Provide a safe and stimulating environment where infants can explore. Non-breakable toys of different textures, large-motor mats with colourful toys, and mobiles hung above the crib just above the child invite babies to test the limits of their bodies and abilities evreyday. Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the brain in mind (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Hutt, C. (1967). Effects of stimulus novelty on manipulatory exploration in an infant. Child Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines, 8(3-4), 241–247.
Babies are born with built-in problem-solving tools called reflexes. Within an hour after birth, babies will use their rooting and sucking reflexes to feed. By two months, they become more alert and develop the eagerness to explore the world around them.
Problem-solving promotes the development of new nerve cell connections and neural pathways forming in the brains of young children. As one researcher stresses, "The single best way to grow a better brain is through challenging problem solving".