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New parents want to give their baby the best start in life, and a big part of supporting early development is stimulating your baby’s brain. It might seem like a daunting task, but boosting your wee one’s brain doesn?t need to be complicated, says Alyson Shaw, a paediatrician at Ottawa?s Children?s Hospital of Eastern Ontario?in fact, it can be a simple part of your new routine. Here are eight everyday activities that help your little one’s development.
1. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding

Feeding your little one isn’t just great bonding time?it’s also a great opportunity to get her brain working. ?When babies are born they can focus on a mother?s face from the distance they are during breastfeeding,? says Shaw. When you?re feeding, you?re looking at your baby and the two of you are making facial expressions back and forth. Respond and repeat your little one?s coos to help her learn to form words and hold conversation. If you’re bottle feeding, keep her nestled around the height of your chest to ensure she’s close enough to focus on your face. 2. Going for a drive

Let?s be honest: There isn?t too much you can do with your baby while you?re in the front seat focusing on the road, and your babe is staring at the upholstery on the back of the rear seat. But singing is a hands-free activity, and one that will greatly boost his learning. ?When parents sing to babies, they?re often singing with a lot of intonation, whic...