Photo: Courtesy of @mini_maisie_moo via Instagram
From first words to first steps, there?s so much to look forward to in baby?s first year. But should babies hit these milestones at their own pace, or should parents give their new bundles a helpful nudge" New research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology shows just how important it is for parents to challenge their babies. ?The brains of young children are very malleable?even the smallest babies can be challenged,? says Audrey van der Meer, lead researcher and professor of developmental neuropsychology. Using advanced electroencephalography (EEG) technology, she found that brain, sensory and motor skills development all happen in sync?meaning babies learn more when they can explore different materials and new environments. Giving your baby brain stimulation doesn?t mean that you need to go buy fancy toys, either. What?s most important is that you get them moving and mentally engaged. There are many ways parents can do this during their baby?s first year. Alyson Shaw, a paediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, offers her tips:
Newborn

?They don?t really need anything more than a loving caregiver willing to respond to the baby?s needs and interact with them,? says Shaw. Holding them and observing their facial expressions help babies become more familiar with your face. You can also stimulate your newborn?s brain by singing or reading aloud, preferably from picture books with ...