In today’s post, I want to talk about the role of a nurturing environment on a child’s cognitive development. And share some easy ways to create a positive environment for your child. When I am saying environment, it includes both physical as well as the emotional environment.

We know how crucial are the initial years of a child’s life for their growth and development. A child’s brain develops rapidly during the first three years. It is the time of rapid physical, emotional and cognitive development.

If you have been following my posts on #FeedIQ, an initiative by Abbott, by now you know how nutrition plays a crucial role in a baby’s optimal development. As per a research from Abbott, 3 key nutrients i.e. DHA, lutein and natural vitamin E are essential to support brain development and encourage early learning skills in infants. Mothers can take care of their nutritional needs by including a good supplement like SimMom IQ+ in their diet.

But nutrition is not the only factor which influences a baby’s cognitive development. A positive, stimulatory, as well as a nurturing environment, plays an equally important role. In one of my previous posts, I have shared some of the age-specific stimulation activities for babies.

A study by neuroscientist Audrey van der Meer shows that neurons in the brains of young children increase in both number & specialization when they are exposed to a positive and challenging environment.

But do we parents really care about the environment our babies are exposed to?

Do we really focus on providing a positive & stress-free home environment for our babies?

Brain imaging research suggests that growing up in a stressful environment causes the brain to develop differently. Even pregnancy stress and postpartum depression are found to have negative effects on a baby’s cognitive development.

It is the responsibility of parents & caretakers to consciously create a warm, caring, loving & sensory-rich environment around the babies.

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Let’s see some of the best ways to create a nurturing environment around babies to have a positive impact on their cognitive development.

1- Cut out the stress and be a happy parent

We all want to raise happy babies but are you a happy parent?

It doesn’t take much to drop out the stress from our lives and focus on being happy beings. Children absorb all the sights, sounds, smells, textures and emotions around them. They can sense even the slightest tension in the environment.

Babies communicate their needs & emotions through their behavior. And if you want to understand their behavior, you should look at their environment.

I have shared a post on Instagram on how to be a happy parent. Check it out –

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Create a happy & positive environment at home. How? .

👉 Smile more…Laugh often! . 👉 Eat at least 2 meals together as a family. . 👉 Don’t complicate things, keep your life as simple as possible. . 👉 Do some crazy stuff together. . 👉 Don’t shy away from showing love n care to your partner. Say ‘I love you’ more often. .👉 Keep an unlimited stock of kisses n hugs & use them for no particular reason. .👉 Never take your fight to a level that it becomes abusive. . 👉 Show your child that 2 individuals who love each other can also have a difference in opinion & things can be sorted out by talking without getting highly aggressive. . 👉 Take care of yourself, do something for yourself without feeling guilty. . 👉 Remember memories matter more than money. . 👉 Throw out negative thoughts & people out of your mind and your life

A post shared by Neha Sharma (@growing_with_nemit) on Nov 25, 2018 at 10:31pm PST

2- Create a positive nurturing environment at home

One of the best ways to create a positive nurturing environment for babies is by providing them with unconditional love and care. Even the simplest acts of cleaning & changing your baby, breastfeeding her, rocking her to sleep, soothing her, makes the environment nurturing.

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Also, be available for your child when you are present around them. Listen to their cues in understanding their behavior. Don’t neglect their cries because that is their way of communicating their needs. Allow your baby to spend time with each member of the family. And also encourage other people in the house to have a positive interaction with the baby. Try to adopt shared parenting as well as positive parenting approach.

3- Indoor/Outdoor Stimulatory activities

One of the best ways to help your baby achieve cognitive milestones is through stimulation. Play-based learning is the most fundamental in a child’s physical as well as intellectual development. It builds a range of skills that enable young minds to take risks, solve problems, imagine possibilities, negotiate, and much more.

Babies as young as a few days old are learning about their environment through their senses. Some of the fun indoor stimulation activities for babies are reading, giving a massage, playing peek-a-boo, talking, singing and responding to their coo’s.

Just like indoor activities, spending time outdoors is a great way for a baby’s physical and mental development. You can take your baby for a stroll, talk to her about the surroundings, show her the things around & let her explore the sights and sounds. Spending time outdoors also helps in a baby’s emotional as well as social development.

So, dear parents, these are some of the ways in which you can create a happy, healthy & nurturing environment around your babies to have a positive impact on their cognitive development.

