An Infants Brain Is Only 25% Developed At Birth
When a baby is born they immediately start soaking up their surroundings. The brain which is not fully developed yet sets out on a journey or exploration and discovery. According to research, a newborn’s brain is only %25 developed at birth. This leave quite a bit of development for you as a parent to participate in.
Since certain sensorimotor skills are absent at birth, a good way to help you baby developmental mature is by introducing toys and activities that stimulate the brain.
According to Melody Arons research, sensorimotor brain areas are most active during the 2-3month period, frontal lobe active by 6-8 months. Brain weight increases from about 1 to 2 pounds by one year.
Other researchers, Kathy A. Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkof, recommend that toys be 90% baby and 10% toy. What this means is the baby should be doing a majority of the play, 90% to be exact. Of course, the exact percentage is an estimate, but this can be a good rule of thumb for developmentally appropriate toys for ages birth to 1 year old.
Allowing a baby to explore and manipulate a toy will allow for an increase in brain stimulation. If you place a toy in front of a baby that does all the work, or play, then baby will be observing the toy and not be inclined to interact.
Some great examples of toys for a young infant under the age of 1 year old are as follows.
Mobiles– If you little one spends time horizontal, putting an eye catching mobile above them is a perfect way to stimulate their brain development. Although at birth, babies cannot see very far, a contrast of brightly colored shapes will eventually come into focus and intrigue your little one.