Every child grows uniquely, and some children may take a different path in their developmental journey. Engaging early with intervention support services can benefit children, enhancing their potential.
Why do the early years count?
Positive interactions with trusted and supportive caregivers in the early years can set up each child for a lifetime of learning, health and wellbeing.
A baby's brain begins developing before birth and, in the early years, significant 'wiring' occurs within the brain. Between 2 to 6 months, a baby will learn about emotions through watching how you react to them when they coo, cry or smile.
Making important connections
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In the first 9 months, a baby's brain is forming connections between what they see, hear, taste and feel.
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From 9 to 12 months, a baby will become increasingly vocal, as their understanding of emotions develops.
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By the age of 3, a child has around 1,000 trillion brain connections (synapses), the most they will ever have in their life, as these are 'pruned' in later development.
These initial brain connections are formed as a result of the everyday experiences, relationships and care a child receives in their early years and will provide the foundations for further brain development later in life.
What you can do
Parents, caregivers and family members play an important role in the ongoing development of a child by providing a safe and caring environment and engaging with them through talking, reading and playtime.
Community and learning environments can also play a key role in supporting optimal development through providing a sense of belonging, learning opportunities and social experiences.
Brain development from birth
The early years of a child's life are critical for brain development. During this time, the brain undergoes rapid growth, laying the foundation for learning, behaviour and overall development. When we consider how these early experiences shape a child's success in school and later in life, the importance of fostering positive experiences during this period becomes undeniable.
As a parent or guardian, you can support your child's early development by creating a safe, nurturing environment that encourages learning and reduces stress.
Ante-natal
Your child's brain has already started developing. All 5 senses begin to function before birth. During this time, prenatal sensory experiences such as talking, reading or playing music to your unborn baby help shape the brain and nervous system.
2–6 months
Your baby's brain develops through daily experiences and relationships. Babies learn emotions by observing their parents and caregivers and their reactions to movements and sounds like crying, yelling, smiling and cooing.
6–9 months
By 9 months, your child's brain has already undergone a rapid growth spurt, forming connections between what they see, hear, feel and taste. Playtime and interactions with parents and family members provide key learning opportunities for early development.
3 years
By 3 years of age, a child's brain has around 1,000 trillion brain connections (synapses). The early years are a period of rapid brain development, nurtured by positive relationships with parents and caregivers, and supportive community environments for families and children. Engaging with your child and providing a safe, caring environment has a significant impact on their development.
3–5 years
By the time a child starts school, their brain development is built upon the solid foundation created in the first 5 years.
Children are better able to thrive in learning environments, such as school, when they have positive early learning experiences and a nurturing home environment.
Adolescence
By adolescence, brain synapses number around 500 trillion, a figure that remains relatively steady into adulthood. Brain development prioritises the most frequently used connections leading to the 'pruning' of brain networks and circuits.
Help and support
If you are concerned about any aspect of your child's development:
If you are in doubt, it is better to have your concerns checked than to wait and see.