Isn’t it intriguing to know that what we are currently doing to stimulate our kids may actually have long-term effects that is carried over even to the next generation?

A joint research by neuroscience researchers at the Rush University Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine investigated the link between what a mother did as a child and her children’s memory skills. They performed the investigation in pre-adolescent laboratory mice who were genetically engineered to have a defective memory. The researchers observed that the memory defect was reversed by giving the young animals an enriched environment for two weeks, i.e. enhanced social interaction, exposure to stimulatory objects, and voluntary exercise. What is even more amazing is the fact that the offspring of these memory-defective mice also inherited the defective gene but showed no overt signs of memory defect, indicating that what the mothers have learned during their childhood has been passed on to the next generation. The stimulation effect was evident even when the offspring were raised by non-stimulated “foster mothers.”

Previous studies have reported that stimulatory exposure of a pregnant mouse has a positive effect on the offspring. This study, however, suggests that an enriched environment during the pre-adolescent stage, long before the pregnancy occurred, works just as well.

The researchers called this effect as part of epigenetics or “inheritance of acquired characters” which involved environmentally induced changes in the genetic material that is passed on to the next generation. However, the effects seem to wear off faster in the offspring and are not carried over to subsequent generations.

I find this study fascinating even though it has been observed only in mice. It could mean that the influence of my childhood environment can still probably be felt by my children. In the same way, whatever my children are experiencing now, will eventually be passed on to their children – my grandchildren. Now, with this knowledge, the term “investing in future generations” actually takes on a new meaning.

Every new mom knows that it is important for a child’s toy to multi-task. It must be safe, stimulating, interesting, mind expanding and attention holding to name a few of these tasks. It is also important for A child to be introduced to the right toy at the right time as toys that are too simple will bore a baby and toys that are too complex can frustrate them. Here is a few tips I have compiled for new moms to help when shopping and picking toys that will be just right for your little one.

The most important factor in choosing a toy for your little one is knowing your child’s personality and likes and dislikes. Because babies can not communicate verbally, often times it can be a little difficult for a new mom to determine a baby’s mood. This takes a little practice and each child is different, but you find after spending some quality time with them and observing them in different situations this becomes second nature. When giving a new toy to a child don’t be disappointed if you don’t get an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response, a baby may need to see a toy a number of times before they begin warming up to it. Also it’s good not to present too many toys or simulation at once as it may overwhelm and confuse your child.

Another good thing to do is to check the age recommended on the toy. Most baby companies will put the recommended age that the toy is targeted for on the box or labeling as well as simple instruction on how to get the best value from the toy. You can also check the internet and the companies sites for more information and support. Before buying an expensive item it is good practice to check online to see if there has been a safety recall for it. Sometimes companies release toys before realizing that there may be a health hazard involved, and it is always good to keep a close eye on your child whenever anything new is introduced to watch for allergic reactions or any other sorts of dangers.

Set an example for your child. As you may know or begin to notice, the first lessons a baby learns are learned by observing and imitating you. Everything from the way that you move your mouth when speaking and eating to the way you react to something he or she does. If a baby sees you dancing or swaying to the music, after too long your baby will want to be swaying and dancing along with you! If your baby is very young start slowly and show the child how the toy works a few times, and then follow with helping them to do the same action. Even if your child is not able to play with the toy by themselves, it will give them an example of how it should be played with and encourage them to practice reaching for it themselves.

Actively encourage and reward your child with smiles, kisses and touch for correctly imitating you and for putting their best effort in. Never discourage or yell at a child for not being able to do something, every movement is a learned action and it may take some time before they can reach their toy-centered goals. Also give your child some solo-time with the toy to help them practice the skill without immediate supervision, but make sure that if your child is becoming frustrated that you move on to a new activity or area of play to prevent them from being discouraged and getting upset.

Bright colors and varied textures are also very good for a baby’s development. These multi-colored and interesting toys help the baby to focus on small details and further set up a catalog in their minds of different sorts of patterns and textures. Very young children may not recognize their toys immediately but over time a child will begin to recognize and show ownership and want for a familiar entertaining toy. If your child has become particularly attached to a toy it is sometimes a good idea to either buy another one in case it is lost, or to buy a toy that is similar in a different color or style. The child will enjoy a similar toy because it is a familiar action but at the same time a different change from the usual.

