What Factors Affect Cognitive Development in Infants?

Prenatal Factors

• Almost any circumstance in the mother's life can have some kind of effect on a developing fetus, so you can make a big difference in your child's development by making healthy choices during pregnancy. Drinking too much alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, with significant damage to cognitive development. Street drugs and some pharmaceuticals can also affect the fetus, as can poor nutrition or extreme stress. To give your baby the best prenatal environment for cognitive development, avoid drugs and alcohol and get the best nutrition you can.

Nutrition

• According to the National Food Service Management Institute, good nutrition is the most significant factor in cognitive development. Breast milk is particularly nutritious for babies, but formula also contains nutrients that support brain development. Developing brains need fat for fuel, so children between the ages of 1 and 2 should drink full-fat milk rather than low fat. The iron in proteins such as meat, beans and fish is also important for cognitive development. Try to serve balanced meals including fruits and vegetables.

Toys and Playtime

• According to a 2011 study published in "Infant Behavior and Development," children whose motor skills develop slowly are more likely to show delayed cognitive development later on. The study found that the home environment was a factor in the development of motor skills. Babies who got a chance to practice their fine and gross motor skills with a variety of toys developed these skills more quickly than those who did not. To help your baby develop motor and cognitive skills, provide an array of interesting toys to experiment with and learn from.

Persistance

• A 2006 study published in "Infant Behavior and Development" found that babies who stay focused on a particular toy or game for a longer period of time showed better cognitive development over time than those who didn't. The study also found that babies would stay focused on one toy or game longer with encouragement and participation from the mother and that this could even counteract the negative effects of poverty on cognitive development. Regardless of your financial situation, you can help your baby develop properly by playing her favorite game with her.