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5.01.2026
Zero to Three’s Baby Brain Map
Developed by the national early childhood organization ZERO TO THREE, the Baby Brain Map is an easy-to-use, interactive guide that visually explains how a child’s brain is built over time.
Rather than focusing only on milestones, the Brain Map explores what’s happening inside the brain during the earliest stages of development—a period when learning, relationships, and environments have a powerful, lasting impact.
Through clickable illustrations and clear language, users can explore how different parts of the brain support skills such as:
- Seeing and hearing
- Managing emotions
- Learning and memory
- Self-control and attention
- Language and communication
The Brain Map connects brain development to everyday caregiving moments, helping adults see how simple, responsive interactions—like talking, singing, comforting, and playing—help shape a strong developmental foundation.
Why This Tool Matters for Nevada Families
The period from birth to age three is a time of rapid brain growth. During these early years, more than 1 million neural connections are formed every second.
Positive experiences strengthen these connections, while chronic stress or limited interaction can make development more challenging.
The Baby Brain Map helps families and caregivers:
- Understand why early relationships are so important
- Learn how everyday moments support healthy development
- See the connection between developmental milestones and brain growth
- Feel empowered to support children’s learning starting from day one
By making complex neuroscience easy to understand, the Baby Brain Map supports First 5 Nevada’s mission to ensure all young children have a strong, healthy start in life.
How to Use the Baby Brain Map
The Baby Brain Map is designed for exploration at your own pace.
Users can:
- Click through different ages and stages of development
- Learn how specific brain regions grow and function
- Discover tips for supporting development through daily routines
- Share the tool with family members or childcare providers
Whether you are a new parent, a grandparent, a home visitor, or an early childhood educator, the Brain Map offers practical insights you can use right away.
Where to Find It
You can access Zero to Three’s Baby Brain Map directly through the Developmental Milestones page on the First 5 Nevada website. It is free, mobile-friendly, and available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to families and caregivers across Nevada.
Supporting Development Beyond Milestones
Developmental milestones tell us what skills children typically gain over time. The Baby Brain Map goes a step further by explaining how those skills are built—and how adults play a key role in that process.
Together, these resources offer a more complete picture of early development and reinforce the message that nurturing care truly builds brains.
We invite you to explore the Baby Brain Map and share it with the families you support. Understanding early brain development is a powerful step toward ensuring every child in Nevada has the opportunity to thrive.
