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Brain Development of a 6-Week-Old Baby

According to the University of Georgia publication "Building Baby's Brain: The Basics" by Dr. Diane Bales, much of a baby's brain wiring doesn't initiate until the baby has been born. A vast amount of brain cells forms during the first months of life. These cells form connections in the brain that regulate thoughts and actions.

  1. Motor Skills

    • HowKidsDevelop.com states that, during the first six weeks of life, a baby will begin to develop his motor skills. While babies need nearly constant head support at this stage, it is a good idea to let the baby play while lying on his stomach for a few minutes each day. This will develop head and neck strength. In addition, babies often make sudden jerking movements at this stage as they begin to learn to control their appendages.

    Communication

    • A 6-week-old baby's primary form of communication is her cry. This is a baby's way of letting her caregiver know that she is tired, hungry or uncomfortable. A baby at this stage may make eye contact to prove awareness and show interest or may turn away if she is tired of being fussed over and just needs a moment of calm, according to HowKidsDevelop.com.

    Feelings

    • According to HowKidsDevelop.com, babies will become sensitive to warm and cold between birth to six weeks, so appropriate dress is always mandatory. At this point, babies also begin to develop feelings of trust, love and safety. Playing into a baby's need for touch with a prebedtime massage is a good way to trigger a baby's developing senses.

    Heightened Awareness

    • A 6-week-old baby will start to become more aware of his surroundings. Although clear vision is not fully developed at this stage, a baby will be able to see faces that are close to his or respond to black and white objects. Also, babies will begin to have slight changes in facial expressions if they hear pleasing sounds or recognize the voices of their parents.

    Nurturing Brain Development

    • According to Dr. Diane Bales from the University of Georgia, parents can encourage positive brain development in their children using a few simple tips. Dr. Bales states that parents should provide a safe, stress-free living environment, talk to their baby as much as possible, read to their baby from an early age and ensure that their baby is receiving top-quality child care.

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