The first few years are the most boom years of brain evolution as it reaches new lights in an entirely different level through these years and the 90% brain development takes place before 5 years of age. The best brain foods that babies can have are breast milk, eggs, avocados, bananas, berries, yogurt, greens, fatty fish, nuts (in paste form), and whole grains.
These foods contain important vitamins such as DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), choline, iron, and zinc and vitamins which promote the growth of memory, concentration, and brain as a whole at an initial stage.
Continue to learn how each of the foods is beneficial and how to incorporate them into the daily dinners of your baby.
Why Baby Brain Development Needs the Right Nutrition
The brains of your baby are developing new neural linkages at a very high pace since it was born.
Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, choline, protein and antioxidants are important nutrients needed during this active stage of growth. These are nutrients that are essential in:
- Making brain cells Build brain cells
- The improvement of memory and attention span
- Helping to learn and emotional nurture
- Preventing the brain against inflammation and oxidative stress
His or her brain can be shaped by the right foods as much as playing or sleeping is as well.
Learn more from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child.
Top 10 Brain Boosting Foods for Babies
Following are some of the superfoods that can help in the development of the brain of your baby, along with his/her memory and focus:
1. Breast Milk
The first brain food is breast milk which is the perfect food by nature. It has DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) which is essential to develop the brain and the eyes. It also contains necessary fats, proteins and antibodies that operate in general development.
Tip: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months.
2. Eggs
Eggs contain a huge amount of choline, which facilitates development of brain cells and communication among neurons. They contain protein and B12 too.
Serve: soft-boiled scrambled eggs, to be easy chewed.
3. Avocados
Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats that facilitate the process of thinking. They also have folate and vitamin C, which is amazing in the thinking aspect.
Serve: Mashed or spread on toast for babies 6+ months.
4. Bananas
Bananas give a stable supply of glucose which is the primary form of energy of the brain. They also contain plenty of vitamin B6 that is significant to neurotransmitter activity.
Serve: Mashed, sliced or used in smoothies.
5. Berries
Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain antioxidants which reduce inflammation and protect the brain against stress.
Serve: Become pureed or mashed, in a case of children over 8 months.
6. Yogurt
Besides having good fat and protein content, yogurt has probiotics which promotes the gut-brain connection. This is because a healthy gut gives birth to a healthier mind.
Diagnosis: Full-fat unsweetened yogurt babies aged over 6 months.
7. Leafy Greens
Spinach, other greens and kale contain iron, folate, and vitamin K which are beneficial to the brain and the flow of blood.
Serve: blended with such fruits as apple or banana to add flavor.
8. Oats
Oats have an extreme percentage of complex carbohydrates and iron. They release energy in bits making the babies alert and active.
Serve: Mashed fruit or nut butter (if safe) cooked oats.
9. Nuts and Seeds
Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc are all contained in almonds, walnuts, chia seed, and flax seeds and enhance the functionality of the brain.
Serve: Rasp well, as butter in 6 months (observing allergies).
10. Sweet Potatoes
In the growth of nerves and encouraging the overall thinking power, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and large percentages of beta-carotene.
Use: Serve, steamed, mashed or baked into finger pieces.
Best Food for Babies Brain at Every Age
|
Age Group |
Brain-Boosting Foods |
|
0–6 Months |
Breast milk or formula rich in DHA |
|
6–8 Months |
Mashed avocado, banana, oats, yogurt |
|
8–10 Months |
Eggs, berries, soft leafy greens, sweet potato |
|
10–12 Months |
Nut butters, chia seeds, small portions of soft fish, mixed grain porridge |
|
12+ Months |
Whole eggs, full-fat dairy, leafy green smoothies, nut & seed snacks |
With time, introduce new food and check on the allergies or reactions.
Tips to Include Brain Food in Baby’s Daily Diet
- Go slowly: Add a single brain food at a time.
- Combine with favourites: Puree leafy greens with fruits or combine leafy greens with oats.
- Cook in bulk: Cook sweet potatoes, oats or eggs in advance.
- Take a meal variety: mix up carbs, fats and proteins with meals.
- Engage colors: Serve nutrient varied food such as berries, greens, and sweet potatoes to have colorful foods.
Check: Bebe Burp Organic Baby Meals Collection
Brain Boosting Foods for Babies: What to Avoid
Although feeding the brain, one should pay attention to avoiding some foods that inhibit the growth:
- Sweetened snacks and processed foods: Will lead to energy crashes and focus.
- Excessive salt or sugar addition: Babies present age less than 1 year old should not have this.
- Caffeine (chocolate, tea): Excessivates the nervous system.
- Unhealthy fats (fried) food: Can cause dysfunctional cognitive functions.
Conclusion
You can support your baby with brain-nourishing foods because they will give your baby the best possible start in life to acquire learning skills, concentration, and long-term brain health to last through life.
Whether you think of breast milk, berries and oats, all calories are important to ensure that your growing child is taking care of his or her busting brain.
Begin with little and be regular and prepare a nutritious well balanced plate that your baby likes!
