Home News Barnardo’s launches new ‘baby brain workout’ for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week

Barnardo’s launches new ‘baby brain workout’ for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week

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Parents can give their babies the best start in life with a new workout.

Parents can have fun with their babies and toddlers by trying out a new activity programme being launched by Barnardo’s in Infant Mental Health Awareness Week.

The ‘baby brain workout’ is made up of 15 simple activities encouraging healthy mental and emotional development, helping parents give babies and toddlers the best start in life.

Playing with water, singing and tickling are just a few of the fun things parents can do with their baby or toddler as part of a simple, daily routine. Parents can choose one or more activities from five different suggestions for morning, lunchtime and before bedtime.

The entire workout is no cost or low cost, so parents don’t have to worry about buying extra materials.

The activities are based on ‘Five to Thrive’ principles of – talk, play, relax, cuddle, respond – shown to help children develop a healthy brain.

Stimulating babies’ brains early through simple activities, such as the ones in the workout, helps build their communication skills, learn how to get on with and understand others and manage their personal feelings.

Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan, said:

“Babies’ minds are built through their experiences so playing with them is not just a lot of fun, it’s also really good for their brain development and well-being. Happy times helps raise happy babies.

“Doing the fun activities in our brain workout with your baby or toddler will help build the foundations for a happy, healthy child. Parents want to do a good job, so we hope these simple activities help mums and dads give their child the best start in life.”

Barnardo’s has trained more than 2,500 staff members in 250 family support services and children’s centres on the ‘Five to Thrive’ approach.

Children’s centres play a vital role in supporting all families and parents, and parenting classes can help mums or dads wanting to boost their confidence and skills.

To find an early years’ service run by Barnardo’s in your area, click here.

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