Irregular care may affect brain activity

A new study in the United States suggests that an unstable and unpredictable home environment may affect babies brain development attention and emotional growth.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine conducted three studies and found that regular routines and a stable home environment may be important for healthy early development.

Unstable homes may make babies more alert

In the first study researchers observed 160 babies at home. Babies living with food or housing uncertainty looked around more often during visual activities.

Researchers said this may be a natural response. Babies may become more alert to their surroundings when their environment is uncertain.

Irregular care may affect brain activity

The second study involved 104 babies who were three months old. Researchers observed how caregivers talked to touched and made eye contact with the babies. Babies who experienced frequent and unpredictable changes in care showed lower activity in areas of the brain linked to attention.

Their heart rates also showed less variation.

Researchers said that without regular social routines babies may have more difficulty focusing and processing information.

Breast milk compound may help

The third study looked at a natural substance called allopregnanolone which is found in breast milk.  The researchers found that it may help reduce some effects of stress and depression after childbirth on a baby’s ability to manage emotions.

However researchers said the finding should not put extra pressure on mothers to breastfeed.  Instead it highlights the importance of supporting mothers’ mental health.

Stable routines can help babies

Overall the findings suggest that stable housing regular routines good childcare and enough parental support can help babies develop socially mentally and emotionally.

Experts say babies benefit from a safe and predictable environment. Regular daily routines can help them build better attention learning and emotional skills.