Just the other day we were planning a family vacation to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday and a common thought came to mind – “But this trip is mostly for us right? She won’t remember anything!” As I pondered about that, I realized that the point of exposing our children to a variety of experiences early on is not so much to create beautiful memories for them (as it is for us), but to support their developing brain. She won’t remember the trip, but she will explore, laugh, learn to adapt, build trust and most importantly feel loved – all factors that positively affect child development. With 90% of the brain developing by age five, there’s no question that the first years of a child’s life are defining. Check out these five amazing facts about child development!

“Infants have a biological need for love and begin to form emotional bonds with their caregiver at birth”

A lot of parents are concerned about spoiling their babies. But there is not such thing as giving too much love to an infant! Emotional bonds play an important part in your child’s development. Starting from birth, babies learn who they are by how they are treated! (Source: Zero to Three)

“Music plays an important role in building babies’ emotional basis and helping them gain a sense of confidence”

We know that music helps babies develop a variety of skills such as language and math. But it also helps build their confidence! When babies sing songs and dance to rhythms they are having fun and gaining a sense of themselves. Try our Kindermusik class and see it for yourself!

“Stable, caring, interactive relationships with adults will benefit healthy brain development of young children”

It seems that us adults are always looking for ways to change things up but children thrive in routine and stability. The more they know what to expect from you and their environment, the more comfortable and calm they will be. At the same time, the opposite (unstable caregiving, deprivation of love, neglect, etc.) will increase the likelihood of poor health and development throughout their life. (Source: World Health Organization)

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning”

As Mister Rogers once explained, “play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Our home visiting programs provide support and education for pregnant women and families with children under five. Learn more about our programs and apply today to get the best ideas from child development specialists.

“The brain develops most rapidly in the first few years of a child’s life. The ongoing interchange between genes and different environments – within which children are born, grow, learn and live – shapes the developing brain”

Our brains are truly amazing. “During these critical years, the foundation is laid for a child’s physical and mental health, affecting everything from longevity to the lifelong capacity to learn, from the ability to adapt to change to the capacity for resilience against adverse circumstances.” (Source: World Health Organization)

For more on child development and activity ideas, follow Root for Kids on Instagram (@rootforkids)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or developmental delays. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and we have compiled a few facts and resources for parents.

What are developmental disabilities?

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas¹. They come in many shapes and sizes, and are not always visible. These conditions can include, but are not limited to, vision impairment, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, learning disability and ADHD.

There are many factors that can cause a developmental disability or delay, and most begin before the baby is born. It can be linked to genetics, complications during pregnancy (such as infections) and/or during birth, exposure to high levels of toxins, and parental health and behavior (such as drinking, smoking and drug use.)

Why is Early Intervention important?

Neural circuits, which create the foundation for learning, behavior and health, are most flexible during the first three years of life. Because of that, early intervention is more effective when provided then. It can also reduce the incidence of future problems in their learning, behavior and health status.² As a result, children who receive services early on most likely won’t need special education when they start school.

What can you do to help your child?

If your child was born with a developmental disability, seek local early intervention services right away. For Utah and Arizona, check out the Utah Department of Health and Arizona Department of Economic Security for services in your area. 

The best way to catch developmental delays is through screenings. Only 31% of children ages 9 months to 35 months received a developmental screening in the U.S. in 2016-2017.³ To make sure your child is reaching their developmental milestones, follow the CDC’s Milestone Checklist or download their app. Contact your local providers for screening information if you have any concerns.

Root for Kids serves Washington County, Utah and the Arizona strip. Contact us for free developmental screenings.

Every child deserves the best start in life. Help us serve more children and families by donating today.