Week 10: 10 ways to grow your newborn baby's brain

When your baby is born, trillions of connections are made in his brain. The first year of your baby’s life is truly a window of opportunity during which early experiences can make a lifelong impact.

Your baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year and keeps growing to about 80 percent of adult size by age three, but here’s the thing: The rule for brain wiring is to use it or lose it.

To support your newborn’s growing brain, your baby needs:

1. Your attention

   Responding to your crying baby will soothe and reassure him which will allow his brain to focus on making positive connections.
   
   
2. A loving touch
   
Gently touching and cuddling your baby will lower his stress levels and enhance his feelings of well-being. Studies have shown that babies who are not often touched have brains that are smaller than normal for their age.
   
   
3. To hear your voice

   Responding to your baby’s coo’s not only soothes them, but the areas of the brain responsible for understanding speech and producing language need your input.
   
   
4. Experience gentle movement

   Playing games that requires movement helps your baby experience the world around him and develop his gross motor skills all while stretching out after 9 months in your womb.
   
   
5. A routine
   Babies thrive when they know what to expect. You don’t have to watch the clock all day long to follow a strict routine, but rather have a more predictable rhythm to your day
   
   
6. An early passion for books

   Get your baby excited about books from birth by choosing books with large and colourful pictures.
   
   
7. Time outside

   There are so many things for your baby to see, smell and hear when you’re out for a walk. Make the most of your daily walks by describing your experience.
   
   
8. Time with dad

   Men play differently with babies than women. Women tend to be more gentle and cuddle with a baby, while men tend to pick babies up more or hold them out front when they walk with them. Babies benefit from both kinds of play.
   
   
9. NOT to have a room full of expensive toys

   Your baby needs stimulation and opportunities to hone their budding skills and simple household items and toys that will grow with your baby will provide enough stimulation and fun for years to come.
   
   
10. YOU♥️
    The most important thing you can give your baby to help grow his brain is your relationship. Positive, loving relationships build healthy brains and protect your baby’s brain from the negative effects of stress. And without stress, your baby can explore and learn all about this wonderful new world.

Start the development journey with MonkiBox. Montessori-inspired toys designed to give your child the best start.

Featured Product

Look With Me PlayBox Designed for early visual stimulation to help your baby build brain connections. Learn More