Hope you find this post helpful and worth sharing. Do share your thoughts in the below comments section.

The post 3 Effective Ways to Create a Nurturing Environment for a Baby’s Cognition appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hi everyone, today I am going to talk about Preterm baby care and what parents can do to help their premature babies achieve optimal growth in the initial months.

During my last trimester pregnancy, I was really worried as I had heard many cases of preterm deaths and complicated preterm deliveries. One of our neighbors had a premature baby who came back home after spending 15 days in the NICU. When they came home with the baby, I saw how tiny that baby was, so fragile like a small flower and had tubes going inside her nose. That was a really heartbreaking sight. I didn’t see the baby for the next 3 months as she was kept inside the house to avoid any infections.

Most pregnancies normally last about 40 weeks and if a birth occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy it is termed as preterm birth.

These babies are considered premature and have an increased risk of complications. These preterm babies need special care as some of their organs are underdeveloped and there are high chances of getting an infection.

I am listing down the 3 essential tips which can help parents in preterm baby care-

1 – Understand & Manage the Nutritional Needs of your Preterm Baby

This is the most important part of preterm baby care as proper nutrition is very important for their growth. Since the preterm babies are born before time, there is a possibility that their organs are not yet fully developed. Their digestive system may not work similar to a full term baby. If the baby has underdeveloped lungs, they may be given fluids through an IV (intravenous).

Breast milk is considered best for both preterms as well as full-term babies as it provides the essential nutrients along with DHA and natural vitamin E. If you are able to produce milk, and your baby is able to suckle then doctors will recommend exclusive breastfeeding every 2 hours. In case the baby is not able to latch, you will be advised to express milk for the baby.

You may also read – 6 Successful Breastfeeding tips for new moms!

In case you are not able to produce milk, consult a lactation specialist immediately. Do not delay! Your healthcare provider may ask your permission to give formula feed to the baby until your supply is established.

Please remember, even just a few drops of breast milk at a time will do them good.

In my previous posts on #FeedIQ, I have shared how the nutrition intake of a mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding impacts the growth of the baby. To avoid any nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, mothers can also take a supplement (after consulting their doctor) like SimMom IQ⁺ by Abbott. This is a specialized nutrition which offers an IQ⁺ blend of brain nutrients and high-quality protein that helps in the fetal brain development & healthy birthing.

2- Offer Kangaroo Mother Care

Many doctors recommend Kangaroo care since premature babies are not yet ready to live outside their mother’s womb. Kangaroo care is a technique where newborn babies are given direct skin-to-skin contact. Babies are placed on the chest of their mothers immediately after the birth. This is done for many hours a day at least 4 times a week.

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Studies have shown many benefits of this method for both baby and the mother. It is the best way to bond with your newborn and provide him the warmth and safety. Kangaroo care also helps in breastfeeding and fast weight gain in babies.

You may read more about Kangaroo Care, here!

3- Stay Positive & Stress-free

The whole birthing process and the realities of preterm birth may result in stress and anxiety in new moms. You are already coping with so much from raging hormones to the challenges of preterm baby care. But this is the time to stay strong and positive. A mother’s mental and emotional well being is essential for the well being of her baby. Your baby can sense your stress which is not good for both you and the baby.

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Just follow the instructions by your doctor for baby’s proper care and kick that stress out. Enjoy your motherhood and the time with your newborn. You won’t even realize how fast these little babies grow. Just cherish every moment spent with them!

According to WHO, every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm. And preterm birth complication is the most common cause of death among children under 5 years of age (approx. 1 million deaths). More than three-quarter of preterm babies can be saved with feasible, cost-effective care.

Laerdal Global Health is a not-for-profit company dedicated to helping save lives of mothers and newborns. Their goal is to save 5,00,000 more lives every year by 2020. Abbott has collaborated with Laerdal to support their initiative of providing training workshops to nurses on ‘Essential care for every baby and Essential care for small baby’.

Reference –

www.tommys.org,

www.americanpregnancy.org,

www.nutritionnews.abbott,

www.who.int,

www.parents.com,

www.simmom.in

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Hi guys, today I want to take up another important topic related to babies i.e Cognitive Milestones in Early Childhood. 

