The idea that exercise can help your child develop into a well-rounded person isn't new. In 1420, an Italian physician, Vittorino da Feltre, started the first childhood physical education classes, and in 1825, Charles Beck became the first physical education teacher in the United States. It was thought that physical education prepared the mind for learning. Now, people are wondering if exercise can give infants a leg up on mental development.

To Gina Ritter, mother of three from Napa, Calif., it makes sense that exercise would promote intelligence in infants. "Any stimulation, especially from an adult the baby is bonded with, helps increase their intelligence," she says. "A different viewpoint, like tummy time, can encourage them to use their brain in new ways to command their body, which would increase intelligence. Stimulation of their body from exercise will also stimulate their brain in the same way."

Mary Zurn, vice president of Early Childhood Education and Professional Development for Primrose Schools, says that scientists who study the brain have shown that the brain grows and changes dramatically during the early months and years following birth.

"Anyone who has witnessed the transformation of a newborn to a walking, communicating toddler who can express emotions specific to different situations would find this entirely reasonable," Zurn says. "Infants have a lot of work to do, but from what I have read, the brain is a very adaptable organ and there will be other critical periods in every child's future."

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