In the long run, only you know best. Keep in mind that every child is different and the act of child-raising is not a perfect science. Be attentive to your child and their actions and soon you will find that play time is both you and her favorite time of the day. Children learn through playing, so help your child to expand their horizons and take time to play play play! You’ll be happy you did!

Does your baby like to listen to music in the car or seem to sleep better when the television is on? Most babies sleep better in environments with noise stimulation because it simulates the environment they experienced in the womb. If you are like me and listen to music constantly, don’t be surprised if your little one has a hard time going to sleep without a personalized play list. Because of the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb, most babies are partial to music that has a baseline and a heavy drum beat or have a constant underlying chorus or melody.

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a noise loving baby. Babies that sleep with light music or a constant pulsating noise such as a fan or a humidifier sleep deeper and longer than babies that sleep in very quiet rooms. They more easily sleep into the restorative R.E.M sleep and wake up more rested and less fussy and intermittently needy. Music can be a very powerful tool in calming an upset baby and is a great aid for car rides and long outings. My husband has a portable MP3 player that he slips inside the cell phone pocket of our baby sling that makes a great on the go player for our little music lover, though if you use this in public expect to receive some confused and irritated stares.

It has been proven in a number of studies that babies that are exposed to classical music have consistently higher IQs and do better in math and language later on in life. Since music is a aural expression of mathematics, vibrations, tones and equations, it is essential to your babies development and promotes faster learning and lesson recognition. Taking your baby to the movies during the early months is a great way to stimulate and entertain them while at the same time helping them to recognize language variances such as accents and voice pitches that are much different than your own. Learning to sleep with noise is also helpful as they are not bothered by their surroundings and you may find that they will peacefully sleep through the grocery store or loud family Christmas party.

The downside to this practice is that babies may become fussy or irritable if they are in a very quiet place for too long without their usual tunes. This can be frustrating for both baby and parent when the climate does not allow for much disturbance, the baby has a hard time understanding the importance of ‘quiet time’ and may become confused or angry in these situations. Also some babies are very sensitive to electro-magnetic fields and can become irritable if exposed to too much electronic stimulation put out by such household items as computers, microwaves, radios or televisions. You may find that your power bill spikes way up as well with the all-night tunes, which for a family on a budget needs to be considered.

The best thing to do is to strike a balance that works for you. If your child sleeps better with a radio or television on, then leave it on in moderation. Try to expose your child to different sleeping environments around the house to aid in flexibility, moving their bassinet from one room to another or letting the child sleep in the bed next to you for those quick afternoon naps. If your child falls asleep in the car it is sometimes a better option to bring the entire car seat inside and let your infant sleep in it undisturbed for a time before moving them to their usual resting spot. Babies prefer to sleep in darker environments as it reminds them of their time in the womb, so darker curtains in their nursery or a cover for your bassinet is a great option for those long afternoon cat naps.

Remember that your child is unique and it will take anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months for your child to settle into a constant sleeping routine. Try to be patient despite your exhaustion, and when you can, share the feeding and changing responsibilities with your mate, friends or family and make sure you are getting enough rest. Also remember not to take a babies’ cry personally, tests show that a child that has it’s needs consistently met for the first six months are better behaved and are more secure, independent and have higher self-esteem. Just as it is important for you to rest, remember that your baby is growing all the time and she will need lots of sleep to help her develop correctly. Try to leave the baby undisturbed if possible if she falls asleep, as moving her may awaken her or interrupt this healing process.

When possible take your infant to bed with you or place her in a sleeper either on top of the bed or besides you. This is especially important in the first few months as you develop and strengthen your bond with your child, there is nothing quite as satisfying as sharing a sweet dream and comforting embrace with your new miracle. Whether you play music, television, sing to her, rock her, talk to her or any variety of soothing calming activities, remember to fill it with love, tenderness, and soft tones and you will both sleep better in the end.