In simple words, cognitive development is the brain’s ability to act and think. And cognitive milestones help keep a check on baby’s brain and intellectual development.

Just like any other new mom, I was also obsessed with the term ‘milestones’, when Nemit was a little baby. I used to keep a check on his physical growth every month and sometimes even every week since babies grow really fast.

For the first 30 days after birth, my complete focus was only on his physical growth. At that time I was not aware that there are cognitive milestones as well. And came to know about their importance only at a later stage.

At around 2 months, when a baby smiles for the first time, it is a growth milestone. And around 3-4 months, when the baby responds to our facial expressions with a smile, it is a cognitive milestone.

Keeping a track of cognitive milestones is as important as other developmental milestones.

Many parents are not aware of the different categories of developmental milestones. These are basically a bundle of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and communication milestones. And each one of these plays an equally important role in a child’s overall growth and development.

Physical milestones involve the development of gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills such as rolling over, crawling, sitting, standing and fine motor skills like mastering pincer grip, drawing, writing, eating etc.

With cognitive milestones, the focus is more on thinking, learning, exploring and problem-solving skills.

There are many ways in which a mother can assist her baby in achieving cognitive milestones. And further helping in infant cognition.

One of the best ways is through nutrition!

Source – Gooey Brains

You will be amazed to know that a baby’s cognitive development starts from the time of conception. And that is why during pregnancy, mothers are advised to take proper care of their health and nutrition intake. DHA and Natural Vitamin E are the most important brain-building nutrients responsible for baby’s cognitive development.

Many studies and research conducted by Abbott, reinforce nutrition’s impact on cognition.

Only a mother can provide these essential nutrients to the baby during pregnancy and later through breastfeeding.

I always say that each baby is unique and they achieve their milestones at their own pace. However, this is also true that parents play an important role in their baby’s growth and development. Cognitive development is directly influenced by the quality of time parents spent with their babies. Cognition is the most important part of a child’s development as it lays the foundation for lifelong progress.

Another best way to help your baby achieve cognitive milestones is through stimulation!

Source – www.essentialbaby.com

It’s important that parents provide the right environment and stimulation activities right from the birth. There are many benefits of stimulation for the development of baby’s thinking and intelligence, auditory and visual senses and also helps in improving their social and emotional skills.

To know more about the age-appropriate (0-2 years) stimulation activities check out this post here!

A baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year. And by the age of two, the brain has up to twice as many nerve connections as it will have in adulthood.

Babies are way smarter than we think. For the first 2 years after birth, they use their senses to learn about the world around them. They are constantly learning, thinking and exploring their surroundings. And working towards developing remarkable intellectual skills.

Hence, it becomes crucial for parents to keep a watch on their cognitive milestones. And take immediate action if they notice any red flags. As early intervention always help!

Check out the below chart for an age-wise list of cognitive milestones 

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I hope you find this post informative and helpful. Do share your experience with me related to developmental milestones in the comment below. And don’t forget to share this post!

Reference:

http://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/anhi.org/img/Cheatham.pdf

http://www.abbott.in/live-healthy/thrive/infant/boost-your-babys-development.html

https://anhi.org/education/course-catalog/B880EF2D92BB48A1AE80277F1B36C0C4

https://www.nap.edu/resource/19401/ProfKnowCompFINAL.pdf

https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2012/05/21/Abbott-Nutrition-Cognition-research-is-one-of-our-top-global-priorities

‘I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter’

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Hey guys, I am back again with one of the least talked about topics ever i.e. Extended Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful part of a mother-child relationship as it helps in making the bond even stronger. During World Breastfeeding Week (1st Aug – 7th Aug), we saw many big organizations talking about the benefits & importance of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk is considered the first complete food for the baby. It does not just provide the nutrition for the baby’s growth but it also helps to keep the baby healthy by providing the necessary immunity.

Various researchers have even found a connection between breastfeeding and infant cognition. 

However, there is still a lack of knowledge and understanding among the new mothers regarding breastfeeding. And extended breastfeeding is not even considered by many due to some myths hanging onto it. Hence, today, I am going to share my experience with extended breastfeeding.

I am a mother and I have breastfed my son till 2.4 years and I can say that this journey was not at all easy. Just like any other part of motherhood & parenting, breastfeeding comes with its own set of hurdles. However, you all will agree that when it comes to our babies, we moms can do anything.

