The early years of life, from before birth to around age 8, are critical for healthy brain development. The brain continues to grow and evolve past the age of 8, but in the first years of life, the brain is like a sponge, taking in everything around it. A combination of genetics and environment contribute to the development of a healthy brain. While parents and caretakers cannot control everything a child will come into contact with, there are measures they can take toward ensuring a happy, healthy future for their child.
Parents can start promoting brain development in a child while the child is still in the womb. Pregnant mothers can talk to their doctors about the best diet for brain development and prenatal vitamins that support nervous system development, like folic acid and DBA.
Vaccinations, routine check-ups, and prenatal screenings are all an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. Once a child is out in the world, healthy brain development depends on good care for a child. Infants and children are vulnerable to infections, injuries, and complications from exposure to toxins. As parents, you can make sure your child is vaccinated against preventable diseases and playing in a safe, protected manner.
There are 11 recommended nutrients for healthy brain development. They are iron, zinc, folate, choline, unsaturated fatty acids, iodine, protein, and Vitamins A, D, B6, and B12. Certain foods can ensure that your child is getting the nutrients they need. Lean meat, leafy greens, eggs, seafood, nut-flavoured snacks (to avoid the choking hazard of actual nuts), and beans are all nutrient rich foods that support brain development.
If you’re pregnant, these foods may be a part of your dietary regimen. If your child has been born, how they can ingest these foods will depend on how old they are. If your child is still on formula or breast milk only, both of those will act as nutrient-rich options until your child begins to experiment with other foods.
There are a wide variety of activities that engage a child’s brain and enrich their learning experience. Every child will respond differently to different activities and learn at their own pace. One of the best ways to promote brain development is to expose your child to as many new, positive experiences as possible, whether it’s new foods, new smells, or new places.
Some engaging activities to promote brain development include:
How much time children spend on screens is usually a highly personal choice for a family, and screen time for a child is often based on several factors.
A 2022 study looked at children from infancy to age 8, recording how much time they spent on screens and the effects on the brain. More research is needed to determine that screen time alone is causing the findings of this study. However, the study found that with every extra hour of screentime, children were more likely to have issues with decision making and problem solving as they got older, self-soothing, and paying attention.
As research continues to emerge around the use of screen time with young children, the South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommends no screens for children under 2 years of age, and one hour of screen time for those 2-5. Additionally, they suggest interactive, challenging games for children when they get screen time.