How can I help my babies brain develop

•Baby’s parents help them build their brain into a strong and stable blueprint for the future.

It can also impact their relationships and
physical and emotional health when they
become adults..

Your baby’s brain wiring (neural pathways) is around 20% connected when they are born.

•How well that wiring develops can affect the way they communicate, handle problems, and how they learn.

Consistent, positive and loving relationships help your baby’s brain to grow and lower the effects of stress.

•Babies are primed to look for two way interaction with their care givers,
including touch, facial expressions, and conversation. When you respond to
their cues, you are literally helping them to build positive brain connections.

•Responding to your baby, especially when they are upset or sick, and
providing them with a safe, supportive and loving relationship is also
important. Engage in “serve and return” interactions, like smiling when they smile or responding to their cries with comfort. These small day-to-day moments are incredibly powerful

•Ask for help: If you are struggling, it is important to seek support. Professional help is available and can have long-lasting benefits for both you and your baby, and can prevent mental health issues from taking root

Why is my mental health and well-being so important for my baby?

When a parent experiences poor mental health it can affect the way they respond to, bond with and care for their child. This can impact the child’s
psychological, intellectual, social and emotional development.

How your mental health impacts your baby

Your ability to care: Taking care of your own mental health allows you to be more available and attentive to your child’s needs.

Brain development: Your interactions physically shape your baby’s developing brain, especially in the first three years. When you respond positively to their cues (like a cry or smile), you help build the neural pathways for trust, attachment, and confidence. 

Emotional regulation: As a caregiver, you are your baby’s emotional “co-regulator”. When you help them calm down from a stressful experience, they learn that the world is a safe and reliable place. 

Behavioral and cognitive development: A parent’s well-being is a strong predictor of a child’s social and emotional development. When a mother is depressed, she may be less responsive to her baby’s needs, affecting the child’s ability to learn and regulate emotions. 

Risk for later issues: Persistent stress or a lack of emotional support in infancy can lay the groundwork for later emotional difficulties.