Babies are constantly in the process of growth and development, both in terms of their physical and physiological aspects. After birth, it is important to give babies massages, as it not only promotes blood circulation but also gives them a sense of pleasure. So, when is the golden period for a baby's brain development?
【The Golden Period for Baby's Brain Development】
The first stage
From pregnancy to birth. This stage is referred to as the stage of brain cell growth in terms of quantity. By the time a baby is born, the brain already has about 10-18 billion neurons, which is close to that of an adult. In other words, the number of brain cells is already established from pregnancy to birth.
The second stage
0-3 years old. After birth, the brain enters a phase of quality growth, where the size of neurons and other aspects continue to develop. After birth, synaptic connections between neurons start to form and reach their peak at three months. By three months, gray matter deposition is complete, DNA content stops increasing at six months, and by 12 months, oligodendrocytes reach 70% of adult levels. By the age of three, the cerebellum is mostly matured, and by 3-4 years old, myelination is mostly complete.
It is important to remind parents to seize these two golden periods if they want to promote their baby's brain development. But how can we promote brain development? There is one substance that is extremely important, and that is DHA.
DHA, commonly known as "brain gold," is an essential unsaturated fatty acid for the human body. It is a major component for the growth and maintenance of the nervous system cells. It accounts for 20% of the cerebral cortex and 50% of the retina. It is crucial for the intellectual and visual development of babies.
【3 Nutritional Porridge Recipes for Baby's Development】
1. Cabbage Porridge: Cabbage can relieve restlessness, aid digestion, disperse phlegm, promote gastric health, and relieve gas. It is effective in preventing and treating cough, constipation, and detoxification in infants and young children.
100 grams of cabbage contains 4.8 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 0.1 grams of carbohydrates, as well as dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and a certain amount of molybdenum, which can inhibit the absorption and synthesis of nitrosamines in the human body.
Cook 100 grams of glutinous rice with water to make porridge, then add 100 grams of washed and chopped cabbage to cook together. Season with salt, monosodium glutamate, and sesame oil to taste.
2. Pork Liver Porridge: Take 50 grams of pork liver and 250 grams of glutinous rice, wash the rice, and cook it with water. Eat it as desired. Pork liver is rich in protein, lecithin, and trace elements, which are beneficial for the intellectual and physical development of children.
Parents, have you learned these nutritional porridge recipes for your baby's development? It is important to study diligently for the healthy growth of your baby!
3. Carrot and Chinese Yam Porridge: Take 250 grams of carrots, 250 grams of Chinese yam, and 50 grams of glutinous rice. Cook the rice with water until it is half-cooked, then add chopped carrots and Chinese yam to cook the porridge. Chinese yam aids in digestion and carrot improves the respiratory mucosa's resistance.
4. Codonopsis, Ophiopogon, and Goji Berry Porridge: Take 12 grams of codonopsis, 12 grams of goji berries, 12 grams of ophiopogon, and 50 grams of glutinous rice. Boil codonopsis and ophiopogon in water for 30 minutes, remove the residue, add goji berries and glutinous rice to cook the porridge. Eat it twice a day. Codonopsis replenishes qi and improves immune function, ophiopogon nourishes yin and kidney, and goji berries nourish the liver and kidney. It is suitable for slow growth and babies who are prone to respiratory infections.
【Complete Guide to Basic Baby Massage Techniques】
Many new parents know that providing gentle massages for their babies can promote their neural development, enhance their immune system, improve digestion, and increase their absorption of nutrients. So, how should baby massages be done? Let's take a look, moms and dads!
Conditions for baby massage:
The baby should be in a warm environment, in a comfortable position, calm and not fussy, and not immediately after feeding. The massager's hands should be warm, smooth, with short nails, no hangnails, and no jewelry to prevent scratching the baby's skin. Applying some baby lotion to the palms can help with lubrication.
Sequence for baby massage:
Head - Chest - Abdomen - Upper limbs - Lower limbs - Back - Buttocks
Specific techniques for baby massage:
1. Head
A. Use the thumbs to glide from the center of the forehead to the sides.
B. Use the thumbs to glide from the center of the chin upwards and outwards to form a smiling shape with the upper and lower lips.
C. Support the head with one hand and use the other hand's fingertips to glide from the hairline to the back of the head, gently pressing at the mastoid behind the ears.
