Tanazia Woods
Brain development: The baby brain map
Newborn to 2 months
Hearing: During this time period in the brain the baby is beginning to listen to sounds and are able to turn their heads and eyes in the direction in which sound is coming from. The baby is interested in basic language sounds, so it helps if the caregiver talks to them while feeding and during diaper changes. Also you can sing softly and watch the baby's response. Notice if the baby turns his head away that simple means they just need a break.
Crying: When babies cry it is how they communicate with the their caregivers. Depending on their feelings and needs the baby's cry can be different in pitch. As the caregiver you have to use context of the cry and pitch to figure out what the baby needs. Responding to the cry with either feeding, holding, or changing the diaper makes the baby feel secure and tells them that they are important to you. The first few times will be trial and error until you and the baby have a understanding with with other.
Touch: Touch is the first sense to begin prenatally. A baby is most responsively to touch around the mouth, palms, and the bottom of the feet. The brain is able to register the slightest pressure of touch. Also the baby may cry to let you know he or she is feeling pain. The brain develops healthy when you hold the baby in your warm arms, it's like sensory nourishment for the brain. It makes them feel protected and comfort. As a caregiver never leave the baby in a swing for long periods of time without showing them love and also watch to see which position your baby like best.
Feeding: Breast-feeding can help the growth of brain weight. This is caused by myelin, which coats axons and once present the brain cells can send and receive messages faster and makes it clear for the child to understand. As a caregiver when you are bottle-feeding, hold the baby in your arms to create a warm secure environment. When you breast-feed set a side a schedule because the feelings may be shorter and more frequent.
Vision: Vision is the last sense to mature for a newborn. Objects and people are a little bit fuzzy because they can not focus their eyes. Before 3 months, infants see best using their peripheral vision, but sometimes cry because they can not stop staring at one thing. As the caregiver you should encourage the baby to follow object with their eyes, but move the object slowly and hold it about 10-15 inches from the face.