Follow these 5 simple rules to support your baby’s brain development:
- Help your baby get enough sleep. REM sleep is especially important as it is believed to help a baby’s brain digest and store all the information it receives while awake. Babies spend 80% of their sleep time in REM sleep, while adultsHelp your baby get enough sleep. REM sleep is especially important as it is believed to help a baby’s brain digest and store all the information it receives while awake. Babies spend 80% of their sleep time in REM sleep, while adults
- Talk to your baby. This helps to build a close bond between you and is essential for later literacy development in that it builds phonological awareness and vocabulary.
- Touch your baby. Babies’ brains are especially wired to seek out and respond to tactile stimulation. Infant massage may be particularly beneficial in this regard.
- Make sure your baby gets the right nutrients. Your baby’s brain needs sufficient levels of DHA (a long chain fatty acid which belongs to the Omega 3 fatty acid group and cannot be produced by the body); ARA (a long chain fatty acid belonging to the Omega 6 group; Iron and Iodine. Keep your baby away from harmful toxins such as PVC, Mercury and Lead. Some research shows that alcohol consumption may reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
- Look at your baby. Babies are naturally drawn to and amused by faces and generally display signs of recognition of familiar faces at about 2 months.
