Just think – even while you are reading this page, your child's brain is growing and developing. In fact, it will triple in size by age 2. Here is what's going on up there.
As you can see, billions of brain cells and their connectors are added as the brain develops. Brain cells are responsible for sending and receiving messages that will help develop your child's IQ and his language and motor skills.
Brain Food
Building blocks for a lifetime of health
Scientists have closely studied many nutrients that have been known to support brain and eye development. Providing a diet rich in nutrients your child needs will help to ensure healthy growth. See how the following nutrients affect vision, cell growth, memory and more.
- AA and DHA are building blocks for brain and eye development
- Omega 3 and 6 are precursors of DHA and AA
- Taurine helps support overall mental and physical development
- Choline supports overall mental functioning
- Folic acid plays a role in the formation of red blood cells
- Iron is an important component of red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of the body to help the body's production of energy
- Zinc is essential for growth and helps in physical development
- Vitamin A is essential for the functioning of the eye
How You Can Help
- Breast milk is the best for babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and should be continued for as long as possible.
- If you choose to transition to a follow-on (after 6 months) or a growing up milk (if your child is over 1 year of age), choose a formula that contains vital nutrients to supplement your child’s diet
- a nutritious diet to keep up with your child’s rapidly developing brain
- Talk about the weather, laundry or anything else that comes to mind since the more your child hears the more connections will be made in his brain
- Read together and your child will start to see the relationship between printed and spoken symbols (letters and words)
- Play smart by providing age-appropriate toys such as blocks, puzzles, dolls and other safe toys that are easy-to-handle, engaging and stimulating
- Tune in by limiting TV time to make room for interaction with real toys and activities that are beneficial for brain development
- Play it safe by removing potentially dangerous objects or situations so your child can explore and discover safely
- Explore the senses by creating age appropriate opportunities for your child to touch, see, and hear – all which help promote neuronal development
