The first year of life is an amazing time of unparalleled development and growth. Any parent can attest to this dramatic transformation. As Baby grows out of onesies on almost a biweekly basis, the progression begins from first attempting to sit to mastering mobility in a matter of months.

Aside from all the visible physical changes, a baby's brain is also experiencing unprecedented development. Several decades of research have provided clues into how the infant brain learns. This research has helped change the way parents view their baby's first year.

The first 12 months are now seen as a critical first step in intellectual development. Many parents feel the pressure of wanting to do everything possible and don't want to miss this finite window of opportunity for growth. In response, an entire industry of stimulating baby products has emerged in the past decade, everything from specially patterned monochromatic rattles to an entire catalog of brain-boosting multimedia supplies. Baby brain building has become a big business. But it might come as a surprise how easy (and inexpensive!) it is to help stimulate your baby's brain.

"In general, over-accessorizing a nursery is usually a waste of time and money as far as the baby's true needs are concerned," says Sandy Briggs, author of Little Steps for New Parents: A Weekly Guide for Developing Your Baby's Intelligence (Briggs & Co., 2001). "Instead of focusing on the nursery, look at the baby as part of the family. You'll find that oftentimes the nursery is a room that a lot of money is spent on, but not a lot is gained from this investment."

Briggs suggests parents take a more organic approach to stimulating Baby. "Instead of focusing on artificial or isolating methods of stimulation, consider something basic, like wrapping and holding Baby, which provides a more comforting form of stimulation," she says. It is easy in this digital era to become sidetracked by all the brightly colored, beeping and flashing toys on the market today. But the best ways to stimulate and nurture Baby are often the least elaborate. "Sing, rock, relax, talk to Baby," says Briggs. "There are so many things you can do while simply sitting [in] a rocking chair that will truly engage your baby." 

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