Although the first stages of brain development are strongly affected by genetic factors, genes do not design the brain completely. Instead, genes allow the brain to fine-tune itself according to the input it receives from the environment.
Environmental influencers of the brain include:
Experiences and brain stimulation
Emotional well being
Balanced nutrition is key for healthy brain development. Certain foods will be particularly helpful in boosting brain health such as those containing antioxidants, choline, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates. To ensure your child gets the necessary dietary requirements, make sure your child consumes a variety of foods on a daily basis.
A particular ingredient essential for a child’s brain and visual development is LCPs, which is a type of unsaturated fat found in oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, as well as in smaller concentration in nuts, seeds, wholegrains and dark green, leafy vegetables. LCPs are also found in specific growing up milks such as Aptamil Kid.
Experiences and brain stimulation
You can help your child maximize his potential in brain development by engaging in games and activities with him, customized to his age and his development stage. Everything you do with your child – playing, talking, eating, walking, reading, cuddling, and singing helps jump-start his brain.
Making sure your child gets enough sleep every night ensures he will have a sound foundation for proper mind and body development. Sufficient amounts of sleep mean your child will be more alert with higher attention span.
Research shows that after physical exercise, a part of the memory area of the brain grows allowing children to learn new words at a facer pace. The brain is supplied with freshly oxygenated blood enhancing concentration, thinking speed and complex reasoning. Your little one is naturally quite active, so be sure to provide lots of chances for your child to practice and build on these skills.
When your child is sick he is not in his best conditions to learn, play or concentrate. Strengthening his immune system will help in reducing illnesses and thus leading to a more alert child. You can opt for the Growing up Milk, Aptamil Junior, which is enriched with a specific ratio of prebiotics that strengthens your child’s immune system. A strong immunity means less ear infections, less gastro intestinal infection and less respiratory infections.
Showing your child your love, affection and support is a great way to nourish his growing brain. When you play with your child, sing, speak, read or tell stories, this impacts his brain growth and development. This can have a big impact on a child’s future potential as it can improve self-confidence, self-esteem and social skills.
Aptamil Junior Growing Up milk contains a unique blend of selected ingredients: patented prebiotics, iron, Zinc, vitamins A,C,D which naturally contribute to a healthy immune system and brain and visual development meeting the nutritional needs of your child.
Prebiotics support the immune system (stronger immunity means less ear infections, less gastro intestinal infection, less respiratory infections, reduced use of antibiotics, reduced fever episodes)
Prebiotics reduce the likelihood of constipation.
It contains LCPs, essential for brain and visual development.
Growing-up milk provides a wide range of benefits to complement a healthy diet, as opposed to adult’s milk which is not recommended for a child younger than 6 years as it contains higher levels of sodium and proteins, lower levels of some minerals & vitamins and also lacks prebiotics and LCPs which are key for healthy brain development.