5 Things You Can Try- To Give Your Baby a Head Start at Learning...

​1. Instead of wearing prenatal headphones with only classical music playing, switch it up. Record yourself, dad and/or siblings reciting the days of the week, months of the year, counting, alphabet, and names- And play as often as possible after the 4th month of pregnancy.

2. Record and play personalized prenatal learning in a second language, in addition to native language.

3. Eat foods that are good for brain development and find a prenatal vitamin that works for you. Studies show that eating fish (Omega 3) is great for baby brain development during the 2nd trimester.  However, you must be cautious of how much fish you eat, because of the mercury fish contains.  Omega 3 good, too much mercury bad.  Different fish have different levels of mercury.  Salmon, catfish, pollack, whitefish, tilapia, and shrimp are said to have lower levels of mercury.  Also, though some prenatal vitamins may not agree with you, try, try again.  It is crucial for babies to get the essentials they need from you, and there is likely a brand that will work for you.

4. Talk, talk, talk! Talk to your unborn, every chance you get. Talk about the weather, their family, who they are going to see when they get here, names of close family members, what their room looks like, your expectations/hopes/dreams for them, etc.

5. Start reiterating everything you've been saying and playing immediately! Learning starts at birth, well technically before...You don't necessarily have to do flash card drills, and workbooks on day one, but know that every moment is a moment to teach/learn. For instance, you can count during diaper changes, sing the ABC song during feedings, say days of the week and months of the year at bath time, recite the Lord's prayer at night, name objects and shapes throughout their room/house, show them the fruits and veggies your unpacking from the store, and so on.

The SubUrban Mom
A Mother's Perspective

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