1. Connect the Neurons
As your baby's brain develops, the neurons that relay information within the brain are in the process of forming their first connections. The more neuron connections made in your baby's brain, the better the brain will be able to process information, both now and in the future. You can stimulate the creation of your baby's neurological connections by providing intentional interaction between your baby, yourself and your environment. This is thought to help increase your child's intelligence potential. A simple game of mimicking your child's facial expressions helps the child's brain connect visual stimuli with brain input. When you talk to your baby, you increase your child's capacity to interpret sound and encourage the forging of new neurological pathways. Actively listen to your baby when she communicates with you through sounds, facial expressions and movements, and respond to the communication in kind. Using a high-response and high-touch system of nurturing your baby has proven to be more helpful in brain development than buying so-called "brain stimulating" toys.
2. Get the DHA to Raise a Smart Baby
While your doctor will likely prescribe prenatal vitamins to help you provide proper nutrition to your baby while it's in your womb, you also need a healthy level of decosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, to help your baby's brain development during pregnancy and lactation. DHA is responsible for 40 to 50 percent of the brain's weight as measured in neurons and membranes. DHA is found in Omega-3 fatty acids in foods like fish, other seafood, vegetable oils, dried fruits, walnuts, almonds, kidney beans, Bengal gram, avocados and seeds. Consult with your doctor to determine the proper amount of Omega-3 to take in pill form to add it to your daily supplements.
3. Plan Your Speech
Everyone knows it is important to talk with your baby but the manner in which you speak to your baby can help make it smarter. Use upbeat, happy tones and facial expressions at all times during the first few months. Enunciate words clearly and elongate vowels. Pretend you are having an actual conversation with your child by pausing after statements and questions as though allowing time for your baby to respond. This stimulates brain activity and teaches your child proper communication skills. Always look at your baby when talking with him and use his name during the conversation to develop help self-awareness in your child. In essence, you should try to stimulate your baby's senses as much as possible during the first few months of life.
