Providing young infants with a loving and interesting environment through play will have a positive impact on their future. This book, designed for first time parents, provides simple and enjoyable activities intended to promote brain development during the first year. The book's introduction discusses the importance of the environment during the first 3 years for determining how well a child will learn, solve problems, express and control emotions, get along with others, and form his or her attitude toward life. The book presents tips for responding to an infant's crying, provides information on resources for parents, and discusses initial parental adjustment. The bulk of the book provides activity descriptions for each week during the first year, including space for parents to maintain journal entries regarding their own infant. Also included with most activities are notes regarding infant and mother health, infant feeding, and infant safety; and information on how the activity promotes brain development. The book concludes with suggestions for providing a good learning environment for future years. (KB)