My baby’s brain growth
A baby’s brain starts to develop early in pregnancy – even before most people know they are pregnant.
Your baby’s healthy brain development depends on:
- nutrition from healthy foods during pregnancy and for your baby after birth (breastfeeding is ideal)
- stimulation from loving interactions and reliable caregiving that responds to your baby’s needs
- protection from stress such as abuse, neglect, and violence
Most babies’ early experiences are with their parents and other family members. How people interact with babies influences how their brains will grow. The exciting news is that parents naturally do many things that support healthy development. Things like talking, holding, singing, playing, comforting, and protecting children from harm are all important.
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For people and for trees, a healthy start lays the foundation for a healthy life. Watch this video to hear more.
Pour les gens comme pour les arbres, il faut un bon départ pour grandir sainement. Visionnez cette vidéo pour en savoir plus.
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- When I watch, listen, and respond to my baby,
- I am helping to build my baby’s brain.
- This also helps my baby feel important.
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- My baby’s brain is growing quickly.
- Between birth and age one, my baby’s brain size will more than double.
- By age two my baby’s brain will be ¾ of its adult size.
- Experiences build my baby’s brain every day.
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- All my toddler’s experiences help their brain cells make connections.
- When I help my toddler have lots of safe, interesting experiences,
- When I talk about the things my toddler notices,
- I am helping them learn and I am promoting brain development.
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- The warmth and closeness of my child on my lap supports their brain development.
- Singing a familiar song with actions supports my child’s language development.
- When my child starts to sing along, I know they are learning new words and enjoying the music.
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