Top 12 Tips on How to Make a Baby Smart and Intelligent

In this competitive age, parents are often concerned about whether their child is intelligent enough and wonder if they can do anything to help their child’s intelligence develop. It is believed that the right amount of stimulation at an early age considerably enhances a child’s mental capabilities. The first few years are thus the prime time to focus on a child’s intellectual development. Here are some practical tips which aim to help you raise your child to be intelligent.

Video: 10 Secrets to Raise A Smart and Intelligent Baby

12 Effective Ways to Raise a Smart and Intelligent Baby

1. Indulge in Baby Talk

Communication is a key skill that is essential in enhancing the intelligence of a child. It allows your child to bond with you and develops self-esteem and confidence. Encourage your child to improve his communication skills by involving him in verbal activities. Talk to your baby about what you are doing, how your day went, or anything else. Include descriptive language, and he will learn to use it in his own conversations. Strong language skills are always associated with higher intelligence. So, give your child the benefit of this skill.

2. Be Openly Affectionate

A secure baby tends to be more confident, and thus more receptive to challenges in life. Start him off on the right path by providing a safe and happy environment at home. Skin-to-skin contact and baby massages allow you and your baby to bond. Tickle him, let him climb over you and play, cuddle with him, put him on your lap, or wear him in a baby sling.

3. Nutritious Food

When your baby is ready to start solid food, make sure to include nutrient-rich foods to help in his cognitive development. Foods like eggs, green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds are rich sources of vitamins and minerals necessary for your baby’s overall healthy development.

4. Stimulate With Age-Appropriate and Simple Toys

While many toy companies are focusing on infant products, not all of them are suited to every baby’s intellectual capacity. Some of them may overwhelm and frustrate your baby. So, before introducing the toy, analyse whether it is suitable for his capabilities. The right toys will intrigue him, stimulate him, and be excellent educational tools.

5. Play With Your Baby

Guided play with your child will direct his attention and give him new opportunities to explore and understand. Set aside time to play with your baby regularly. Bring yourself to his level of understanding and indulge in activities that appeal to his taste. Slowly introduce new play ideas that will encourage him to think beyond what he is aware of. Since babies love to mimic, it won’t be long before your baby gets the hang of it and races ahead with his new-found skills.

6. Read Together

Books are an excellent tool to stimulate your baby’s imagination and thinking capabilities. Read to your baby every day. Choose bright coloured books with various textures and simple images that will hold his interest. Initially, your baby may prefer the same book, but he will slowly learn to explore more options. The more you familiarise your baby with letters and pictures, the more inclined he will be to read when he is older.

7. Weave Stories Around Him

When you introduce your baby to books and stories, try to make him the protagonist of his favourite tales. As the baby learns to relate these stories to his own environment, he will be able to connect better with the things around him. It will also develop his interest in stories and storytelling, and soon he might start telling you his own tales.

8. Encourage Him to Explore

Expose your child to new and unfamiliar environments and encourage him to explore these new spaces. Narrate what you see, and appear enthusiastic about new things you come across. Even a trip to the supermarket can be visually stimulating for a child. The more experiences you give your baby, the more he will learn.

9. Introduce Your Child to Letters and Numbers Early

Don’t wait for your child to start school for him to learn numbers and letters. Start counting at home during your play sessions and point out letters on boards and signposts. The more exposure your child receives to the written word, the easier it will be for him to understand and study it when the time comes. Verbal and physical cues such as sign language will enhance his ability to understand and allow him to associate it with things he sees around himself.

10. Create Opportunities to Interact With Other Children

Social interactions provide stimulating experiences and also prepare your child to face challenges as he grows up. Set up play-dates with children of his age or take him to the park to play with other children. When you supervise his interactions at this stage, you can gently guide him and support him in making good friends. As he learns valuable lessons about interacting with others, he will also be better equipped to handle unpleasant situations effectively when he is older.

11. Encourage His Curiosity

Children are naturally curious, and this curiosity, when stimulated, can help them learn more. Stimulate your child’s interest by providing him with plenty of opportunities to discover new things. Appreciate it when he does something new, so he is motivated to keep exploring. Give him child-friendly play materials from everyday life, and let his imagination grow and take him places.

12. Reduce Screen Time

Although there are numerous educational shows and programs for young children, exercise caution when exposing your child to them. Limit screen time and focus on hands-on activities; instead, as these will stimulate your child better. Avoid letting your child play with tablets and mobiles, as these can be damaging to their eyes. Too much television exposure will also lead to a sedentary lifestyle, vision problems, and reduced thinking capabilities.

We live in a globally competitive world, so there is a constant need to keep ourselves updated with the happenings of the world. Raising your baby to be smart is not an arduous task but one that requires understanding and know-how of dealing with things smartly. Eventually, your baby will benefit from these t tricks and will be equipped to handle the many challenges life throws his way.

Infographics: 8 Tips on How to Make Baby Smart and Intelligent

Also Read: Intelligent Baby Signs