It is vital for parents and practitioners to stimulate a baby's developing brain. Lena Engel explains how to create the right conditions for effective interaction.
Contrary to the widely accepted belief that babies just cry, feed, sleep and move their limbs erratically, recent research into brain development in newborns and very young babies indicates that they also think and make decisions about how to respond to their environment.
The theory
This thinking process in babies is manifested in several ways, and healthy brain development depends on the extent of the adults' interaction and support. Once practitioners, parents and carers become aware of babies' brain development and the crucial role that they play in stimulating young minds, they are more likely to exploit every opportunity that presents itself by responding positively and creatively to the baby's needs.
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