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Boost Baby’s Brain Power

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            Your baby’s brain grows faster from birth to 5 years than any other time in his life. Each day babies 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 our baby feel safe and loved. Here are some tips to help boost your baby’s brain power.

            Baby talk

            One of the best ways to boost infants’ developing language skills is to talk to them. Babies love to hear your voice, listen to the inflections in your tone and watch your facial expressions. Not sure what to say? Talk to your child about the world around you 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, music teacher and a mom of three, suggests incorporating music through singing lullabies and playing music in the car. “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.

            Book club

            Reading books with your child is a great way to help her 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. Shawnee 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 him know he is loved. Babies' attention spans are short, so don’t stress if they quickly lose patience with reading. The act of reading and interacting with each other and the book, even for a short time, still makes a difference.

            Healthy choices

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. Plenty of sleep will help your baby be fresh and ready to take in the world when she wakes up.

            Snuggle

          One of the most important ways you can boost your child’s brain development is to make him feel safe and loved. “I consoled them and held them whenever they were upset,” says Angela Leaver, Olathe mom and teacher. “I think this helps them form a healthy attachment to their parents. Social emotional health is super important.” You cannot “spoil” babies by holding them too much. Physical touch is vital in showing your children that they are loved and safe, and touch helps your baby’s brain grow and develop.

            Role model

            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 her and experience the highs and lows of her 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 as well.

            During the first few years of life, your child is learning to talk, walk and understand how the world works. Your baby also learns that he is loved, cared for and safe. Teresa Marshall, Overland Park grandmother and postpartum doula, says that “finger play, action songs like peekaboo, 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 her own books. You can give little ones a solid foundation by interacting with them and stimulating their already curious minds.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

            Your baby’s brain development starts during pregnancy. It’s important for expecting mothers to make healthy choices during pregnancy to give the baby the best start in life.

Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six, including 7-year-old triplets.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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