1. Practical tips to enhance brain stimulation of your child APP/MS/OM/003/020913

2. 2 Brain development starts early….  Brain cells (neurons) form in first months of fetal development Born with 100 billion brain cells Enough brain cells to learn just about anything – no more are developed after birth APP/MS/OM/003/020913

3. 3 Early Experiences are Crucial Most brain cell connections are made in 1st year. By age 3, 80% of nervous connections are made. Connections decline after this time to age 10. During first 10 yrs, brain is twice as active as adults. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

4. 4 Use it or Lose it What is not used is pruned. What is used develops stronger connections. Develops in “spurts” when the brain is best equipped to learn certain skills. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

5. 5 Early Brain Development Quality of relationships and experiences in first 3 years has deep and lasting impact on how the brain gets “wired”. Plasticity is the brain’s ability to change, adapt and cope with environmental changes Sets foundation for development in every aspect of life. ‘Cells that fire together, wire together’ APP/MS/OM/003/020913

6. Babies are learning machines! Good nutrition, positive interactions, and interesting stimulation, fuel your infant's impressive brain development. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

7. NutrientsBrain Friendly foods Vitamins C and E DHA and Essential fatty acids Iron and B-vitamins Zinc and Iron Selenium BREAST MILK APP/MS/OM/003/020913

8. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) DHA is an important fatty acid which has a critical role in retinal and brain development The inter-conversion of precursors (LA and ALA) to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (AA & DHA) is rather inefficient as children grow Thus, studies have shown that supplementation with LC-PUFAs can positively affect both visual and cognitive outcomes, thus highlighting children’s need for pre-formed DHA APP/MS/OM/003/020913

9. 9 “Windows” of Learning  Periods when particular experiences are especially important or when some skills are more easily developed.  Some windows should not be missed… if so, opportunity to learn can be greatly diminished. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

10. 10 Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity APP/MS/OM/003/020913

11. Tips to stimulate babies’ brain development Babies are born highly attuned to human stimuli- face, voice, touch and it is through interaction that they do their best learning. As the child grows, his cells connect to each other through visual, motor, language and social stimulation. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

13. 13 Learning Children with a secure bond to caregivers are more ready to learn. Children learn by doing. Repetition in a variety of ways – modeling, actions, verbally, etc. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

14. 14 Language Children exposed to lots of language in reading, singing, and talking develop more neuron connections in the brain area that handles language. Children not involved in lots of verbal interaction have brains that are measurably less developed. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

15. 15 Thinking Exposure to lots of language is directly linked with advanced thinking skills. Toddlers understand and can solve more difficult problems at a younger age than children in poor quality environments. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

16. Playing brain-building games Choose games that make use of strategy, build verbal skills, and improve concentration powers and reasoning. –Puzzles - Stacking cubes APP/MS/OM/003/020913

17. 17 Physical Activity Toddler brains thrive with the opportunity to climb, play, splash, and run. Exercise actually causes the parts of the brain that control movement to develop more neuron connections. For example, leaving a child in a playpen or in front of TV all day slows motor development. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

18. 18 Overstimulation Overstimulation may result in frustration, stress, or withdrawal. Too many new experiences at once may be overwhelming and won’t help development. Child needs time to process what he/she has learned. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

19. 19 A Safe Environment for Brain Development  Reduce stress by making child’s world safe, secure and responsive.  Remove any physical threats.  Responsive to crying.  Predictable daily routines. Adequate nutrition & hydration. APP/MS/OM/003/020913

20. 20 Positive Experiences for Building the Young Brain Loving care & touch Consistent, individual attention Everyday, simple activities Exposure to new experiences Understand child development APP/MS/OM/003/020913

21. 21 Positive Experiences for Building the Young Brain Know child & what he/she is capable of doing Music Limit television Read and respond to child’s cues Talking Decorate child’s room APP/MS/OM/003/020913

22. 22 Essentials for Early Development 1. Encourage exploration. 2. Mentor in basic skills. 3. Celebrate developmental advances. 4. Rehearse and extend new skills. 5. Protect from inappropriate disapproval, teasing, neglect, and punishment. 6. Communicate richly and responsively. 7. Guide and limit behavior; teach what is acceptable APP/MS/OM/003/020913

23. Thank You Questions APP/MS/OM/003/020913 www.pediatrie.mu