All parents hope their children will have a relatively high IQ, because children with higher IQs tend to be more successful in their studies, careers, and other aspects of life in the future. Factors that influence IQ include genetics, developmental milestones, level of education, and many others. One interesting factor that many parents often overlook is the baby birth month, which can also affect a child’s intelligence.
This isn’t just an unfounded claim — it’s supported by research from “Harvard,” which indicates that a child’s birth month can influence their intelligence, especially for children born in the three so-called “Smart Months.” Let’s check to see if your little one at home falls into one of these Smart Months!
Harvard Research Reveals: Baby Birth Month Affects Their Intelligence
A research team from Harvard University found answers after conducting a 7-year study on the relationship between children’s IQ and their birth month. They tracked groups of newborns categorized by birth month and monitored their development over an extended period to analyze their cognitive development levels.
The comparisons showed that children born between August and January of the following year generally had a higher birth weight—about half a pound more—than children born in other months. They also tended to be taller and showed higher levels of cognitive development.
Statistical results revealed that children born in October, November, and December had a greater tendency to exhibit characteristics of individuals with high IQs. In other words, children born during these three months could be referred to as born in the “Smart Months.”
Why Do Children Born in the “Smart Months” Have Higher IQs?
Why does a child’s birth month affect their intelligence? Why do children born in these three months tend to have higher IQs than those born in other months?
Scientists believe it relates to the natural cycles of growth and life:
1. A more comfortable prenatal environment
For babies born between October and December, most mothers would have conceived between January and March, coinciding with the start of spring, a season symbolizing renewal and growth. Although the first trimester of pregnancy can often be a physically uncomfortable time for expectant mothers, the pleasant climate of spring helps boost mood and provides a more suitable environment, helping mothers navigate early pregnancy discomforts better.
During this critical first trimester, the baby’s brain undergoes rapid development — brain folds form, and essential organs like the heart and liver also start to develop. A healthy, supportive prenatal environment during this stage can significantly enhance a baby’s overall development, particularly brain development, thus potentially making the child more intelligent.
2. Optimal Movement Development Period
When a baby’s physical development, particularly their movement skills, progresses well, their cognitive development also improves. One crucial milestone is crawling.
Children born between October and December typically enter the crawling stage between June and September, a time when babies generally wear fewer clothes. This makes it easier for them to move and learn how to crawl, and they also have several months before transitioning to walking, allowing them to fully experience and benefit from the crawling phase.
Crawling helps babies expand the range of their activities, exposes them to broader learning perspectives, and enhances communication between themselves and the outside world. This development is crucial for the coordination between the head and limbs, directly supporting the brain’s growth and development.
3. Natural Environment Conditions Are More Suitable
Babies born in October to December also benefit from favorable environmental conditions.
During this period, the weather is not too cold, and there is just the right amount of sunlight. Parents can take their babies outdoors to get natural sunlight, which helps synthesize vitamin D and promotes calcium absorption.
This not only improves the quality of breast milk but also supports better brain development in the baby.
What If They Weren’t Born in the “Smart Months”?
Although a child’s birth month may influence intelligence, parents don’t need to worry!
This research merely shows a statistical correlation; it does not mean that children born in other months necessarily have lower IQs. Many other factors influence a child’s intelligence, such as genetics, parenting, education, and learning environment.
The most important thing is to provide love, attentive care, and well-rounded developmental support, regardless of when the child was born.
Here’s how to help your child reach their full potential:
Take Proper Care During Pregnancy
Pregnant mothers are more prone to mood swings. For optimal fetal development, a mother’s emotions, diet, and overall well-being must be well maintained.
Therefore, during pregnancy, it’s essential to take extra care, especially regarding emotional health and nutrition, as these factors greatly influence the baby’s development.
Provide Proper Nutrition to the Baby
Nutrition plays a critical role in brain development starting from the womb.
After birth—whether through breastfeeding or as the baby transitions to eating solids—parents must ensure the child receives age-appropriate, nutritious foods.
Certain eating habits should also be avoided. For example, some parents skip breakfast for children who wake up late, causing them to miss important nutrients, which can affect brain development.
Or, when elders constantly feed children without allowing them to eat on their own, it can hinder the development of self-care skills, hand-eye-brain coordination, spleen and stomach function, and, ultimately, brain development.
Create a Warm, Safe, and Comfortable Environment for Your Child
A loving family environment gives children a fundamental sense of security.
When children feel safe, they are more willing to explore, feel happiness, and engage in activities, all of which promote brain development.
Positive emotions and an optimistic mindset help build and enhance neural connections in the brain, leading to improved cognitive development.
Play with Your Child More
Playing with your child more often can promote motor skill development and stimulate brain growth. During play, children must use their brains actively, which helps further boost cognitive development. The more they play and move, the smarter they will gradually become!
Baby Birth Month May Be Just One Factor in Intelligence
A child’s birth month might be just one factor influencing intelligence.
The most important thing is to nurture and support your child’s full potential, no matter whether they are born during the “Smart Months” or any other time of the year.
The love and attention parents give are always the greatest gifts for their children.
Originally published on theAsianParent Thailand
