Early Brain Development

In the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second.

Explore our resources about key stages of early brain development.

From birth to age three, the brain experiences rapid, transformative growth that shapes lifelong learning, behavior, and mental health. 

Understanding the phases of brain development can help caregivers make a lasting impact during these critical years.

Faq on early brain development
During the first three years of life, the brain triples in volume.

The neuroplasticity of early childhood makes young children incredibly vulnerable, but also incredibly resilient and responsive to positive intervention.

Christina Fiorvanti, PhD, HealthySteps Specialist and Psychologist at NYP Queens

ZERO TO THREE's Baby Brain Map

Our “Baby Brain Map” is designed to educate parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals about the critical stages of early brain development in young children from birth to three years old. 

 
This tool provides an engaging, user-friendly way to explore early brain science during  these formative years, emphasizing the impact of experiences, relationships, and environmental factors on neural development. 
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Research and early brain science

Explore data and research on the stages of early brain development and early brain science.

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Resource

What are the most important influences on brain development before birth?

During the early stages of prenatal development, the foundation is laid for everything from movement and breathing to memory and emotional connection.
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Mother talking to her infant during tummy time
Good Question

How do infants translate sounds to language?

The journey from sounds to language is an intricate process that begins in infancy. Learn about the ways infants begin to translate sounds to language.
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expecting pregnant mother on bed
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Maternal Mental Health and Prenatal Brain Development: A Proven Link

Various factors can contribute to poor maternal mental health and research shows that impacts babies even before they are born.
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Understanding Brain Development in Babies and Toddlers

The first three years of life are a critical period in development. Read more about understanding brain development in babies and toddlers.
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What does trauma do to a baby’s brain?

Trauma can greatly impact the developing and vulnerable minds of young children aged 0-3. However, the impact of trauma can vary depending on some key factors.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Development

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22 Statistics You Need to Know About Childhood Brain Development

The first three years of a child’s life are the most pivotal, and also the most vulnerable when it comes to childhood brain development.
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Early development at home

Early Development

Our host of evidence-based resources features the latest scientific research on early childhood development. These resources are valuable for helping parents, caregivers and professionals understand their roles in a child's development and know when early intervention services are needed.
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newborn baby yawning

Why 0-3?

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Neuro-relational Development Presentation Screenshot
Virtual Event

IECMH Series: Neuro-relational Development

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Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development From Birth

Learn what you can do in everyday moments to help your baby develop healthy brain connections.
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Executive functioning in the developing brain

Making friends. Showing anger in a healthy way. Figuring out conflicts peacefully.  Learn what you can do to support positive interactions and executive functioning in children from birth to age 3. Check out our brain development stages by age resources below:

Dad sitting on the couch with two kids, listening to little girl talk

24-36 Months: Social-Emotional Development

As two-year-olds, children really begin to play interactively with their peers. Learn more about toddler social-emotional development.
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A mother and daughter look at each other while drawing with crayons.

12-24 Months: Social-Emotional Development

Between 12-24 months, social-emotional development progresses. Toddlers develop self-awareness and a sense of being independent from others.
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A mother holds her child and boops them on the nose.

Birth to 12 Months: Social-Emotional Development

Starting from birth, babies are learning who they are by how they are treated. Learn more about babies' social and emotional development.
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Supporting early brain development through everyday moments

These resources provide helpful strategies for supporting young children’s cognitive development milestones and future learning through early experiences and everyday moments. 

Supporting Brain Development in the First Three Years

Learn how the brains of infants and toddlers grow and how you can support their brain development through everyday interactions.
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toddler blowing bubbles
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Buzzwords Explained: Play-Based Learning

For children, play isn’t a break from learning. It is learning. Explore how play-based learning activities support development in the first three years.
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The Daddy Factor: How Fathers Support Development

Learn about fatherhood and the unique and powerful role fathers play in the development of their children.
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MOEM: Prenatal Development

Before Birth: Prenatal Development for Baby, Mom and Dad

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Early childhood educator watching toddler playing toy xylophone

Driven to Discover: How Thinking Skills Develop Through Everyday Play and Exploration

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Development From 24 to 36 Months Old: New Skills Develop Through Play, Routines, and Relationships

Learn how to encourage your child's increasing independence and endless imagination through play, routine, and relationships.
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From Cries to Conversations: The Development of Communication Skills from Birth to 3

Watch how parents and caregivers can support the development of communication skills from birth to 3 years.
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Busy Bodies: How the Development of Physical Skills Supports Learning

Watch how the development of a baby's physical skills supports early learning.
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MOEM: 12 to 24 Months

Development From 12 to 24 Months Old: Strong, Positive Connections and Interactions Fuel Learning

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dad and baby smiling at each other

Development From Birth to 12 Months Old: Forming a Trusting Bond to Nurture Learning

Watch how to nurture your baby from birth to 12 months, teaching them how to feel safe and secure in the world while encouraging developmentally appropriate growth.
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Power of Play: Building Skills and Having Fun

Learn how to nurture your baby's development through the power of play.
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Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development From Birth

Learn what you can do in everyday moments to help your baby develop healthy brain connections.
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Literacy Skills: The Roots of Reading Start at Birth

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From Feelings to Friendships: Nurturing Healthy Social-Emotional Development in the Early Years

Learn how to support your child's relationship-building skills.
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Mother Holding a Crying Toddler

Tantrums, Defiance, Aggression – Oh My!

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Want to learn more about early brain development?

We have trainings for that.

The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old curriculum, let by Katrina Macasaet, helps early childhood professionals explore the science of brain development.
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