Baby Brain Growth

Between birth and age 6, 75 percent of a child's brain growth occurs. This makes some parents think they must send even their crawlers off to baby brain classes. After all, we all want intelligent children. However, the good news is most of a baby's brain development happens naturally, without teachers or classes. And it's easy to stimulate your baby's brain to help him become the brightest child he can be.

Birth
Babies are born with more than 100 billion brain cells. Some are already connected at birth, but most of the brain's growth occurs after birth and before age 3.

"A newborn baby is functionally blind, deaf and insensate," says Janet Doman, author of "How Smart is Your Baby?" Each time she is exposed to stimulation, her brain makes new connections, allowing her to grow as a human being.

Brain development tends to snowball. When a newborn's brain allows her to see better, she tends to move more. When she moves more, her breathing improves, making it easier for her to make sounds. And so on.

Early Months
Between birth and 8 months, babies' brains grow enough to respond to what's around them. (That's why many children in this age group cry when a stranger holds them.)

10 Months
By 10 months, babies can see more clearly at a greater distance, have far better control over their bodies and can communicate their needs relatively easily. They can create memories, which helps them learn how to do things such as put food into their mouths. Your 10-month-old's brain has also grown sufficiently to make him mobile, understand what you're saying and communicate with sign language.

One Year and Beyond
During your child's first year of life, her head will grow almost 80 percent of adult size. Her brain is getting larger and more functional, helping her develop in every way. Her brain allows her to scribble with a crayon and perhaps toddle and say a few words.

As she moves into the toddler years, her brain will grow at a slower rate, but connections inside the brain will still develop rapidly, allowing her to run, jump, speak sentences and much more.

Encouraging Brain Development
Experts agree the best thing you can do for your baby's brain is to hold and talk to him. Have conversations with your baby, long before he can ever speak words. Providing interesting toys is also important. Reading books to your infant is a must, but also allow him to hold them and, yes, chew on them.

Baby-proof your house so your child can explore freely. (Gate off any areas that can't be baby-proofed.) Understand small children need to make messes.

Expose your baby to music. He'll love your singing, and he'll probably like anything on the radio. There is no evidence Mozart makes babies smarter.

Take your child with you when you go for a run, visit the store, go on a hike and run errands. Each new experience stimulates your baby's brain and helps him learn more about the world.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_5382300_baby-brain-growth.html