Early Brain Development

Your baby’s brain is growing fast. What you do in their early years matters.

 

Your child’s experiences in the first six years of life, especially the first three, build the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health. Loving, responsive care in the early years helps shape a child’s brain, behaviour and future success.

The first years last forever!

  • Your baby’s brain starts to develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy and continues until they are in their mid 20’s.
  • A lot of brain development happens during pregnancy and in the first few years of life.
  • Your baby’s brain is completely formed at birth and has 100 billion brain cells but it’s only one quarter of the size of an adult’s brain.
  • Connections must form between these brain cells to let them share information with each other.
  • Connections are formed through everyday experiences and relationships.
  • These connections help a child grow, think and learn. Early experiences shape how those brain cells connect.
  • Loving, responsive care helps your baby feel safe and learn.
  • The way you talk, play and respond builds your baby’s brain.

The early years of your child’s life are critical to form a strong foundation for brain development and positive health later in life.

You are your child’s first and most important teacher. A loving and secure relationship with your child is the foundation for healthy child development.

  • Look into your baby’s eyes.
  • Cuddle, sing, talk and respond with warmth.
  • Be patient and consistent. This helps your child trust and learn.
  • How you respond and interact with your child plays a key role in how your child’s brain develops.

Children need relationships that are responsive and attentive with lots of back-and-forth interaction. This is called “serve and return.”

  • A baby serves by cooing or babbling and the caregiver returns by speaking back.
  • A child serves by pointing at an object and the caregiver returns by naming the object.

These back-and-forth interactions help to build and strengthen your child’s brain.

Tips for serve and return:

  • Notice what your baby or child is focused on.
  • Let them know that you are noticing the same thing.
  • Name what your baby or child is seeing, doing or feeling.
  • Take turns and wait – this gives them time to respond and keeps the back and forth going.
  • Follow their lead – they will let you know when they are done and ready to move on to a new activity.

Watch this video to learn more about serve and return: 5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return from Harvard Center on the Developing Child.

Everyday interactions shape a child’s brain. A strong, nurturing relationship builds resilience and lifelong health. The little things you do every day – talking, playing, and showing love – help your child grow and thrive.

Find moments to connect every day.
Talking, playing and cuddling help your child’s brain grow strong.

Love and attention build connections.
Every smile, hug and kind word strengthens your child’s brain.

Simple activities make a big difference.
Reading a book, singing a song or playing peek-a-boo helps your child learn.

Responding to your child helps them feel safe.
When you comfort and listen, their brain learns trust and confidence.

Play is learning.
When you play together, your child is building skills for thinking, talking and solving problems.

Everyday routines are brain-building.
Mealtime, bath time and bedtime are chances to talk, connect and teach.
Date modified: June 1, 2026