problems such as severe family conflict, poverty, abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, parental drug or alcohol abuse, or untreated mental illness in a parent. This toxic stress affects your baby’s brain development. It can lead to physical, emotional and learning problems that start in childhood and may persist into adulthood. If you are concerned about what you are experiencing at home, talk to your doctor or your baby’s doctor.

As your baby’s brain develops, she needs :
Interactive, loving and positive experiences. Your baby’s everyday experiences contribute to brain development, whether they are related to daily routines or interactions with people around him. Babies need to live and play in healthy places where they have opportunities to learn and grow. They need your help to learn to recognize fatigue, stress, hunger, or the desire to be stroked or cuddled. When you respond warmly and predictably to your baby’s signs and establish routines, you help your baby feel safe. He’ll understand that he can rely on you when he’s sick, sad or scared. Babies rely on their parents and caregivers to meet their needs in a warm, caring and consistent way.

Participate in fun activities. Talking, reading and singing to your baby is an easy and fun way to help your baby develop. So are simple games such as lying on your stomach to play on the floor with your young baby or playing peek-a-boo with your five-month-old.
Eat healthy foods. If you are able to breastfeed, breast milk is the best food for your baby until six months of age (and even after that, with other complementary foods). Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, remember that feeding your baby is another opportunity to support your baby’s brain development by providing positive experiences: making eye contact, smiling and sticking up to you. As your baby grows, be sure to offer foods rich in iron and a variety of nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables (below are links to healthy eating resources).

Your baby doesn’t need expensive toys. The loving, smiling faces of the adults who interact with him are his BEST toys. Many electronic toys, DVDs and television programs for babies are supposed to be “educational”, but there is no research to prove that they promote healthy eating.

Warm, consistent and positive relationships support your baby’s brain development and protect him or her from the negative effects of stress.
Your baby’s daily experiences contribute to brain development, whether they are related to daily routines or interactions with people around her.
Your baby’s brain is continually developing. This growth begins during pregnancy and continues into early adulthood. But to develop properly, the brain needs a solid foundation.