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Foods for Baby Brain Development

Studies indicate that talking to, touching, and generally providing stimuli for babies is what causes their brains to develop after birth. But, of course, this must occur upon a foundation of proper nutrition during and after pregnancy. An expectant mother is simply advised to get more total calories from nutritious foods. Once a baby is born, breast milk has nutrients essential to baby brain development. If breastfeeding is not an option, enriched formulas and other foods can provide a reasonable substitute.

  1. During Pregnancy

    • Before a baby is born, its nutrition depends on what its mother eats. There is nothing to suggest that any particular foods, other than just a healthful and nutritious variety, especially promote brain development. However, a pregnancy diet should include foods rich in folic acid, such as whole grains and legumes, and omega-3 fatty acids. At the same time, certain substances are known to have an adverse effect on brain development. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs should be avoided during pregnancy. Even nonprescription medication should be taken only with a doctor's consent or instructions.

    Omega-3

    • Once the baby is born, it must obtain nutrients from its own diet. Studies suggest that the most important nutrients for baby brain development are omega-3 fatty acids. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a primary building block of the brain, which is 60 percent fat. Dimetheyaminoethanol (DMAE) has been linked with learning, behavior and mental alertness. DHA is abundant in breast milk. Other food sources of these omega-3 fatty acids are primarily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring), flax oil and walnuts. Because none of these is particularly well-suited to a baby's diet, many infant formulas and dairy products are enriched with DHA.

    Antioxidants

    • Foods that are rich in antioxidants can prevent deterioration of brain cells at any age. Antioxidants absorb free radical oxygen that can cause memory loss and reduced motor coordination. The best sources of antioxidants are fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, especially raisins, blueberries, apples, grapes, cherries, prunes and spinach. Processed food products containing these ingredients might not be as effective as raw food in protecting baby brain development.

    Folic Acid

    • Folic acid (vitamin B9) is known to have beneficial effects during pregnancy and throughout life that center on mood and neurological health. The best natural sources of folic acid are legumes (lentils, beans and peas), dark green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, collard or turnip greens, okra and asparagus), and citrus. Most grain products in America, including cereal, bread, pasta and rice, are fortified with folic acid.

    Complex Carbohydrates

    • Sharp rises and declines in blood sugar can harm a baby's attention span and ability to learn. Such fluctuations are precisely the result of eating simple carbohydrates, especially sugar. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates helps maintain a steadier blood sugar level, which is correlated with improved learning ability. Fortunately, many of the same foods that are high in folic acid are also complex carbohydrates; whole grains and legumes are complex carbs and a good source of B vitamins.

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