I saw this topic somewhere and couldn’t help but wonder, is it really possible to give birth to an intelligent baby? Like, straight from the womb, the baby is just brilliant? While I’m not so sure about that, I am sure you can train your child to be intelligent. But keep in mind — there are seven forms of intelligence.
One thing I’ve noticed is that as Nigerians, we don’t often acknowledge the seven types of intelligence. We tend to see “book smart,” passing exams, and coming first in class as the only markers of intelligence. Even those searching for this topic are usually hoping for tips to raise a child who’s academically brilliant.
But a child can have an affinity for music which is another form of intelligence, like the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Still, since we’re here for “book smart” tips, let me share some practical things you can do to help boost your baby’s intelligence early on.
🍼 1. Eat Healthy — for You and Your Baby
In the early stages of motherhood, your child depends on you for nutrients. So eat healthy, not just for your baby, but for yourself too. A healthy mother births an intelligent child. Even if your baby is on formula, your own nutrition still matters. You’ll need strength and vitality to handle the day-to-day tasks of motherhood.
Plus, an active mom often has an active child. If your baby suddenly seems low-energy, you’ll be able to tell, because you’re in tune with them. That awareness alone is a powerful tool.
🏡 2. Maintain a Healthy and Happy Home
A healthy relationship at home matters. It doesn’t have to be just you and your partner, kids can sense tension and also sense joy between people. They react to it.
Try playing tag with your partner while your baby watches, just watch their response. These moments help develop emotional intelligence. And trust me, babies are watching everything.
📚 3. Read to Them Early (and Make it Fun!)
I got some simple rhyme books for my kid and I don’t just read — I act! If you can’t afford books, that’s okay. Read anything clean and interesting aloud to your baby to help build vocabulary. And if your child sees you reading your own books too? They’ll eventually develop a love for reading without even knowing it.
🗣️ 4. Talk to Them — and Wait for Their Response
Reading is great, but talking is different. When you read, you’re usually still and focused. But when you talk, you engage. Even if they’re just a few months old, talk to your baby like they understand.
Start with, “Good morning, how was your night?” and pause like you’re expecting a reply. Narrate your day. Tell them what they’re looking at.
One time I was taking a stroll, narrating to my baby. A passerby thought I was talking to them. I had to say, “Oh no, I’m talking to my child oh. Sorry.” The look on their face? Like, “this one don mad.” So maybe minimize public commentary, before someone starts praying for you.
🎲 5. Play Time Is Not Optional
Play with your child. Don’t let me hear “I don’t have time.” Oya, why you born pikin?
Yes, it gets overwhelming. I will never stop encouraging moms to take breaks. But please play with your child. Laugh, respond to every ‘goo goo ga’. Use every opportunity you have to connect.
Play helps your child handle boredom and regulate themselves emotionally, even from this early stage. So drop the phone or whatever activity isn’t adding up, and give them some face time.
🎶 6. Use Music — It’s Soothes
I can’t stress this enough. My kid sister, when she was about 10 months, would light up at the old Indomie jingle. She’d pull herself up and start dancing, no matter what she was doing.
We eventually memorized the song and sang it whenever she needed cheering up. Music can do that. I play child-friendly songs I can sing along to — and no, not Baby Shark 😅.
On Spotify, you’ll find children’s music with clean words — many from animations. I personally avoid most Nigerian music unless I’m sure of the lyrics. Sometimes I play classical music because I like instrumentals. My kid can decide if he wants to jam to Rema when he’s older.
❗ 7. Don’t Shout. Use Words (Even When Tired)
Did I hear you shout at your child because you’re tired and they’re disturbing you? Don’t do it again oh. Use words.
Say, “[Your child’s name], Mummy is tired, please let me rest.” Even if they don’t understand, say it. Why? You’re regulating yourself, and you’re teaching them how to use words.
Later, when they’re older, they’ll try to express their feelings with words instead of tantrums. Because their first teacher (you) taught them that. But then again… sometimes kids dey move mad. In that case… well, use the ‘rod’ 😂 (in love oh!).
💊 8. Multivitamins Matter
Many of us don’t get enough vitamins and minerals in our diets, that’s why we’re told to give our kids ABDEK.
It’s not just a random name, it stands for Vitamins A, B, D, E, and K. Your baby will get Vitamin A again at six months during vaccination.
Multivitamins help your child play and grow without constant illness. I stopped ABDEK (doctor’s advice) and switched to Vitamin C drops. I’ve been consistent every day. A healthier child is a more active and intelligent one.
So can you give birth to a high IQ baby? Maybe not directly. But can you raise one with love, intention, and small daily efforts? Absolutely. Intelligence doesn’t only come from books, it comes from connection, routine, joy, health, and play.
You don’t have to buy expensive things. Just be present. Be intentional. And be playful. Intelligence grows in safe, happy, and curious homes and that’s something we can create
