Understanding brain development

Researchers have learned a lot about early childhood brain development over the past few years. Zero To Three has released the Baby Brain Map. It’s a web page that allows you to select an age (prenatal development to 36 months) and area of the brain to learn more about that developmental stage.

For example, if you select the age range of 2 – 6 months and click on the hearing area of the brain, you can find the answers to these questions:

• Does hearing music affect an infant’s brain development?
• Is the constant playing of music harmful to an infant’s brain?

There is also a box that provides suggestions for helping your baby’s brain development in that area.

Parents often want to know the developmental milestones a child should be reaching at different ages. Although children develop at various rates, they all should reach certain milestones in how they play, learn, speak and act. There is great information about developmental milestones on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.