A baby s brain grows at an incredible rate. A newborn s brain is about 25 percent adult size. By six months, it is 50 percent adult size. By two years, it is 75 percent adult size. What children learn as babies is crucial.
Researchers agree that infants and toddlers learning experiences are key.
One study found, for example, that babies who don t develop adequate speech and language skills in the first years of life are up to six times more likely to have reading problems in school. Early relationships can have lifelong effects. Babies emotions are shaped by early events. Many studies have shown that children who are treated insensitively or unresponsively in infancy are at significantly greater risk for problems in forming relationships and poor school achievement. There is no substitute for reading and talking to babies.