Extra cash for low-income mothers may influence baby brains
ABC News
New research suggests giving extra cash to low-income mothers can change their infants’ brain development
New research suggests giving extra cash to low-income mothers can change their infants’ brain development.
Brain measurements at age 1 showed faster activity in key brain regions in infants whose low-income families received $300-plus monthly for a year, compared with those who got $20 each month, U.S. researchers reported Monday.
The same type of brain activity has been linked in older children to learning skills and other development, although it’s unclear whether the differences found will persist or influence the infants' future.
The researchers are investigating whether the payments led to better nutrition, less parent stress or other benefits to the infants. There were no restrictions on how the money was spent.
