Best Brain Food for Babies

27 Mar Best Brain Food for Babies

From the moment babies enter into the world, parents want to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep their babies happy, healthy and developing the way that they should be so they can grow up to be healthy, happy children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a baby’s nutrition during the first 1,000 days of their life is critical. From conception to age 2, your baby needs very specific nutrients to build a healthy brain.

Here are a few of the best brain foods for babies that can help your newborn get off on the right foot while you help boost your baby’s brain development which can not only help them now-but in their future as well.

1. Vegetables- Veggies should already be a part of your baby’s diet, and the more veggies, the better for your baby’s brain development. A fun idea to remember is that you are making sure you are adding a mix of colors. Orange is sweet! Some of the best vegetables for brain development are pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and carrots. These are really easy foods for your baby to eat as well. Greens are also really important. Green leafy vegetables (if your baby will eat them) are another great type of vegetable to add to the mix. So make sure to keep lots of colors on your babies plate.
2. Greek Yogurt- Greek yogurt is another food that isn’t only easy for babies to eat, but one that is great for brain development. Greek yogurt is filled with vitamin B to help with the growth of neurotransmitters and important for brain tissues. It also helps keep the cell membranes of the brain flexible as well (this helps your baby’s brain send and receive important information).
3. Avocados- Avocados are a great superfood and one that is rich in unsaturated fats. This helps promote proper blood flow to the brain. Avocados are also filled with oleic acid which can help protect myelin in the brain-which helps information travel from the brain throughout the body. They are also filled with B vitamins and are a delicious addition to your baby’s diet.
4. Berries- There is a ton of vitamin C in berries. This not only helps prevent oxidative stress in your baby’s brain, but it can help improve your baby’s memory. They are also amazingly simple finger foods for babies.
5. Oatmeal- According to several studies, oatmeal is a great way to promote healthy brain function in kids. Add oatmeal to your baby’s breakfast routine as it is rich in Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and zinc. This can all help with your kid’s spatial memory.
6. Fish- Healthy fatty fishes like mackerel, salmon, and tuna are all filled with omega 3 fatty acids. These are what the body uses to build brain tissue. Research shows that these fatty acids can help the growth and function of your baby’s brain.

The more you can do to introduce these foods into your baby’s diet the better. The best part is, these foods are also healthy and delicious for your little one, making them a smart addition to your little one’s routine. If you have any questions about healthy foods for your baby or other activities that are great for brain development, make an appointment at Continuum Pediatrics by calling us at 817-617-8600.