Extended breastfeeding means breastfeeding after the age of 12 or 24 months. 

Many of us are already aware that the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months of age. But not many know that WHO also recommends continued/ extended breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. I was shocked to read that globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed.

I understand there could be many reasons for not being able to breastfeed exclusively. Whatever your situation is, just remember you are still doing the best for your baby. And you are not alone!

I also want to tell you that Breastfeeding has innumerable benefits for the baby as well as the mother. And even if you are struggling with this phase, just don’t give up yet. Give it one more try!

We, moms, are ready to do anything which is in the best interest of our babies. During pregnancy, I took very good care of my diet as advised by my doctor, even though I hated those superfoods. Since I knew that the right nutrition during pregnancy leads to improved health of the baby at birth.

As per a research from Abbott, 3 key nutrients i.e. DHA, lutein and natural vitamin E are essential to support brain development and encourage early learning skills in infants.

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid which is an essential nutrient for the baby’s nervous system. It works best in combination with lutein and natural vitamin E. Hence, it’s important to include these nutrients in diet during pregnancy. After birth, the baby receives these nutrients through breast milk, hence it’s even more important for mothers to take care of their diets and include foods rich in these essential brain-boosting nutrients.

This is how mothers FeedIQ to their babies even when they are in the womb and later through breastfeeding. 

Research has revealed that the nutritional needs of a mother increases during breastfeeding. And the diet alone may not provide all the essential nutrients for the mother as well as the baby. Hence, it becomes important to fulfill those needs by taking a good supplement rich in DHA, lutein, and Vit E. One such supplement is Simmom™IQ⁺ which is specialized nutrition offering IQ⁺ blend of brain nutrients for effective brain development of the growing baby.

In one of my previous posts on FeedIQ, I had also mentioned how 90% of brain development takes place by the age of 2 years. So, along with nutrition, stimulation and the role of parents also play an important role in the brain development of a child.

There are so many benefits of breastfeeding still not many mothers consider extended breastfeeding for their children. One big reason is support from the family and on a whole from society. In earlier times, breastfeeding a child till the age of 3 or 4 years was a norm in our culture.

Why I chose extended breastfeeding?

At first, I was not aware of the many benefits attached to extended breastfeeding. I was forced to continue feeding as I had no idea how to go about weaning. Breastfeeding a toddler is completely different as compared to feeding a baby. While I was thinking about ways to wean off, we adjusted to the new feeding schedule. Now the feeds were not that frequent and were of shorter duration. And I noticed that in fact, it was helping me and my son in many ways. It was easier for me to continue breastfeeding considering that I am a stay at home mom.

So, mommies if you are not able to feed your child after a certain age due to any reason, don’t feel bad about it. It is your decision and no one can force you. But, if you are considering extended breastfeeding and undue pressure from others is stopping you, do only what is best for you and your child.

1. Extended breastfeeding gives Comfort & Security – Everybody talks about toddler tantrums and their mood changes. Will you believe it if I say we rarely face tantrums. That’s true! My son knows that he can come to me whenever he feels confused or upset. When nothing works, breastfeeding comes to the rescue. Even during sickness, he would find comfort in breastfeeding.

2. Bonding – After one year, our feeding sessions reduced in number. And I would use those times to bond better with my son. A few minutes, 4-5 times a day we would spend just with each other. No distractions around. Those were actually the best times spent in peace.

3. Independence – The strong bonding helped him become independent. He’s not at all clingy.

4. Health benefits – Breastmilk changes as your toddler grows. Breastfeeding has been shown to support the child’s immune system antibodies even at the age of two and beyond. Breastfed kids are known to fall less sick and have a good IQ.

5. Helped me as a mother – Breastfeeding beyond the age of two helped me in many ways from emotional security to fighting stress. Nursing also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. I feel more connected to my toddler & understand his needs better. I am happy that I decided to continue breastfeeding my toddler and provide him with brain-building, immune-boosting nutrients. It feels so satisfying. Thanks to the supplement I was taking.

Breastfeeding is a personal decision to be taken by the mother for her child. And no one has a right to interfere or pressurize her for her decision to breastfeed or not. Be well informed, only you know what is best for your child!

I hope you find this post informative and helpful in taking the most important decision of breastfeeding your child. Do spread the word, share this post! If you have any queries or doubt leave your comments below.

