Baby Brain Builders: Activities to Encourage Intectual Development

The window between birth and age three is recognized as one of the most crucial for a child's intellectual development. Give your baby a leg up with these easy brain-building activities that are fun for both of you!

1- Say it and sign it.

Babies are able to communicate their thoughts and needs through gestures long before they can verbalize them. Help your child develop a framework for language by using the signs for common objects as well as the words. A basic sign language dictionary will show you how to say "milk", "dog", "mom" and "dad".

2- Read.

For babies, reading time isn't just about cognitive abilities. When cuddled on your lap with a book, they learn that literature is something to be enjoyed. They learn that the pictures and words in those books represent objects in their own world. Even their memories get a work out as they develop favorite pages.

3- Label and describe.

The backyard may be old news to you, but there is a plethora of new concepts there for your little one to learn about and explore. Describe the colors, textures and sounds around you. What color is the grass? How does it feel when you press your hand on it? What happens if we pick it? Questions feed your child's imagination and curiosity.

4- Count Everything.

It's never too early to start working on the concept of numbering. Count baby's feet, socks, belly button and toes. Count the dog's legs and the cabinet doors. Help your child touch each object as you count.

5- Collect simple toys.

The latest gadget with spinning wheels and dinging bells might hold your child's attention for a while, but simple toys that encourage open-ended creative play can provide years of enjoyment. Here, the old classics reign: blocks that can be stacked and knocked over, balls that can be tossed into boxes, dolls that can live out their own adventures.

6- Visit interesting places.

Taking baby to fairs, museums, zoos and carnivals opens up new worlds of sights, sounds and smells. Each new sensation is a brain builder and each experience is a chance to model appropriate social behavior.

7- Enjoy everyday places.

The local grocery store, post office and church are also important places where a child can learn. When you go about you day, take the time to talk about the people who work at each place. Become "location detectives" - point out the letter Bs in the grocery store, or all the colors at the dry cleaners.

8- Answer questions truthfully.

An intelligent child is usually a curious one. Feed your child's mind by taking their questions seriously. Answer honestly, but on their level and your kids will learn that their concerns and opinions are important.

9- Pour, stack, rip and fold.

Give your baby toys that encourage manipulation. Babies love to pour rice from a measuring cup, rip paper and stack blocks. However, don't expect your 18-month old to know the difference between the catalog he is allowed to write on and the new magazine that he isn't.

10- Assign chores.

Even at a young age, helping with chores fosters a sense of pride and achievement. Toddlers who brush their own teeth, put away their toys and set the table learn also learn sequencing and counting skills.

Most importantly, by taking the time to enjoy activities with your child and include her in your day, you are teaching her that she is a loved, important member of the family. Children watch and learn every minute of their day, and parents play an important role in their experiences.