Special Topic:

EARLY BRAIN
DEVELOPMENT IN
INFANTS AND
TODDLERS
 WHAT IS BRAIN
DEVELOPMENT?
Brain development in infants and toddlers refers to the rapid
growth and maturation of the brain during the first three
years of life. This period is marked by substantial changes in
the brain's structure and function, with billions of neurons
forming connections and establishing neural pathways.
 BRAIN FORMATION

At birth, approximately 100

billion are present. At about age
two, 80% percent of the adult
brain has formed. Here is where
it comes the saying of "use it or
loose it".
FOUR MAIN LOBES
WHAT AFFECTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS?

Meaningful Interactions

Genetics

Enviormental influences and

experiences

Nutrition
 WHAT ARE MEANINGFUL
INTERACTIONS?

Meaningful interactions
provide the necessary neural
stimulation for optimal brain
growth. Consistent and
responsive caregiving,
characterized by attentive and
nurturing interactions, creates a
secure attachment between
caregivers and children. This
attachment provides a
foundation for emotional and
social development.
 GENETICS

Genetic factors play a

significant role in determining
the basic structure and wiring
of a child's brain. These factors
influence how neurons are
formed, how connections are
made, and the overall
architecture of the brain.
 ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES AND EXPERIENCES
Early environments and experiences have an exceptionally strong
influence on brain architecture. After most neural circuits in the brain
have matured, their genetic plans and architecture can still be modified by
experience, but the extent of these modifications tends be far more
limited. This means that what happens early has a unique advantage in
shaping the architecture of developing brain circuits before they are fully
mature and stabilized.
 Nurturing attachment
Consistent and responsive interactions create a secure attachment
between caregivers and children. This attachment forms the basis
for a child's sense of trust, safety, and emotional security. It
positively influences the child's overall development and their
ability to form healthy relationships later in life. Creating the right
conditions for early childhood development is likely to be more
effective and less costly than addressing problems at a later age.
 NUTRITION
Proper nutrition is essential for
brain development. Adequate intake
of nutrients, especially during
pregnancy and the first few years of
life, supports the growth of brain
cells and the development of neural
pathways.
 RESOURCES

Miguel, P. M., Pereira, L. O., Silveira, P. P., & Meaney, M. J. (2019). Early environmental influences on the development of children’s brain structure and
function. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology , 61(10), 1127–1133. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14182
Miguel, P. M., Pereira, L. O., Silveira, P. P., & Meaney, M. J. (2019). Early environmental influences on the development of children’s
brain structure and function. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology , 61(10), 1127–1133. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14182

Rosales, & Zeisel, S. H. (2008). Perspectives from the symposium: The Role of Nutrition in Infant and
Toddler Brain and Behavioral Development. Nutritional Neuroscience, 11(3), 135–143.
https://doi.org/10.1179/147683008X301522