Reference –

www.prnewswire.com/news-releases

www.who.int

www.abbott.com

Featured Image Source – www.bubhub.com.au

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It is said that ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, how true is this in today’s world? Let’s talk about new age parenting and the role of parents in the cognitive development of their child. We are in an era where more and more families are turning nuclear and both parents have specific career goals. Due to multiple responsibilities, parents are always running short of time, still, they want to practice the best parenting method for their kids. However, I have seen parents struggling through this phase with little or absolutely no help around. Also, it’s commonly believed that the responsibility of a child is tilted more towards the mother. But times are changing and we can see many fathers proudly sharing parenting responsibilities and taking the load off the mothers’ shoulders.

Source – simmom.in

So, if you come under this category of nuclear family setup or joint family with zero support, this post is for you.

We are a nuclear family with no help around. Initially, after the birth of our son, I thought of dedicating my full attention and giving all my time to raising our kid. However, motherhood is not that easy, it comes with its own pros and cons. Postpartum depression hit me quite early and too hard that it took a toll on my mental as well as physical health. This, in turn, put a bad impact on bonding with my newborn. Luckily, my husband observed the mood changes and took the step to talk it out. That was the time when I poured my heart out and explained how difficult it was for me to manage a newborn all alone. Then onwards, we decided to follow a shared parenting approach.

Nemit and Papa shares a strong bond

You may read – How to conquer the Postpartum Depression?

I have already talked about how an impressive amount of a baby’s brain development occurs during pregnancy in my previous posts. And also how choosing the right nutrition plays an important role in boosting a child’s growth and development. We very well know how understanding the benefits of breastfeeding, choosing the right environment, and offering the age-specific stimulation exercises can all assist in the cognitive development of a child. These are some of the ways in which a mother can FeedIQ to her child.

Source – simmom.in

It is the responsibility of both parents to ensure that the child gets the right stimulatory environment by being mindful of their parenting approach. We make sure we are available for each other and for our son as and when required. This way we also try to inculcate the important values of equality in our son.

How do we ensure our child’s proper physical, social as well as cognitive development?

Let’s be true to ourselves, a mother can’t do it all by herself. She can fit well in all the roles but the fact can’t be ignored that she too needs rest and care. Here are some of the things we do in laying a great development foundation for our child.

An equally shared parenting truly is half the work and all the fun.

=> Outdoor Play – To ensure Nemit gets ample time outside, Sumit takes him to the nearby park twice a day. It’s an advantage to us since Nemit wakes up early, he gets his first dose of physical activity in the early morning hours, which in turn, helps in keeping his energy levels in check. Now, here it is important for parents to be a part of their child’s outdoor activity. Outdoor play or play dates also help in improving the child’s social development.

Toddlers still need their parents around; they feel secure and loved when parents show interest in what their kids are doing. This can also be the best bonding time for a father with his child. Just by playing with your child, you can help in reducing their feelings of anxiety and stress.

You may also read – How to make outdoor play more fun for toddlers?

=> Interaction – Talking to the child and making conversation is very important starting from an early age to develop their communication skills. And here I am not just speaking about making general talks, positive interactions with your child are helpful in a child’s social development too. Yes, your child’s social development starts with you. We do this by encouraging Nemit to share his day and activities with us, we help him in building a two-way communication. Listening to your toddler is as important as talking which also helps in their cognitive development.

When you speak with your child look into their eyes, respond with a smile and stay focused. Never shy away from hugging and kissing your child, always make them feel loved. All this helps in teaching a child to be affectionate and compassionate to others.  These positive interactions also help in maintaining a good parent-child relationship.

Cuddles are Fun

You may also read – Ways to develop good communication skills in kids!

=> Structured Play – I have always encouraged play-based learning for Nemit. In simple terms, structured play means ‘play with a purpose‘, and this may include pre-planned skill-based activities. These activities provide the right stimulation which in turn boosts the child’s cognitive development.

Play-based learning

The power of play should never be underestimated when it comes to a child’s cognition. In fact, these stimulation activities play the most fundamental role in their physical as well as intellectual development.

Finger Painting

I resort to these pre-planned activities mostly during the daytime when I am alone with Nemit. During Nemit’s summer break, this structured play helped in keeping me sane through the long summer days.

