Transcript of 0-5 years: Building brains and bodies.
Mother: Good job! High five.
Narrator: Most of your child's brain development happens in the first 2000 days of their life, by the time they're five years old. From the moment your baby is born, they are learning. Babies brains grow when they receive loving human interaction. It doesn't matter what your background or education is, or how much money you have, it's the time you spend regularly talking, playing and loving your child that builds a strong attachment and helps them develop and thrive.
You are your baby's very best teacher and you can give them their best start in life.
Looking after yourself is the first important step and it starts when you are pregnant. There is no safe level of drinking alcohol or smoking when you are pregnant. If you need help stopping talk to your GP or midwife. Regular checkups with your health professional help make sure you are healthy and your baby is growing well.
Once your baby is born there will be regular checkups for your child. When we check on your child's development, we're also checking how their brain is growing. Your baby blue book explains the milestones that show your baby is developing well, and when they need to have checkups. Development checkups are really important to help us find any possible problems early. The Blue Book will also show you when your child's vaccinations are due to protect them from serious, preventable diseases.
Breastfeeding is best for you and your baby but it isn't always easy. It takes time and practice. It can take up to six weeks for you and your baby to learn the skill of breastfeeding. If you are finding it difficult talk with your midwife, child and family health nurse, Aboriginal Health worker or GP for further support options. Your health professional will be there to support you in however you choose to feed your baby.
Babies love when you talk, sing and play with them. It helps them feel safe with you, and it's also how they start to learn language.
You can't spoil a baby. It's not possible to give your child too much love. Every moment of your attention helps build their brain. Babies learn through watching and listening to you and the people around them. That's why it's never too early to start reading to your baby. Even looking at the pictures and talking about what you see helps them feel comforted and to learn about language.
As your child grows they start to learn through exploring the things around them and playing alongside and with other children. Parent groups and community play groups give children a chance to play and learn together. Meeting other parents and carers is also a great support for you. Good quality preschool programs help children get ready for school and the benefits continue throughout their lives.
No role is more important than being a parent or carer. It's sometimes challenging, but will be worth it for you and your baby.
To learn more about how to give your child the best start in life, go to health.nsw.gov.au/building brains.
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