Did you know, at birth, your baby's brain contains 100 billion neurons (equivalent to the number of stars in the Milky Way!)?

 

Throughout the early years of your baby's life, they will develop an astonishing number of neural synapses, which are the connections between brain cells. However, there is an important rule at play: if these synapses are not actively stimulated, they will be pruned and lost as the child grows older. While infants do possess certain innate neurological connections, such as the capacity to learn any language, their brains are considerably more adaptable and susceptible compared to those of adults. It is truly remarkable that a toddler's brain possesses twice as many neural connections as an adult's.

 

Understanding how speaking and engaging with your baby can help them build upon these neural connections and keep them stimulated is critical as a parent. To ensure that your child has the best chances of success in the future, here is what you should know:

 

We see you! Get exclusive access to the best parenting advice from experts. Sign up today.

 

Related story: I Just Had A Baby And I'm Feeling Stressed And Overwhelmed

 

 

What is baby talk?

Baby talk helps your child to start early in life. The silly and cute talk with toddlers that parents and caregivers say can actually have a huge impact, even though it may not feel like it at the time. Adults tend to repeat the same words often so that infants can develop an understanding of these words. For instance, some use facial expressions, raise eyebrows or smile a lot while trying to talk to a baby. In other words, babies not only can hear baby talk but also see the expressions that accompany the words.

 

Related story: How To Soothe A Crying Baby: Tricks For New Parents

 

Why is the baby talk important?

When meeting a baby, many of us are naturally inclined to engage in baby talk. Therefore, parents should begin practising baby talk early to familiarise themselves with appropriate techniques. A 2020 study by UNICEF shows that baby talk plays a crucial role in facilitating a unique bond and connection between infants and their parents, generating feelings of love, security, and comfort. Additionally, baby talk stimulates the developing brains of babies, preparing them for the complex effort of language acquisition.

 

Related story: Kangaroo Care---The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Care For Newborns

 

Incorporating baby talk into your daily routines with your baby is most effective and convenient for brain development. According to a 2023 study by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, activities such as feeding, bathing, and playing provide ideal opportunities for practising baby talk. To introduce some variety to your conversations, you can try describing pictures in books or narrating details about your baby's beloved toys, which they will greatly enjoy.

 

This, in turn, promotes the development of robust language skills, reasoning abilities, and planning skills in your child. Employing simple strategies can greatly contribute to ensuring that your young child's brain is well-prepared for the years of learning that lie ahead.

 

Related story: Baby Skincare 101: What to Do And What to Avoid

 

Parenting Advice to Improve Babies' Brain Development

When it comes to your baby's language development, understanding spoken words is actually more important than speaking them in the early stages. Your little one's growing brain is like a sponge, soaking up all the information around them. So, when your baby does something cute or makes a sound, make sure you respond to them in a consistent and reassuring way. By being predictable and using appropriate reactions, you're helping their brain make sense of the world. So, keep up the good work and remember, consistency is key!

 

1. Engage in interactive activities

Regularly interact with your baby through playtime, singing, talking, and gentle touch. These interactions stimulate their brain and promote cognitive development.

 

2. Read to your baby

Even at a young age, reading to your baby has numerous benefits. It exposes them to language, improves listening skills, and fosters a love for books and learning. According to a 2023 study by the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, parents who daily and consistently read to their infants from as early as the first year of life, help improve the child's language score.  

 

3. Provide a stimulating environment

Create a safe and stimulating environment for your baby with age-appropriate toys, colours, textures, and sounds. This encourages exploration and sensory development.

 

4. Establish routines

Consistent daily routines help babies feel secure and promote brain development. Predictable patterns of activities such as feeding, sleeping, and playtime provide a sense of structure and stability.

 

5. Foster social interactions

Regularly expose your baby to positive social interactions with family members, caregivers, and other children. This helps develop social and emotional skills.

 

6. Encourage exploration and curiosity

As per a 2022 study by the University of Georgia, through play, babies explore their environment and make sense of new and different information. The experiences babies have during play help strengthen and expand networks of connections in their developing brains.

 

7. Show love and affection

Shower your baby with love, hugs, and affection. Emotional connections and secure attachments contribute significantly to healthy brain development.

 

Since every baby is unique, it's important to observe and respond to your baby's individual needs and interests.

 

We see you! Get exclusive access to the best parenting advice from experts. Sign up today.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are about to deliver or already have a baby. Taking regular health checks can help with brain development of infants at an early years. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.