Infant and toddler cognitive development is enhanced the most through their everyday experiences with the people they love and trust, and when learning is fun. The responsibility of teaching and evolving children belongs to parents and care givers. We offer many different ways to help parents and care givers use the right strategies and activities to aid in infant and toddler cognitive development, to ensure you have the healthiest and smartest child possible. Research on the brain over the past 5 years point to the first three years of a child’s life as being the most critical window of opportunity for learning. Use these tips to embrace the cognitive development of your infant or toddler.

Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development (0-12 mos).

Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development is promoted by offering activities like pop-up toys, playing peek-a-boo and hiding games. These activities are fun and effective learning tools. During the first year babies learn cause and effect, language, and imitation. Language is taught through everyday communication. Talking to your child in a normal voice about daily activities for example: "We are going to the store today." and "It’s almost time for a nap." or "This rattle is green and this one is blue." Pause for a second to see if your baby will respond with some cooing. Eventually they will imitate your language rhythm.

Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development (12-24 mos).

Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development at pre-terrible two’s. There are new words to be learned, colors, numbers and shapes, problem solving, hand-eye coordination, and self confidence. This is when they realize that "they can do it". Infant and toddler cognitive development rely’s heavily on the type and variety of their play. Your child learns to communicate better with gestures, sounds and words. Walking, running, jumping and even climbing are being mastered. They also use their fingers and hands to play with and explore objects in more complex ways. Some children like lots of action while others prefer more calm, quiet ways to play. Watch and you will see the activities your little one enjoys. They are also entering the world of make believe, going from imitating what they see in real life to using their imagination. In this phase, they use their bodies and minds to learn how this big, exciting, complicated, wonderful world works.

Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development (24-36 mos).

Toddler and infant cognitive development at this phase focuses on creativity, language skills, sharing, self-control and problem solving. This "Social butterfly" phase is for the older child. Their physical abilities, problem solving skills, and love of language, are eager for playmates. This is when they start to play together with others, sometimes without fighting. Children with older siblings may have had a chance to practice taking turns and sharing. For the only child this can be a challenge. Your child will develop social skills with time, practice, and your guidance.

 Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development and your preschooler. 

Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development is not coming to an end. The past 3-4 years have been the best window of opportunity for learning. The preschool age is when they are mastering everything they have learned up to this point. Infant and toddler cognitive development has helped create the child you have at this point. Teach your child safe ways to express happiness or sadness through songs and pretend play. Provide consistency and stability in everything you do. Let them know what to expect, "In 5 minutes we will take a bath. And then we will have story time." Establish clear and consistent limits for your child, they need to know what their boundaries are so they can test them. Plan activities where your child can be successful and give them specific praise. Rather than saying "Good job", let them know specifically what they have done so well. "I like how you used the yellow color for the sun".

These first year are very important in any child’s life, and it begins with those closest to them. As parents and care givers we have a huge responsibility and the most gratifying job there is. We are here to provide everything you need to enhance infant and toddler cognitive development.