Buzz
No need for complex IQ tests, or even waiting for the child to grow up, parents can assess a baby's intelligence right from birth with just the following signs:
1. Large head circumference
Research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has revealed a correlation between a baby's head circumference at birth and their IQ score. British experts analyzed data from nearly 100,000 individuals and found that those with larger head circumferences at birth tend to score higher on IQ tests.
2. Intelligence assessment based on birth weight
A study of over 3,000 newborns published in a medical journal in the UK has shown that a baby's birth weight is directly proportional to their IQ. Specifically, babies who are heavier at birth tend to have higher intelligence levels.
Not only birth weight, but also the rate of weight gain in the first month predicts a baby's intelligence. Research on 13,800 children by experts at the University of Adelaide (Australia) found that within the first 4 weeks after birth, babies who gained 40% of their birth weight scored 1.5 points higher on IQ tests compared to those who only gained 15% of their birth weight.
3. Baby's smile
From the womb, babies know how to smile. However, at this stage, a baby's smile is merely a reflex. Around 2-3 months old, babies stop smiling reflexively. Their smile at this stage reflects their pleasure or interest in something. Numerous studies have shown that babies who smile early and smile frequently tend to have better-developed intelligence.
4. Attention span
The ability to focus, concentrate on a particular issue also demonstrates a baby's superior intelligence. Infants and young children are easily distracted. However, for those with exceptional intelligence, their attention span is significantly longer. They tend to spend more time with a story, a problem, or mastering a skill. Mothers can easily observe their babies reaching developmental milestones earlier than the standard milestones.
5. Alertness
Intelligent children tend to quickly locate the source of a sound when they hear noise around them. They have the ability to communicate through eye contact with others from a very early age. Additionally, they tend to sleep less, being more sensitive to light and stimuli from their surroundings.
The information provided is for reference only. Mothers need not worry too much if their little one has not exhibited the aforementioned signs. Apart from genetic factors, a child's intelligence is also influenced by their diet and parenting style.
