from Trends in Neuroscience
What is the point of telling a baby too young to talk that broccoli is green, radishes are red and oranges are, well, orange. Those parents who make trips to the grocery store an adventure for even babies may be exposing them to new sights, sounds and a full vocabulary that strengthens babies developing brains and boosts brain power. The study in Trends in Neuroscience says exposing young children to new and different objects actually boosts total brain volume. Conversely, the study suggests, negative influences—and there are many—can degrade brain health, basic motor skills and cognitive function. Authors say a baby’s environment where there are new experiences and continuously active learning may help bolster brain development.