Pre-planned activities

I usually plan 3-4 activities which help in keeping him busy for good 2-3 hours. These are not just fun but helps in strengthening our bond too. Also, following the Montessori approach has helped in planning activities based on day to day life skills. I will be sharing more about these toddler activities in my next post.

You may also read – Activities to boost a child’s brain development (0-2 years old)!

When the parents provide attention and the right environment, it helps in shaping their child’s physical, social as well as cognitive development. This is how I manage being a work at home mom without feeling the undue pressure even in our nuclear setup. I understand this approach is not applicable for everyone, and I have no intention to portray that only equal parenting is better for every family than another parenting model. But this has surely helped us in many ways.

How do you moms manage your work-life balance? Does your family also follow the equal parenting approach? Share with me in the comments below. And if you liked this post, please do share it with your friends and family.

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Hello everyone, hope you liked my previous post on play-based learning. Thank you so much for all the love and following our Summer Holidays Story Series on Instagram. Today, I want to share my pregnancy experience and learnings with you hence dedicating this post to all the lovely expecting parents out there. I know how it feels when you have a little human growing inside you. The feeling that you are the sole nurturer of a new life is marvelous. But then there are endless doubts and fears pertaining to baby’s growth and development. One thing I used to do when I was expecting a baby, was read and gather up all the information related to baby growth. You must be doing the same, right? However, many times it would leave me confused and then I would take help of my gynecologist to clear up my doubts.

I remember once during my initial routine check-up, I asked my doc about baby’s brain development in the womb. And I was astonished to know that the neural tube, from which the baby’s brain and spinal cord develop, is formed by the 4th week of conception. Isn’t this amazing? That time she told me how my nutrition intake directly boosts my baby’s brain development.

Our baby’s physical as well as mental growth solely depend on what we eat and how we take care of ourselves both pre and post-pregnancy. In one of my previous posts, I talked about FeedIQ and how mothers not just pass on the genes to the growing baby but also IQ through proper nutrition and stimulation exercises.

You may read that post HERE!

A baby’s brain development is based on the environment, genetics and nourishment she/he receives in utero and via breastfeeding. This is called FeedIQ.

I am sharing the 5 best tips my gynecologist gave me to ensure proper growth & development of my baby as well as for a healthy delivery.

5 tips to have a healthy, happy and smart baby

1) Eat Nutritious Diet

This is one advice we get from almost everyone. I had never cared about nutrition until I found I was expecting a baby. And suddenly I wanted to be mindful of what I eat for my baby’s optimal growth. On every visit to my doc, she would suggest adding a variety of food groups in my daily diet. Foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, dairy products, legumes, and grains provide essential nutrients for baby’s brain development. So, if you want a smart and intelligent baby, you should take care of what you eat as you will be directly feeding IQ to your baby.

Source – simmom.in

Did you know that 70% of the brain growth occurs during fetal life

I tried best to follow her instructions but there were some foods like spinach and dairy products which I couldn’t eat due to strong aversion during my whole term. And that is why she wanted me to take additional supplements to support fetal development.

You may also read 5 essential nutrients for a baby’s brain development!

2) Take Supplements

My hemoglobin, vitamin D, and iron levels were already low and due to severe food aversions, I was not able to include some important food items in my diet. Hence, I was advised to take additional nutritional supplements. If you are not able to meet your recommended daily intake of nutrients, then it’s really important to take supplements to fulfill body’s requirement. There are many nutritional supplements available in the market. SimMom IQ is a specialized nutrition offering with IQ+ blend of brain nutrients and high-quality protein that helps in fetal brain development and healthy birthing. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement.

3) Stay Active

Many people take advantage of pregnancy and use it as an excuse to laze around, I was the same. I had become a couch potato and somedays would not even change my place for the whole day. It was during my 3rd-trimester scan when my doctor told me that baby’s weight was lagging even though I was gaining some good kilos. I realized the importance of being fit and active quite late. But as soon as I came to know about it, I was on my feet. I wanted my baby to be healthy.

The latest research has shown that exercise during pregnancy can increase neurons in your baby’s brain by 40%.

Our body releases some hormones during physical activity which are good for the baby. Working out not only helps in strengthening baby’s brain but also helps in improving your stamina which you will need during labor.

