CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Video: Watch the Amazing Way Baby’s Brain Develops

Baby's brain starts forming sooner than you may think.
save article
profile picture of Anisa Arsenault
By Anisa Arsenault, Associate Editor
Updated April 7, 2017

Baby might not be able to form coherent sentences, but there are some pretty advanced changes going on in his or her brain.

This eye-opening CNN video gives you an overview of all the amazing things happening inside the brain as baby matures—even before birth. And that development is happening way earlier than you might have thought.

Even at five weeks in utero, baby’s brain is starting to grow. By eight weeks, the structure of the brain and central nervous system is in place. And though the brain only weighs a quarter of its adult size at birth, by the time baby has finished preschool, it has quadrupled in size. At age six, the brain is already at 90 percent of its adult size.

So the big takeaway? Every first experience shapes a baby’s growing brain. That means introducing new things—from colors and textures to people and places—helps your little one develop more than you know.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

family with toddler and grandma at home
What Are the Generation Names—and How Do Their Parenting Styles Differ?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
Erin and Abe Lichy with their children at their son's bris celebration
Erin and Abe Lichy on Partying as Parents and Reconnecting Postpartum
By Wyndi Kappes
Robert De Niro during the rendez-vous with Robert De Niro at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Salle Debussy on May 14, 2025 in Cannes, France.
Robert De Niro Shares His Golden Rule for Parenting Seven Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
toddler girl with birthday balloons outside on a summer day
Fun Facts About June Birthday Babies
Fact Checked by G. O’Hara
mom and dad walking with baby stroller through park
These Are 2025's Best US Cities to Raise a Family, Report Says
By Wyndi Kappes
mom and baby looking at cherry blossom tree during spring time
Fun Facts About May Birthday Babies
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
dad kissing baby at home
The Best Gifts for New Dads, Recommended by Parents
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
young couple with toddler at home
Why One Mom Says Dating as a Single Parent Isn't a Setback, It's a Gift
By Wyndi Kappes
Dr. Tiffany Moon and family portrait
Real Housewives’ Tiffany Moon on Trading Parenting Perfection for Connection
By Wyndi Kappes
husband giving wife a gift for mother's day
Mom's "Foolproof Guide to Mother's Day Gifts" Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
buford the ranch dog sitting on house porch
Lost Toddler Found Safe Thanks to a Hero Ranch Dog
By Wyndi Kappes
woman looking at time on watch
The Viral TikTok Series That’s Helping Parents Tackle Their To-Dos
By Wyndi Kappes
blue origin female crew in front of space craft
Katy Perry Says Going Into Space Is Second Only to Motherhood
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mom holding baby at home
Trainer Reveals the Baby Carrying Mistakes That Might Be Hurting You
By Wyndi Kappes
chappell roan on call her daddy talking about motherhood
Parents Are Divided Over Chappell Roan’s Hot Take on Parenthood
By Wyndi Kappes
dad hugging mom and infant at home
The Best First Mother’s Day Gifts, According to Parents
By Martina Garvey
toddlers giving mom gifts for mother's day
Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts That’ll Arrive Right on Time
By Daniel Stecker
ADVERTISEMENT
Mom Pens Superpowers Song for Son in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day
Mom Pens Superpowers Song for Son in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day
By Wyndi Kappes
friends giving pregnant woman gifts
The Best Mom-To-Be Gifts to Celebrate Her
By Korin Miller
Man playing with baby while on computer
Parenthood Helps Your Brain Defy Aging, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List