Foods are just one of the many things that contribute to your baby's brain development. Balanced nutrition is essential in the first year of life, and certain foods can help foster your baby's brain development more than others. It is important to understand how nutrition and other factors can help encourage brain development.
Readiness
Breast milk and formula contain all of the nutrients your baby needs for development until he is 6 months old. According to Kids Health, your baby may be ready for solid foods if he has head control, is interested in food, can sit supported, and no longer pushes food out of his mouth with his tongue. You will need to mash or puree solid foods for your baby, and can make them even easier to go down by thinning them with breast milk, formula or water.
Types of Food
Vegetables and fresh fruits provide nutrients that can help with brain development, so offer your baby pureed peas, green beans, pears and prunes. North Dakota State University states that protein is important for your baby's brain development, so try offering strained and pureed meats when she can already tolerate cereal, fruits and vegetables. Fish contains fatty acids necessary for brain development, so try giving your baby fish low in mercury, such as salmon. You can also help boost your baby's brain development by offering her unsaturated fats, such as mashed avocado.
Warning
Avoid offering your baby sugary foods or other types of junk food, such as donuts. This leaves less room for nutritious foods. If your baby fills up on non-nutritious food, he will not get the benefits necessary from healthy options.
Other Factors
Food is not the only thing necessary for your baby's brain development. It is also important to provide her with plenty of stimulation and activity in order to encourage her cognitive, emotional and social skills.
Recommendation
When you offer your baby a new kind of solid food, wait a few days before offering him something different. If your baby has an allergic reaction, characterized by diarrhea, bloating, increased gas or a rash, you will have an easier time pinpointing the cause.