4) Talk to your baby

Source – Pinterest
(thebump.com)

I have heard many people say that it’s good to talk to your baby in the womb since babies can hear us. It’s true! In fact, talking to your baby plays a crucial role in his brain development. This is also a great way to bond with the baby. Whenever I used to talk to my baby, I would feel his movement. It felt as if he was responding to me. You can also read good books aloud during pregnancy. Talking, singing, and reading can help in your baby’s brain development. Sometimes, it may feel funny to talk to your tummy, but you will start loving that feeling too.

5) Say No to Alcohol & Smoking

It’s hard to stay away from alcohol in today’s social life, especially if you are a party animal. Similarly, cigarette smoking is linked to our highly stressful lifestyles. However, you should immediately stop smoking and drinking as these can have adverse effects on baby’s brain health. As per a study at Wayne State University, in Detroit, women who drank occasionally during pregnancy were 3 times as likely as non-drinkers to have a child diagnosed with behavioral problems.

Smoking can increase the risk of birth defects in babies.

The damage due to higher levels of alcohol in the fetal blood can be long-lasting and severe, ranging from mental retardation to heart damage. So, quit smoking and drinking during pregnancy to have a healthy baby.

We all wish to have healthy and smart babies however we ignore the importance of right lifestyle choices which could, in turn, help in boosting baby’s brain development. I hope you find these tips useful. Don’t forget to share the post with other expecting parents. And do leave a comment below so that I know you visited this blog. Thanks!

References:

www.nature.com

www.developinghumanbrain.org

www.simmom.in/feediq

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

All content here, including advice from the doctor, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in case of any questions related to your health.

This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions are mine.

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Have you ever wondered how fast a baby grows and learns things? I get amazed daily by the activities my kid chooses to do, how he interprets the signs from his surroundings and acts like a pro even at the age of 2.

Did you know that 90% of the child’s brain development takes place in the early years of their life?

If you know me then you must be aware of how keen I have been since my pregnancy days to raise a healthy child. I strongly believe that the child’s healthy growth is completely in our hands apart from our genetics. Hence, we mothers not only pass on our genes to the baby but also IQ through proper nutrition and stimulation exercises.

A baby’s brain development is based on the environment, genetics and nourishment she/he receives in utero and via breastfeeding. The right stimulation i.e. infant brain exercises also boost infant cognition. This is called FeedIQ.

Let’s see how nutrition and stimulation can help in the child’s brain development during the initial years.

 Role of Nutrition during Pregnancy

We often hear from our elders and doctor about taking care of our food intake during different trimesters. I was advised to eat a mindful balanced nutritious diet. There’s a myth that says we should eat for two people when pregnant. In fact, one should not look at the portion as eating healthy food is more important. Only during the 3rd trimester, should the intake be increased to meet the body’s demands. Also, eating right food plays an important role in baby’s growth and overall development.

Source- Google

So when a mother takes care of what she eats, she is literally feeding IQ to her baby!

• Include a variety of foods in your diet
• Be mindful of what you eat, portion size doesn’t matter
• Don’t forget to take daily supplements as suggested by your doctor
• Try to add all food groups in your diet from the very beginning
• Apart from protein, iron, and calcium, DHA or omega 3 is very important for brain development
• Always remember the developing baby gets all the nutrition from the mother
• Most important, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as that impacts the learning ability and growth of the baby

Importance of Breastfeeding

Mother’s milk is baby’s first food and is best for newborn’s development and immunity. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months. Breastmilk not only provides nutrition to the baby but also passes on the disease-fighting substances that protect the baby from illnesses.

Source- Pinterest

No matter how difficult it seems, the best gift you can give your baby is exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. Various researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development.

• A mother’s milk consists of all the essential nutrients
• Breastfeeding helps in emotional bonding, further improving the brain development
• Mother’s body produces the antibodies which pass on to the baby through breastmilk and provides immunity
• Breastmilk also has DHA which is an important nutrient for brain development
• Research says breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests

You may want to read Breastfeeding Challenges are Common!

Apart from essential nutrients, the environment (or stimulation) also plays a vital role in baby’s development. As I said earlier, child’s initial 2 years are the most crucial for the proper growth and development of the brain. A baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year. And by the age of two, the brain has up to twice as many nerve connections as it will have in adulthood. Hence, the role of brain exercise is an important part of baby’s brain development.

