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How does the brain develop in infants?
Babies are born with around 100 billion neurons (brain cells) at birth. During early development, these neurons form synapses (connections) at an astonishing rate, reaching roughly 1 million new synapses per second. (Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government)
Functions of the Brain
Brain stem: regulates homeostasis processes in the body.
Cerebellum: controls coordination, balance, and voluntary muscle movements.
Cerebrum: Controls memory, movement, emotion, speech, thought, and other functions through the 4 lobes.
Prenatal Stage:
Neurogenesis: Begins around the third week of gestation, where neural stem cells proliferate and form neurons.
Migration: Neurons move to their designated locations in the developing brain, forming the basic structure.
Infancy (0-2 years):
Synaptogenesis: Rapid formation of synapses (connections between neurons) occurs, peaking around 1 year. This process supports cognitive and motor skill development.
Myelination: Begins shortly after birth, where axons are coated with myelin, enhancing the speed and efficiency of neural communication.
Early Childhood (2-5 years):
Pruning: After the peak in synapse formation, the brain begins to prune back excess connections, refining neural networks based on experience and environmental input.
Continued Myelination: Myelination continues, particularly in areas responsible for language, motor skills, and higher cognitive functions.
How can brain development be promoted in infants?
Engaging Interaction: Spend quality time with your child through talking, singing, and reading. Engage in eye contact and use varied tones to stimulate communication.
Play and Exploration: Encourage play that promotes creativity and problem-solving. Provide a safe environment for exploration, allowing children to discover and learn through hands-on experiences.
Rich Language Exposure: Use diverse vocabulary and engage in conversations with your child. Reading together daily helps develop language skills and literacy.
(Adrienne L Tierney and Charles A Nelson III, 2009)
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