They also lack hand-eye coordination. But regular eye exams, starting as early as two weeks of age, can detect problems that, if left uncorrected, can cause a weak or unused eye to lose its functional connections to the brain. Unless it is exercised early on, the visual system will not develop. Among the first circuits the brain constructs are those that govern the emotions. Neglecting a baby can produce brain-wave patterns that dampen happy feelings.
Abuse can produce heightened anxiety and abnormal stress responses.
The high-pitched, singsong speech style known as Parentese helps babies connect objects with words. At birth babies can move their limbs, but in a jerky, uncontrolled fashion. Over the next four years, the brain progressively refines the circuits for reaching, grabbing, sitting, crawling, walking and running. Just reaching for an object helps the brain develop hand-eye coordination. As soon as children are ready for them, activities like drawing and playing a violin or piano encourage the development of fine motor skills.