Kiddipedia
Congratulations, You’re a Parent! Now What?
Suddenly, you have a tiny, vulnerable human who is completely reliant on you. You’ve read all the books, listened to podcasts, and received tons of advice. But now that you’re home with your baby, the reality is overwhelming! No amount of reading can prepare you for the emotional and physical rollercoaster of being solely responsible for this little person.
When we brought home my first baby—who is now a smart, well-adjusted teenager—her cry sounded like a cicada. Seriously, it was so loud and high-pitched, it convinced everyone there was a cicada loose in her bedroom. But when I searched online to decode baby cries, none of the lists described a cicada-like wail!
As my dad always said, “The baby hasn’t read the books!” Babies are unique. So while advice and research are helpful, they can’t cover every possible scenario. What’s important is providing your baby with what they truly need to thrive.
The Brain Development Basics: What Babies Need
As a brain specialist, I’ll focus on the key brain development needs for babies beyond just the physical care. Here are some ways you can support your baby’s brain growth:
Touch: Babies crave human touch—it’s crucial for brain development. When you cuddle your baby, you’re boosting their confidence, independence, and social skills. These traits are essential for toddlers and beyond. Cuddling helps your baby become more confident and encourages them to explore, setting the stage for future learning. So, hug them as much as possible!
Talk: Talk to your baby. Even though they can’t speak yet, they understand more than you think. Babies learn language by watching and mimicking your mouth and facial movements. This is all part of the brain’s ‘mirror neuron system,’ which helps them absorb how language works. Look into their eyes, speak, sing, and build the foundation for their future language skills.
Smile and Express: Babies learn emotions through facial expressions. Smile at your baby often and show a variety of expressions. Even if they don’t seem to understand, their brain is practicing those expressions for later use. It’s a vital part of emotional development.
Read Aloud: Start reading to your baby from day one. Even infants benefit from listening to you read, as it helps develop language skills and cognitive functions. Choose books with colorful pictures and interactive elements to make reading engaging and fun.
Play and Explore: Play is essential for brain development. Interactive toys like squishy mats and mobiles promote sensory development. Get down on the floor and play with your baby; your involvement enhances their learning experience.
The Role of Music: Music stimulates brain development in ways we’re still discovering. If you can play instruments, great—but even just listening to music can be beneficial. The rhythm, sounds, and emotional tone of music activate many parts of your baby’s brain, aiding cognitive development.
Avoid Distractions for Healthy Development
While these activities support healthy development, there are some things you should avoid to nurture your baby’s brain growth.
Stay Off Your Phone: It’s tempting to stay connected on your phone, but research shows that constant phone use around babies can interfere with their development. Babies learn social and emotional cues by observing their caregivers. If you’re distracted by your phone, you might miss crucial moments to engage with your baby. This can affect their speech, facial expression understanding, and emotional responses.
Keep Screens Away: Screen time can have a negative impact on brain development. Studies show that children exposed to screens at a young age are more likely to struggle with attention and focus. Early screen exposure also inhibits the development of crucial brain connections. Stick to real-world interactions—these are far more beneficial for your baby.
Get Outside: Nature is incredibly beneficial for your baby’s development. Time spent outdoors boosts cognitive function and mental health, while also supporting emotional resilience. Taking your baby outside regularly not only benefits them, but you’ll also enjoy the fresh air and bonding time.
Every Baby is Unique
Remember, your baby is one-of-a-kind. They haven’t read the books or listened to the podcasts! Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if they don’t match the “average.” Focus on giving them love, attention, and the right environment, and they’ll grow into a confident, healthy, and happy toddler.
Good luck, enjoy every moment, and remember to cherish the ride!
Dr Mark Williams
Dr Mark is an internationally recognised neuroscience professor who has worked with thousands of students, teachers, and health professionals keen to understand how their brain works. He has taught the fundamentals of neuroscience to a wide range of students, as well as publishing more than 70 scientific articles and worked at MIT in the USA and multiple universities in Australia. His new book “The Connected Species: How the evolution of the human brain can save the world” is a #1 best seller.
Email: drmark@drmarkwilliams.com
Website: https://www.drmarkwilliams.com/
