1: Resist the Bells and Whistles

When you think “smarts,” think executive function: the ability to focus, remember, and plan. Research shows it’s a better predictor of success than IQ scores. By the time your baby reaches eight months old, rapid connections to her brain’s frontal lobes (where executive function will live) are starting to form. The best brain workout is imaginary play, so scrap the noisy flashing toys and use simple materials like blocks, containers, or basic figures so your baby can be the one to create sounds, shapes, and ideas with them.