This process is critical to brain development because it destroys the rarely-used connections and streamlines paths for electrical impulses. Pruning gets rid of damaged neurons that interfere with faster processing speed.
Learning experiences strengthen connections which become resistant to pruning. Those experiences shape kids’ brains throughout childhood.
Your job? Read to baby; dance and sing. Take baby for walks and introduce her to all kinds of experiences. The world is a whole new place for her so the grocery store with colors and shapes, is a great learning environment.
Every single experience shapes her brain and improves cognitive ability. Don’t just put baby in front of the television. It does little, if anything, to develop her brain.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.