Your baby is born with billions of neurons (brain cells), but they’re not really connected yet. Daily life creates those connections. While your baby’s genetics provide an initial ‘map’ for brain development, their brain is shaped considerably by their experiences and relationships.
Some researchers estimate that your child is developing 1 million neural connections per second between the ages of 0-3. By their third birthday, your child has about 1,000 trillion synapses (brain connections). That’s a staggering number.
Supporting childhood brain development
You can support your child’s brain development and encourage brain balance by giving them many positive interactions each day.
That can include:
- Emotional warmth – smiles, cuddles, comfort, affection
- Playing games that get their body and mind moving
- A varied, healthy diet
- Social connections – through playgroups, friends or other activities
- Sufficient sleep
- Singing songs or enjoying music together
- Reading picture books together to kickstart their language skills
- Going to the park or spending time in nature.
When does the brain stop developing?
The brain grows rapidly from birth to age 3 then begins pruning itself. This process of synaptic pruning helps your baby’s brain remain efficient so it can manage increasingly complex information as your child gets older.
Your child will be around 25 before their brain is fully developed. As many parents of teenagers can attest, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for good judgement and critical thinking, is the last part of the brain to mature.
The brain never stops changing, though. It’s constantly adapting to new information and responding to stimuli. Thanks to this brain plasticity, you’re able to learn new skills throughout life or adapt to changed circumstances.
Recognising signs of a brain imbalance
Usually the two sides (hemispheres) of your brain develop at the same pace. Sometimes, though, one side steams ahead while the other lags behind. A brain imbalance can disrupt brain connections.
Signs of a brain imbalance may include poor:
- Body and spatial awareness
- Motor skills
- Social skills
- Cognitive awareness
- Academic performance
- Emotional regulation.
How Neurofit Brain Centre can help
If you’re concerned about your child’s brain development or brain balance, then please come to see us.
We can conduct a comprehensive assessment and deliver evidence-based therapies to stimulate your child’s brain to improve its balance and connections.
At Neurofit Brain Centre, we believe brain activity makes an active difference. Our programs are designed to be fun for your child, using light, sound, video games, interactive metronome and much more. These non-invasive therapies can help to balance and develop the brain.
Click here to book an assessment today.
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Neurofit Brain Centre can consult with you to confirm if a particular treatment approach is right for you.
References
- Queensland Government, Early years brain development, https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/early-years-brain-development, [Accessed 4 June 2024]
- Zero to 3, Why 0-3? https://www.zerotothree.org/why-0-3/, [Accessed 4 June 2024]
- Healthline, What is synaptic pruning? https://www.healthline.com/health/synaptic-pruning, [Accessed 4 June 2024]
- Good Rx, When is the brain fully developed? Later than you might think, https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/neurological/when-is-the-brain-fully-developed, [Accessed 4 June 2024]
