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Introducing babies to art has been proven to have a positive impact on their mental development. In fact, showing a baby anything that has a lot of bright colors will help them make important neuron connections, and encouraging your child to begin making their own art at an early age will have an even bigger impact on their future. Several research projects have indicated that music can also have a noticeable impact on a child’s development, so it is a good idea to introduce them to multiple forms of artistic expression.
How will Looking at Art Help My Baby?
Although most psychologists believe that we have not finished developing mentally and emotionally until our mid-20s, it is crucial to place a huge emphasis on mental and physical development during the first couple of years of life. During this time period, a baby’s brain is often referred to as being like a sponge because it is able to absorb so much new information. The truth behind this common phrase is that a baby’s brain makes neuron connections each time they are exposed to something new, and these connections play a vital role in brain development. In other words, if a baby is simply left in their crib all day long, they are not going to develop at the same rate as another infant who is constantly experiencing new things.
Art can be an important part of your baby’s development because it typically includes multiple eye-catching colors and shapes. Every time a baby sees something that captures their attention, it helps them use their imagination, and this leads to a more fully developed brain. Therefore, it is a good idea to install art on the walls of your nursery, and you should also consider printing out and hanging several disposable pieces of art so that your baby can interact with them.
Beginning the Artistic Process
A baby is not going to have the necessary physical skills to draw or color with crayons, but they can still be introduced to the concept of creating art via finger painting. As soon as they are old enough to move their fingers on a piece of paper, you can let them start exploring the freedom that comes from creative expression. You should also consider framing these early works of art and hanging them up in your baby’s room. These finger paintings will make great mementos, and they will also continue to encourage your baby’s imagination as long as they can easily see them.
Buying Art for a Baby
Most people think that a baby’s room should be filled with cute representations of animals or children, but it is important to remember that the infant brain responds well to bright colors. Online art stores like www.artismo(dot)com can help you to narrow down your choices by color, style or subject.
Teaching your baby about art at a young age will help them with brain development, and it will also let them begin to appreciate the finer things in life. Therefore, it is always a good idea to let your baby be around art from the moment they come home from the hospital.
Melanie Fleury is a mom who enjoys buying quality pieces of art for every room in her home. Artwork at www.artismo.com is affordable and framed in quality woodwork. Modern or contemporary pieces with lots of color are a great addition to any child’s room.
Ok silly me read could art boost my baby brain………………………….let’s blame that on looking after a 4mth old all day shell we…………………….now moving on anything that can boost a babies brain would be a god thing since their brains are so young and so much like a sponge and sock up so much knowledge unlike this 50yr old brain that is struggling to stay a foat…………………..lol
I like that title too lol. I feel ya!
I absolutely believe that art can help develop a child’s brain. I think there is not enough emphasis on art today and have heard from friends with school age children that art is something that is only available by volunteer teachers and there is not a lot of time taken to explore art. 🙂
I used to love art in elementary school. It was my favorite class. I’m not even sure if it’s offered at my son’s elementary school. If it’s not it should be.
So much research has been done on the power of art and music in boosting intelligence and creativity. It’s a shame school’s are opting out of such programs as a way to save money so they can spend more on standardized tests.
I know. It’s awful. Kids need to be creative.
At birth, baby’s brain is remarkably unfinished. Most of its 100 billion neurons are not yet connected in networks. Some neurons are programmed for specific functions-breathing and heartbeat, but most are not yet designated for tasks and are waiting for the experiences in the environment to determine their function. Connections are created by the sensory experiences-seeing, smelling, touching, and especially tasting, stimulate the growth of neural connections. Forming and reinforcing these connections are the key tasks of early brain development. By the age of three, a child’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s–and it stays that way throughout the first decade of life.
Good to know. I wish my brain was as active as my 3 year old. Probably why he is always bouncing off the walls.