When a baby comes into the world, his parents want him to be the most handsome, the kindest but also the smartest. They therefore deploy all the necessary means to raise it in the best conditions. However, there are certain factors that they can not control that significantly affect the child's intellectual and physical abilities, as shown in this study of the relationship between intelligence and the size of a child's head. baby.
Having a baby with a larger than average head has always triggered parental anxiety. This physical condition, which is often linked to certain diseases, such as hydrocephalus, may encourage some parents to multiply medical examinations to make sure everything works well for their babies. Yet, a big head can be synonymous with intelligence:
A recent study by the Independent newspaper, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with US scientists, found that babies with large heads are more likely to become intelligent at home. adulthood. Indeed, this study, which was conducted on a sample of more than 100,000 people from different age groups, was initially intended to study the correlation between intelligence quotient, genetic factors and health status. general, but researchers were very surprised to find that the size of the head significantly impacts the cognitive and mental abilities of babies.
Another 2004 study by researchers from the Department of Nutrition and Food Technology at the University of Santiago, Chile, also showed that people with large heads would be smarter and have fewer eating disorders than those with larger heads. who have little heads. The authors of the study also administered intelligence tests to 96 children under 18 and the results of those with large heads were significantly better than those with small heads.
How do you know if your baby's head is bigger than the average?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the normal size of a boy's head (from birth to 5 years) must vary between 31 to 38 cm to 46 to 56 cm and a little less in a girl. Beyond this size (but also below), it is mandatory to consult a specialist and perform a complete medical examination.
In fact, a head that is too big can be the sign of several dysfunctions such as hydrocephalus, a rare disease caused by the presence of a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, or Walker-Warburg syndrome, muscular dystrophy. congenital that causes abnormalities in the brain and eyes. In addition, when a baby has a head that is too small, we can talk about microcephaly, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by weak cognitive abilities, growth retardation, several dysfunctions in the other organs of the body and, in the most extreme cases, a decrease in the life expectancy of the child.
According to experts, abnormalities of growth of the brain and cranial can be caused by the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes during pregnancy, as well as certain infectious diseases such as chickenpox or Zika virus.
How to improve your child's intelligence?
Although there are genetic factors that partially predetermine a child's mental and cognitive abilities, there are several ways that a child can develop their brain abilities. Here are a few :
- The first thing you need to be careful about to improve your child's intelligence is diet. Make sure that your child enjoys a balanced diet and favor foods rich in omega-3 such as avocado or almonds.
- Encourage your child to communicate by multiplying their interactions with others and inviting them to share their feelings and concerns.
- Encourage your child to do math exercises or memory games to constantly stimulate their mind,
- Try to identify the hidden talents of your child and encourage them to improve by putting all the necessary means at their disposal.
