Having a smart and healthy baby is certainly every parent’s dream. Interestingly, you can spot those signs from an early age! So, what are the signs of a smart and intelligent baby?
Keep reading this article to find out the answer.
10 Signs of a Smart and Intelligent Baby Every Parent Should Know
1. Exceptional Communication and Language Skills
Babies may not be able to speak perfectly yet. However, in general, babies start making lots of sounds around 4–5 months old. Then they begin saying their first words at around 12 months, and start forming sentences by 18 months.
If your baby shows interest in words and books during story time or forms sentences before 14 months of age, this could be an early sign of intelligence.
Some babies are very gifted and easily follow verbal instructions. Yours might be one of them.
2. Strong Emotional Personality
Babies who are gifted with intelligence are usually emotionally strong as well. This means they are capable of complex and mature thinking.
If your baby is gifted, notice how deeply they connect with people and even pets. Children like this need encouragement and to be reassured that their thoughts are completely normal and powerful.
3. Reaching Developmental Milestones Earlier Than Others
Every baby has different developmental milestones. However, if your baby reaches milestones earlier than their peers, it could be a sign of intelligence.
For example, your three-month-old baby might already be sitting up on their own. Or your ten-month-old might be speaking in clear and complete sentences.
4. Slightly Introverted
Smart babies tend to be slightly introverted. They often feel more comfortable in small groups.
They also tend to be able to entertain themselves without much trouble. There’s no need to worry — this is perfectly normal.
However, be careful not to push them into doing things they don’t actually enjoy.
5. Has Excellent Focus
Babies generally have short attention spans — usually only around 10–15 minutes. But smart babies can focus for longer periods, even at a very young age, often before they turn six months old.
You might notice this when they play with deep concentration without getting distracted, point to their favorite pictures, or turn book pages by themselves during reading time.
6. Enjoys Solving Problems
Smart babies are naturally gifted at solving problems. For example, if you hide their favorite toy in a cabinet, they might find a clever way to reach it.
To encourage your little one’s problem-solving skills, try setting up simple “challenges.” For instance, you could make a mini maze out of pillows and place a toy in the center.
Then cheer them on as they navigate the maze to find their toy.
7. Needs Less Sleep
Take a look and see if your baby sleeps less than other babies. If so, it could be one of the signs of intelligence.
Smart babies tend to have higher energy levels compared to children their age. They don’t need as much sleep.
Babies with fast-working brains often need more time to “shut off” their minds in order to function well. Because of this, they may find it harder to relax and may fall asleep later than their peers.
8. Higher Birth Weight
Research shows a correlation between a baby’s birth weight and intelligence. Researchers have found that a higher birth weight is associated with slightly higher IQ levels throughout life.
But don’t worry if your baby was born with a lower weight. You can still nourish their brain by breastfeeding regularly until they are six months old.
Complement this with brain-nourishing foods like avocado and fish once they begin eating solids.
9. High Alertness
One early sign of an intelligent baby is a high level of alertness. These babies are very aware of their surroundings and the people they love. They can recognize and bond with family members quickly.
They may also make eye contact with you early on and smile back when you smile at them.
10. Good Memory
Some babies may forget simple things like where their bed or the kitchen is. But intelligent babies will remember such details.
They may even recall places they’ve been to before, recognize names of people, and remember things you’ve said.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart and Intelligent Babies
What Are the Signs of a Smart Baby?
Signs of an intelligent baby include strong language skills, reaching developmental milestones earlier than their peers, having a slightly introverted personality, a healthy birth weight, and strong focus and memory.
Is Early Talking a Sign of Intelligence?
While some studies suggest that early talking can be a sign of intelligence, it’s not a hard rule. Sally Reis, Ph.D., special adviser to the interim provost at the University of Connecticut and former president of the National Association for Gifted Children, says that some highly verbal children say their first words as early as six to nine months. Before that, they may already be trying to communicate, even if they can’t speak yet.
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Intelligent?
You might notice early language development, high alertness and curiosity, and a strong memory. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s no definitive sign that determines a baby’s intelligence—especially at such an early age. Intelligence is a complex concept and not easily measurable in infancy.
So, do you recognize any of these signs in your baby?
Originally published on theAsianparent Indonesia
