Zero to Three: Brain Development

The first three years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a baby’s development. A newborn’s brain is about 25 percent of its approximate adult weight. However, by the time your child is three years of age, the brain has grown dramatically by producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between these cells

This article is mainly for parents to learn how to feed their children good food and show them things that help stimulate the brain in order to give them a good start to the development of their brain.

Brain Architecture

Early experiences in a baby’s life affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior and health. Just as a weak foundation compromises the quality of a house, adverse experiences early in life can affect brain architecture with negative effects that is brought along to adulthood.

The basic architecture of the brain is constructed through an ongoing process that begins even before birth all the way to adulthood. In the first couple of years of life, there is about 700 to 1000 new neural connections form every second. After this period of rapid formation, connections are reduced through a process which we call pruning, which allows brain circuits to become more efficient.

Outline of Early Brain Development

First Trimester

The development of the brain begins the first few weeks after you have conceived your baby. Most structural features of the brain appear during the embryonic period which is about 8 weeks after fertilization; these structures then continue to grow and develop during the fetal period.

The first key of brain development is the formation of the neural tube. The neural tube begins to slowly fold over itself about 2 weeks after conception eventually forming a tube shaped structure.

About 7 weeks after conceptions, the first neurons and synapses begin to develop in the spinal cord. These early neural connections allow the fetus to make its first movements in the womb even though the mother may not be able to feel them.

Second Trimester

Early in the second trimester, gyri and sulci begin to appear on the brain’s surface; by the end of this trimester, this process is almost complete. The cerebral cortex is growing in thickness and complexity and synapse formation in this area is beginning.

Third Trimester

The early weeks of the third trimester are a transitional period during which the cerebral cortex begins to assume many duties formerly carried out by the more primitive brainstem. For example, reflexes such as fetal breathing and responses to external stimuli become more regular. The cerebral cortex also supports early learning which develops around this time.

Interaction & Genes Shape the Brain

Genes may provide the blueprint for the formation of brain circuits; however these circuits are reinforced by repeated usage. A major ingredient in this developmental process is the serve and return interaction between children and their parents alongside other care givers and the community.

In the absence of responsive care giving, or if responses are inappropriate, the brain’s development does not form as expected, which might lead to disparities and learning disabilities as the child gets older. Ultimately, genes and experiences work together to construct a good brain development.

Cognitive, Emotional & Social Capacities

Cognitive, emotional and social capacities are inextricably intertwined throughout the life course. The brain is a highly integrated organ and its multiple functions operate in coordination with one another. Emotional well being and social competence provide a strong foundation for emerging cognitive abilities, and together they are the brick and mortar of brain architecture.

The emotional and physical health, social skills and cognitive-linguistic capacities that emerge in the early years are all important for success in school, the workplace and in the larger community.

Toxic Stress

Toxic stress weakens the architecture of the developing brain, which can lead to lifelong problems in learning, behavior as well as physical and mental health. Experiencing stress is an important part of healthy development. Activation of the stress response produces a wide range of physiological reactions that prepare the body to deal with threat.

However, when these responses remain activated at high levels for significant periods of time, without supportive relationships to help keep them calm, toxic stress results. This can impair the development of the neural connections, especially in the areas of the brain dedicated to higher-order skills.

Brain Foods

Food happens to be one of the many factors that affect a child’s brain development. We have provided a list of 10 kinds of food which would help your child stay sharp all day long as well as affect brain development in a good way.

Eggs

Eating a high nutrient protein like eggs will help children concentrate and pay attention very well. Some ways you could serve it would be having them scrambled along with some bread for a yummy breakfast.

Greek Yogurt

Fat also happens to be very important to brain health. A full fat Greek yogurt can help keep brain cell membranes flexible, helping them to send and receive information. Some ways you could serve them would be along with some yummy fruits for healthy snacks.

Greens

Full of folate and vitamins, spinach and kale are part of a healthy diet linked to lower odds of getting dementia later in life. Serve it together with eggs to form and omelet or whip them up to make a smoothie.

Fish

Naturally fatty fish are a good source of vitamin D and omega-3s, which protect the brain against cognitive decline and memory loss. Salmon, tuna and sardines are all rich in omega-3s. Have it roasted or grilled for a filling lunch or dinner.

“Clean” Meat

For good behavior and focus, choose meats that are free of artificial ingredients, dyes, flavouring, preservatives and sweeteners. Grill or roast them for a protein packed lunch.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds help boost mood and keep your nervous system happy. Pack them for your child as a snack while reading a book, watching television or during play time.

Oatmeal

Protein and fiber-rich oatmeal helps keep the heart and brain arteries clear. Serve them in the morning as breakfast.

Apples & Plums

Apples and plums are lunch box friendly and contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may fight cognitive decline, according to lab studies. Serve it the way it is but be sure to wash it thoroughly.