You gaze lovingly into your newborn's eyes as you feed him. You speak gently to your daughter as you change her diaper. You sing to your child at bedtime.

These caring acts help your child build a healthy brain.

A baby is born with 100 billion brain cells, called neurons. In childhood, these neurons continue to make connections with other neurons in the systems that control our lives. Your child's brain continues to develop in response to stimulus from light, color, sound, touch, and other sensory input, although heredity also helps shape the brain's development.

Because most brain development takes place after birth, parents have many opportunities to contribute to the brain's healthy development.

Normal development
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers several tips for your child's brain development:

• Be warm, loving, and responsive.
• Be consistent.
• Pick up on your child's reactions and expressions of interest.
• Talk, read, and sing to your child.
• If you speak a second language, use it at home. A child's brain is adept at learning several languages at a time.
• Play with your child every day.
• Choose quality child care and stay involved.
• Don't overdo such popular but unproven techniques as classical music and flash cards.