Did you know that your baby’s crucial brain development continues till the age of three years? During this time they also start reacting to their surroundings, learning, thinking, and even solving problems. While these milestones are achieved gradually and naturally, you can always give a nudge to your little one’s development through different methods.
One way to aid their gray matter functions and brainpower is by exposing them to activities, such as music, and sports, and enabling them to explore their surroundings on their own. But these aren’t the only ways to help your child’s brain development. Feeding them nutritious food is important too, and it plays a crucial role in helping their brain cells mature optimally.
In fact, foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein can help their neuronal growth and maintain healthy brain cells. We have listed 10 baby brain development foods that ensure your child receives all the key nutrients to enhance their brainpower.
10 Best Foods For Baby Brain Development
Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy veggies, especially kale, spinach, chard, and collard greens contain a ton of antioxidants, minerals, and folate that keep your little one’s brain cells healthy. Kale also contains Diindolymethane and Sulforaphane which help support neuron development and boost brainpower. Some of the other best baby brain development foods include pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and carrots, and you can give them to your child in pureed or mashed form.
Avocados
Avocados are considered the ultimate superfoods crucial for brain health. They contain a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fats that promote blood flow to the brain. Additionally, it also contains numerous phytonutrients that offer various health benefits to your baby. The best part about this fruit is that it is easy to prepare, either in a puree or mash form, and has a soft texture, making it easy for your little one to eat and digest.
Greek Yogurt
In case you didn’t know, Greek yogurt acts like a super brain development food for your little one. It contains B complex vitamins that are crucial for the healthy growth of brain tissues and neurotransmitters, and it keeps the brain cell membranes flexible, enabling the brain to send and receive information potently. You can give Greek yogurt to your child during their breakfast, and also add a topping of seasonal fruits to increase its nutritional value.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another healthy green veggie enriched with B vitamins, such as riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B6 that aid neuronal development and boost brainpower. However, since this veggie has a slightly bitter taste, it’s not always a hit among babies. You can either mash it and give it to your baby, or make a broccoli smoothie with fresh fruits, such as strawberries, banana, and mango to enhance its taste.
Fish
Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the building blocks of your little one’s brain tissue. Additionally, salmon is also a rich dietary source of DHA, an essential nutrient that aids in the cognitive development of your child. You can mash the fish and give it to your little one along with some rice.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are crucial for providing your little one’s brain with a constant supply of energy and also improving their concentration. They have a low glycaemic index and slowly release glucose into the bloodstream, keeping your toddler alert throughout the day. It’s also a good source of folate and antioxidants that promote the proper function of your child’s brain. Some whole grain-enriched foods to include in your child’s diet are brown rice, whole-wheat bread, millet, and barley.
Eggs
Eggs are a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. It contains zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and lutein which enhance concentration in your child and boost cognitive power. Additionally, choline helps produce acetylcholine or memory stem cells, which help improve memory in your child. You can incorporate eggs into your baby’s diet in many ways. Cut the eggs into small bite-sized pieces or give them a delicious veggie-filled omelette.
Berries
Dark berries, such as blueberries and strawberries contain a high content of antioxidants like vitamin C that improve memory and learning in your child. Berries also prevent oxidative stress and damage in your little one’s brain. You can provide berries in a smoothie or mashed form. You can also top the fruits over yogurt, or oatmeal, or offer them as finger food.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is also considered one of the best foods for baby brain development and has been found to enhance attention, memory, and executive function in children. Oats are also rich in zinc, iron, fibre, and vitamin E and help provide your little one with a steady stream of energy. You can give oatmeal to your child during breakfast, and also look for interesting ways to include this food into their diet, such as oatmeal cookies.
Nuts
Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews are considered brain-boosting foods. They have high levels of vitamin E in these foods that aid cognitive and overall development. Nuts also contain key nutrients, such as zinc, which enhance memory and attention in your child. However, since nuts may pose the risk of choking, you should be extra careful while adding them to your child’s diet. Try to powder or puree and then add them to your child’s food.
Since diet plays an essential role in your child’s brain development, make sure to include the foods that we’ve mentioned above in your little one’s daily diet. These food items are packed with key nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that play a major role in your baby’s brain as well as overall growth and development. Also with so many options for baby brain development foods, you will not have to repeat any recipes and can introduce your child to new food items and veggies every week.
Also read:
Mango for babies: Mango is packed with essential nutrients that aid in the development of your baby. Check out this post to know more about its health benefits and delicious recipes.
Fruit and vegetable smoothies for toddlers: Smoothies are a great way to offer fruits and veggies that your child would otherwise avoid. Check out this post for tasty and nutritious smoothie recipes to give to your child.
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