Written by Updated: 09/13/2019
In This Article
Are you concerned about the brain development in your baby? Do you want to raise an intelligent and smart baby? You must give this article a read since it will provide you with a few of the best ways on how to enhance brain development in children. Read on to know about these ways on how to promote your baby’s brain development.
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I. Simple Tips For Brain Development In Children
1. Don’t Smoke During Pregnancy
You must avoid smoking at all and ensure that you don’t expose your unborn baby to secondhand smoke to provide your baby with a physically healthy start before she or he is born. Cigarette smoke contains the harmful chemicals that may be destructive to the brain of your unborn baby. According to a study published in Acta Paediatrica in 2015, smoking during pregnancy may negatively affect fetal brain development[1] [2’]. Also, alterations in brain function and structure have been seen in babies exposed to prenatal smoking. As a result, this leads to relatively low IQs, behavioral problems, and learning disorders in children.
2. Introduce Music Early
You can promote your child’s brain development by introducing music into his or her life as soon as possible, as music helps to promote cognitive health. Besides, music not only makes studying fun but also helps babies grasp things in a much better manner. According to a 2006 study, young kids taking music lessons exhibit improved memory and different brain development throughout one year compared to kids not receiving musical training[2].
3. Breastfeed Your Baby
For newborn babies, breast milk is very crucial because it helps to build a baby’s immunity and is also useful for the brain. Breast milk is abundant in fat and cholesterol, which may ensure proper brain development. Breastfeeding is related to a higher cognitive level, according to a 2010 study[3]. Breastfeeding in the initial few weeks of the life of your baby contributes to notable gains in motor skills and intelligence.
4. Read Books To Your Baby
You must make sure that your baby starts to be read books at an early age. You need to read to your babies daily, beginning when they’re babies. Even though your baby won’t recognize the words, she or he begins to understand you’re getting information from newspapers, magazines, and books. This will aid in building an interest in reading and books. A 2015 study by AAP indicated that there was an association between brain activity and reading to young children[4]. It may help with literacy skills and language acquisition.
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5. Limit Screen Time
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) suggests no screen time for kids under age 2. Limit screen time to just several hours a day for older children. Too much screen time may be associated with less time for creative play and impaired academic performance. It also leads to problems such as sleep problems, violence, obesity, and behavioral issues. More importantly, increased screen time will reduce the interactions between you and your kid. Such interactions are crucial for the overall development of a child. As a parent, it’s crucial to spend more time with a child rather than keeping him or her busy playing with your mobile phone or watching TV.
6. Regular Exercise
Exercise is crucial for everyone whether it is an adult or a small child. Regular physical exercise is an effective method to ensure better cognitive development in children at an early age. Besides, it is helpful for boosting memory, improving learning capabilities, and decreasing the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment in later stages of life. Along with that, exercise helps to enhance blood circulation and oxygen to the brain, thus promoting your child’s overall physical, psychological, and cognitive health. As per a study in 2008 published in Educational Psychology, physical activity and exercise have a positive effect on children’s intellectual function, academic achievement, and cognitive abilities[5].
7. Buy Creative Toys
It is vital to be selective and purchase a few creative toys that may help for good brain development in babies. Besides, playing with the right and creative toys assists a child in developing skills including coping, language and communication, cognitive flexibility, social skills, and emotional regulatory. Creative toys don’t have to be expensive. Plus, the objects of play have to be safe and simple. Investing in simple toys may keep your little one engaged and make her or him more creative and constructive as an adult. Make sure to get a few toys involving the hands because small babies respond well to gaining simple sequential games.
8. Spend Time With Your Child
To make sure proper brain development in your child, you need to give your time to her or him. Language development begins at birth, and thus you sing a song or talk about something to your baby while breastfeeding. Enjoy your baby’s early years by reading together, enjoying meals, taking walks with them, going to the park together, and talking with them. These small interactions contribute to the brain and emotional and speech development of a child.
9. Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine is abundant in chewing gums, soft drinks, and energy drinks marketed to young adults and children. Too much caffeine may damage brain development of your child. It may also impact development by breaking the formation of key connections in the brain. A 2013 study indicated that consuming caffeine during a critical developmental period exhibited long-lasting effects on brain maturation and sleep[6] (because of sleep disruption that the caffeine is said to have damaging effects). Therefore, pay attention to caffeine consumption of your child and limit to make sure healthy brain development.
II. Foods For Brain Development In Children
When it comes to nurturing brain of your child, food plays an important role. Read on to learn about some of the best foods that may help to boost your child’s brain development.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is a powerhouse of proteins and vitamin B, which are excellent for improving the growth and function of brain tissues. Also, it helps to improve digestive health thanks to its probiotic bacteria. One cup of yogurt blended with a few fresh berries makes for a tasty smoothie.
2. Fish
Fishes such as tuna, sardines, and salmon are abundant in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which may help protect the brain from memory loss along with age-related memory decline. Along with that, omega-3 fatty acids give your child’s immune system a boost. They additionally aid the function and growth of the brain in children. Daily consumption of fishes is useful for improving your child’s mental skills. Thus, include at least two to three servings of this once weekly.
3. Eggs
Eggs are a storehouse of nutrients such as zinc, lutein, choline, and omega 3 fatty acids, which enhance concentration. More importantly, choline is helpful for producing acetylcholine and improving the proper development and function of the brain.
4. Berries
Berries are rich in valuable antioxidants, which are beneficial for preventing damage of free radicals to the brain and keeping memory in the top shape of your kid. They are also filled with vitamin C that improves immune function. Just add some berries to your child’s oatmeal or cereal or quick desserts.
5. Nuts
Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, and almonds are brain-friendly foods. These foods are a rich source of vitamin E that helps to prevent cognitive degeneration. They also embrace zinc that is good for promoting memory and brain development.
6. Vegetables
Vegetables having rich, deep colors are full of antioxidants that help to keep your child’s brain cells healthy. A few of the best vegetables for brain development are sweet potato, carrots, and pumpkins. Green leafy vegetables such as kale, chard, collard greens, and spinach are packed with folate, which helps to keep dementia at bay. Kale helps to promote the growth of brain cells due to its Sulforaphane and Diindolylmethane.
These tips and super foods are useful for brain development in children, so make sure you give them a try. Did this post answer all your queries related to brain development in children? Do you know other tips on how to enhance brain development in children? Let us know in the comments box below. All of the contents provided in this article are for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.
