The amount of stimulation we give a baby on a daily basis has a direct influence on brain development. This begins the moment the baby is born and there are some that believe this begins in utero. Parents are the most important people in a baby's life. I believe being a parent is the most important job on the planet because they are the ones that have the most contact with the child.

In my daily practice, I frequently work with children where this has not happened. Why? I believe that parents are not aware of how very important their involvement contributes to the person their child will become. The real key is loving and valuing the very essence of the baby. And this begins at birth.

Research shows that the bonding between parent and babe increase the cognitive development, the social interactions later in the child's life and the self esteem of the new born baby. The brain of a child begins to develop with stimulation. The tiny electrical connections (called synapses) begin to form at birth and the first years of life are the most important in this brain development. These electrical connections are complete after the first three years of life. You may be surprised to learn that baby has an innate need to learn as well.

So how do we do this? The everyday needs of a child certainly help. Basic needs like being fed, changed and kept warm all add to the development of synapses.

Here are a few things we can do to help in the development of a child:

• Babies need to be touched and they need to know they are loved so cuddle them, give them lots of hugs and kisses. By doing this you will teach them to love others. They will also learn to be confident in themselves and in the world around them.
• Teach them the value of language verbally and emotionally by responding to their needs quickly. By doing this they learn that they can count on someone and that they are of value and are important. This is very significant for their future as an adult.
• Carry on a conversation with the child. Tell them what you are doing and what they are doing. Show them objects and name of the object. Do this over and over.
• Use visual stimulants. Babies like high contrast images and pictures. You will find that baby's books are all in bright colours. In mention of this, read to the child. Begin reading to them as soon as they are born. This helps to stimulate their curiosity and develops the electrical connections even more.
• The research shows that when you read to your child right from birth that it is a catalyst for language and speech development. When you read a book to your baby, you are stimulating their sense of vision, hearing, touch, insight, their thought processes and understanding of language. Reading books is a great way to introduce baby to the world around them.
•  Play with the baby frequently. Sing songs, play games and get them to imitate you.
• Go from walks, explore things outside and in your home.

From the moment the baby is born you can lay the foundation for a well rounded healthy individual. This will help to develop a solid and stable perception of self. Though your early teachings they will learn to adapt in a healthy manner to our world. Begin the teaching at birth. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a friend or a child care worker you have a child's future in your hands. Use your time with them wisely.

Llyn Wren RN