3 months: Brain-building playtime
Your baby’s brain is very much a work in progress. At birth it was only one-fourth its adult size. Some crucial parts were still strikingly immature, including the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for conscious thought and voluntary action, and the limbic system, which plays a key role in the expression of emotions.
In the first few months of baby’s life, her brain has made considerable progress, but it still has a lot of growing and developing to do. By 2 years of age, your baby’s cerebral cortex will contain more than 100 trillion junctions between brain cells.
Learning is child’s play
You can help the learning process by providing a rich environment with a wealth of stimulating experiences. Simple pleasures can be an endless source of fascination for your baby. She loves sights—the activity around her, a brightly colored toy, and especially your face. She loves sounds—all kinds of music, the shake of a rattle, and your voice most of all.
Around 3 months of age, playing and learning are inseparable. When your baby is playful, give her ample opportunity to interact with you and the others in her life. She’ll reward you with delighted smiles, coos, and gurgles.
When your baby is ready for a break, she may turn away, stop responding, or become cranky. That’s your cue that she’s had enough excitement for now. It’s time to switch to quieter activities or put her down for a nap. She’ll be ready for more fun and games soon.
Games for Younger Babies
