How to Raise a Smart Baby

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/infant-development-9/brain-development

Today many parents are making an effort to encourage their babies' growth and development, particularly brain development. While some of a baby's 100 billion brain cells are prewired at birth, it is during the first 5 years of life that much of the essential wiring linked to learning is laid down.

In a high-tech world, parents may assume that high-tech learning is essential for their baby to grow up and prosper. Turns out that the best way for baby to learn is through good old fashioned one-on-one parent-to-baby contact. Experts agree that talking to your baby, playing with your baby, paying attention to what interests them, and using those interests to foster curiosity lays down the wiring that ultimately stimulates your baby's brain to grow and develop.

As for toys, stick to age-appropriate toys that track with your child's natural biological stages of development. Infants are most interested in movement and sound, so shaking a rattle or a key ring will stimulate them. As they get a little older, try textural toys that they can touch and squish, such as stuffed animals. By 9 months, play with your child with shape-sorting toys and puzzles.

Experts say any toys that stimulate curiosity, rely on interaction between your baby and the object, or use colors or shapes to intrigue or teach can be a big plus. More importantly, playing an active role in your baby's learning process, and loving and nurturing your child will do wonders for turning up the wattage on your child's brainpower.