At birth the brain is about one-quarter of full adult size, by the age of two, the brain is not only bigger, but complex connections have been made between cells. Brain size is only a small part of the story. It is the connections between brain cells that help young children control their bodies and learn about their worlds.

The graph (right) shows that brain development, especially related to vision, hearing, language, and cognitive functions, is extremely fast in the early years of life, especially the first year. 

Click here to view an interactive baby brain map — complete with age specific information.

Young children need stimulation and interaction throughout their lives, but lack of enrichment can be most damaging in the very early years. Connections in the brain become stronger when they are used often, and connections that are not used die away in childhood and early adolescence as seen on the picture on the left.  It is true for adults and true for babies — “use it or lose it!” — babies and young children need stimulation  to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

The picture (right) shows the difference between the brain of a child who was severely deprived and the brain of child who was not.  The brain of the neglected child shows much less activity than that of a normal child. Early experiences have long term impacts on brain power.  Creative play and quality care make all the difference for children.

*Nelson, C.A. (2000). The neurobiological bases of early intervention. In J. P. Shonkoff & S.J. Meisels (Eds.), Handbook of early childhood intervention, second edition (pp. 204–227). Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press

**Shonkoff, J. P. (2008). The Science of Child Development and the Future of Early Childhood Policy. Presented at the National Symposium on Early Childhood Science and Policy. June 26, 2008. http://www.developingchild.harvard.edu/

***Nelson, C.A., Levitt, P & Gunnar, M. R. (2008). The Impact of Early Adversity on Brain Development. Presented at the National Symposium on Early Childhood Science and Policy. June 27, 2008. http://www.developingchild.harvard.edu/