Your baby learns from every movement they make
Your baby’s brain is on the go – making new connections at a rapid pace and learning from every sight, sound, touch and experience it gets. While your baby is learning to move, their brain is actively learning how to connect their thoughts and interact with the environment and its obstacles.
The brain and movement
The brain is made up of various regions which work together to control body functions. Part of the brain called the cerebellum is involved in several functions, including language use and decision-making, and has an important role in planning and controlling movement.[1]
Working it all out through repetition
You may notice that your baby is starting to move in a variety of ways when they play and explore. Each time they move, their brain responds to sensory feedback from their balance, touch, vision and movement.
Your baby may try to move in a particular way which doesn’t match their goal. They might try again and fail again. It’s important that your baby goes through this sequence of processes as it will help their brain to link their thoughts and movements. When your baby moves, their brain is constantly making connections which are strengthened by repeating experiences.[2]
Movement, cognitive processing and your baby's end goal
When your baby makes any kind of movement, they must have in mind a task they wish to do. Their cognitive processes need to work collaboratively with their movements.[3] So, if your baby spots a ball and they want to move towards it, they must have the cognitive understanding of what a ball is, the knowledge that they wish to get the ball and have the desire to move towards it.
Using their senses to make connections
Your baby also uses their senses to connect information and develop an understanding of the world around them. When you offer them a range of different experiences, different environments and time, you help them to make more connections.
For more information about the brain, see our My First Five Years guide: A simple guide to your baby's brain
References:
[1] Cohen, D. (2017) How the child’s mind develops. (3rd Edn.). London: Routledge.
[2] Conkbayir, M. (2017) Early Childhood and Neuroscience. Theory, Research and Implications for Practice. London: Bloomsbury.
[3] Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. The Brain Meets the Body: Neural Basis of Cognitive Contribution in Movement for Healthy and Neurological Populations. Current research project. Overview available online at: The Brain Meets the Body: Neural Basis of Cognitive Contribution in Movement for Healthy and Neurological Populations | Frontiers Research Topic (frontiersin.org)