Introduce
During pregnancy, the brain begins to form and grow at an astonishing rate. By birth, a baby’s brain contains nearly all the neurons it will ever have, ready to be shaped by early experiences.
Serve and return is a term used to describe the back-and-forth interactions between a baby and their caregiver, similar to a game of tennis. When a baby “serves” by making a sound, gesture, or expression (such as cooing, pointing, or smiling), the caregiver “returns” by responding in a meaningful way, such as speaking, mirroring the baby’s expression, or offering a comforting touch. This interaction helps build a baby’s brain by creating and strengthening neural connections.
These repeated exchanges are crucial for brain development because they provide stimulation that helps shape the architecture of the brain. Serve-and-return interactions support the development of language, social skills, and emotional regulation.
Watch the following video to understand more about how these early positive interactions can support brain development:
Develop
The NSPCC’s Sharing the Brain Story booklet is a good accompaniment to the video as it goes on to further explain how experiences, relationships and environments shape a child’s brain from the earliest moments of life:
During the first 1001 days, a baby’s brain is highly sensitive to environmental influences. Both these resources highlight the impact of toxic stress when a baby is experiencing prolonged or intense stress without adequate support from a caregiver to help them manage it. These disruptions can lead to long-term difficulties with learning, emotional regulation, and social relationships.
In addition, chronic activation of the stress response system releases high levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of physical and mental health problems later in life. Early intervention and nurturing, responsive caregiving are key to mitigating the impact of toxic stress and supporting healthy brain development.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: The following questions encourage you to take time to identify practical ways to integrate your learning about the developing brain into your professional practice:
– How might you share some of this knowledge with expectant or new parents in an inclusive and accessible way?
– In what ways could you share these resources with colleagues or the wider community to promote positive change?