Nerve Connections. Source- Google, Corel, JL.

Types of Brain Exercises to develop baby’s IQ

Every mom will agree with me that following a nutritious diet during pregnancy is not easy when you face food aversions and mood swings. Similarly, breastfeeding is a natural biological process which has its own set of challenges. However, let’s talk about activities which you can do with your baby to stimulate his brain; fun for both mom and the baby.

Source- QuotesGram

Let’s see some age-appropriate brain exercises which you can do for your baby to boost his skills and brain development.

Activities for 0 to 6 months old

The smiles while playing Pee-Ka-Boo

• Vision – Young infants can’t differentiate colors, so for vision, you can show black and white drawings. Once they are 2 months old, you can put them in front of the mirror while giving tummy time. You can also place some small green plants around them, once they start rolling. Pee-ka-boo is my son’s favorite game till now. I started doing it around 3 months and in return, he would give me the most beautiful toothless smile.
• Hearing – I like the idea of using white noise for newborns as that makes them feel secure. You can play any soft music or even sing to your baby. Talking to your baby using wide facial expressions and hand movements works best as that also strengthens the bond between the parents and the baby.
• Touch – You can use various objects for developing their sense of touch. I used to give small clothes of different textures in his hands to touch and feel. My son started loving water when he was 5 months old. He could not sit properly but during bath time he loved to splash water. Let them touch and feel various shapes.
• Cognition – Let your baby explore his surroundings. Don’t stop if he’s putting his hands in his mouth as that’s his way of understanding how the body parts work.

Activities for 6 to 12 months old

Stimulation Exercises for 6 to 12 months old

• Vision – This is the best age to introduce books with big colorful pictures. You can show them things in the book and point to the same things in real. You can also roll the ball on the floor for the baby to follow and crawl towards.
• Hearing – Start reading stories to them, they will love it. You can bring in variations in the voice like emphasizing, whispering, singing, talking slowly or fast, and changing the pitch too. My son loved the tearing sound of the paper and would laugh every time he heard that sound.
• Touch – I introduced sand-play at this age using kinetic sand. Babies at this age want to touch and hold everything that comes their way. And then they put these things in their mouth as that’s their own way of exploring objects.
• Cognition – I did many DIY activities with my son to improve his cognitive skills. Mess-free painting, putting sticks in the bottle, sorting toys, cause and effect games etc. to name a few.

Source – AZ Quotes

Activities for 1 to 2 years old

Stimulation Exercises for 1 to 2-year-olds

• Gross motor skills – Babies grow rapidly during this age and their brain development is also at its peak. Encourage them for more independent play. Most babies start walking during this time and they want to test their physical ability. My son’s favorite activity was pushing the chair around the house and later on, he started climbing up the chair.
• Fine motor skills – The best way to help develop fine motor skills is to let them eat their food on their own either with hands or using a spoon. Another way is to give them crayons and let them test their scribbling ability. However, keep a watch as that’s when they would want to use the walls as their canvas.
• Social & Emotional development – Allow your kid to mingle with other kids by arranging play-dates. This is the age when separation anxiety sets in and your young toddler will not let you leave his side. Be considerate and cooperative, as a lot is going on inside their little minds. They are at a stage where they start understanding instructions but are unable to control their impulses enough to obey.
• Language & Vocabulary – Introduce new words and arrange to play around that word for a couple of days. Instead of talking to your child, start talking with your child. Start with 1 word, then 2-word sentences gradually increasing to 3 words. Repeat their words and form a sentence to assist their language development. By the age of 2, most kids start forming 3-word sentences to indicate their needs. And their vocab increases from 5-20 words to 150-300 words by the age of 2.

You may also want to read Reason for speech delay in toddlers!

Watch this cute video of Nemit learning new words using picture book at 22 months!

A post shared by Neha Sharma (@growing_with_nemit) on Nov 28, 2017 at 10:21pm PST

I would like to sum up my post by saying that we should not ignore the importance of nutrition and stimulation for boosting a child’s brain development and improving IQ.

If you liked this post, don’t forget to share with your friends and family. Tell me in the comments section what activities you include in your child’s day to day play.

References:
https://simmom.in/
http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/
https://www.usnews.com
https://in.pinterest.com/
http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/
https://www.health.ny.gov/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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