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Early Childhood Neurological Development

Early childhood is a crucial time in an individual's brain development, with most neurological growth taking place then. The habits and experiences cultivated by parents and caretakers of young children during this period have a long-lasting impact on a child's brain and overall health.

  1. Time Frame

    • Early childhood neurological development occurs from conception until age 6. Children's brain nerve cells form before birth and continue to develop during the first six years. During this time, 75 percent of neurological growth takes place.

    Process

    • The brain nerve cells formed before birth are like wires to be connected, with each connection signifying neurological development. These connections occur each time a baby is held, touched, read to, or played with. An infant's interest in certain activities, sights, sounds and objects also determines how quickly neurological connections form. Once the primary neurological pathways are established, around age 8 months, a child is ready to develop the basis for language, intelligence, sociability and curiosity.

    Considerations

    • Since infancy and early childhood is when the majority of a person's brain development occurs, this is a prime opportunity for parents and caretakers to nurture their little ones. Parents and other guardians have the responsibility of cultivating a child's neurological development by interacting with the child on a regular basis and especially in times of need, such as when a child is sick or upset.

    Expert Insight

    • Childcare experts, including the Early Childhood Development Coalition, advocate taking certain measures to ensure that a child receives proper support for successful neurological development. This includes adequate sleep, a nutritious daily breakfast and regular exercise.

    Effects

    • The actions that parents take or fail to take can have an enormous impact on a child's development. For example, children who are held and calmed during stressful times are less likely to resort to violence later in life. Similarly, a child who is read to at a young age is more likely to have success in reading. Playing with an infant or young child helps to stimulate that child's cognitive reasoning and development.

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