11 Foods That Will Boost Your Baby’s Brain Development

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Disclaimer: This post Disclosure might contain Amazon affiliate links. Any purchase made through such links will award me a small commission (or referral fee), at no extra cost for you. Regardless of whether or not I receive a commission, I only recommend products that I personally use and/or genuinely love (I would never promote any products or services that I wouldn’t pay for myself), and I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.

You are probably wondering what are the best foods for baby brain development If it is now time to introduce your baby to the world of solids. Well, this post is definitely for you! Remember each baby is different, so their experience with tasting solids will be different as well. Some will take to solids right away, while others will need time to become acclimated to change.

If you’re your baby doesn’t like a particular food right away, don’t worry. It can take up to 15 separate tries before a baby decides that he or she may like this food. When introducing new foods, start with foods that will boost your baby’s brain development.

The important thing is that we have to be patient and don’t force-feed. Eventually, your baby will take to eating a variety of solid foods in his or her own time. Another thing is that some babies may like to sit down to eat all of their food while others may be snackers.

Snackers like to eat a couple of bites until they have just enough energy to continue playing. These snackers usually eat smaller meals several times a day. Solid foods are very important in helping your child baby’s brain development, grow and develop to their fullest potential.

A Note about Food Allergies: According to Mayo Clinic, “postponing the introduction of highly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, eggs, and fish, hasn’t been shown to prevent eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy. In fact, the early introduction of certain foods, such as peanuts and eggs, might decrease the risk of allergy to that food.” 

11 Best Foods For Baby Brain Development

11 types of food that will boost your baby's brain development
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How can I increase my baby’s brainpower? Here is a guide of the 11 Best foods for baby brain development!

  1. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries on top to boost baby's brain development

Yogurt is a great first food option. It is a rich source of calcium, protein, and omega fatty acids. Calcium is very important so your baby can build strong bones and omega fatty acids are good for your baby’s brain development. Greek yogurt is also rich in probiotics which is great to build a healthy flora.

There is a connection between your gut health and the brain. Babies love this rich and creamy texture and it is also a great base to mix in fruit and vegetable blends. My daughter and son loved to eat Stonyfield Organic yo baby and the Kids yogurt pouches because they have a fruit & vegetable blend mixed in them. Their pediatrician told me that this is a great way to get them to eat vegetables as well.

 2. Avocado

An avocado cut in half and is ready for baby to eat

It is a great first food and it was the first food that my kid’s pediatrician recommended for me to try. Avocado has a rich and creamy texture. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E which is important for building your baby’s brain cells. Avocado is very nutrient-dense which is why it is a great option. I mixed the mashed avocado with breastmilk until the texture was like a smooth yogurt for my son and he loved it. Avocados are definitely one of the best foods for your baby’s brain development!

3. Berries

Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are superfoods that will boost baby's brain development.

My kids loved all types of berries. Berries are a superfood. Berries are high in vitamin C and can improve memory in kids. 

4. Whole Grain Cereal

Whole-grain cereal blends are a great and nutritious option. Whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and barley. Quinoa is high in complex carbs, iron, and B vitamins. These nutrients help the blood to carry oxygen to the rest of the body and help to boost memories.

My daughter loved the Oats & Quinoa Baby Cereal from Happy Baby. In the beginning, I mixed the baby cereal with breast milk or a fruit blend. Whole grains offer fiber and a source of protein. If you are breastfeeding it is great to continue offering breast milk to your baby even after you start your baby on solid foods if possible, which is why I would mix my breastmilk into my baby’s food. Please see an important article about the benefits of breastmilk from The American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. Eggs

3 hard boiled eggs which is a good source of nutrition to boost your baby's brain development.

Egg contains omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, and choline which helps your baby’s brain development by boosting memory and concentration. 

6. Nut butter

Slice of wheat bread with nut butter spread on it.

Nut butter like peanut butter is rich in omega fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. Peanut, cashew, and almond butter are all choices and are readily available at your local grocery store. For families with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative. Make sure you give it to your baby in small amounts or you can mix it so it won’t be too thick for your baby to swallow. As your child gets older you can give them raw nuts and seeds like walnuts which is also a good source of essential fatty acids that will improve brain health

7. Broccoli

A ladle full of broccoli florets with a head of broccoli behind it. Best foods for baby brain development

Broccoli is a brain-boosting superfood that is high in DHA, vitamin E, and folate which help your baby’s nervous system (neurons and brain cells) connect. According to live Science, Broccoli contains antioxidants that are protective against diabetes and cancer. 

8. Apples and Plums

Green apple with a plum next to it

Apples and plums contain quercetin, an antioxidant the can fight a decline in mental skills, which is why it is also a great snack for school-age kids when they are feeling sluggish. The skin is packed with the most nutrition so buy organic and wash the fruit thoroughly. 

9. Leafy Greens

smoothie made from green leafy vegetables with a bed of spinach laying in front of it.

Leafy green vegetables are a superfood that is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as lutein and vitamin K which will boost your baby’s brain function. I had a hard time offering it to my kids by itself, this is why I loved Stonyfield organic kids’ yogurt. I buy the pouch that has spinach and mango and there is also one that has strawberries and beets. My kid’s pediatrician loves this brand as well. I would highly recommend blending it with fruit. Apples are always a great option to blend with. I sometimes make smoothies for my kids and I mix mango, strawberries, and bananas with kale or spinach. 

10. Salmon

Salmon fillet with fresh herbs sprinkled on top

Your child’s brain will grow the most rapidly right after birth and by 3 months their brain is half their adult size. This is why DHA is so very important to help your baby’s brain grow to its fullest potential. Salmon is rich in DHA. You can also offer food-based DHA supplements. My favorite is Child Life Cod liver oil with strawberry flavor. I mix a little in my kid’s yogurt or oatmeal. It will change the texture of it a little but they don’t even notice that it is in there. 

11. Lentils

3 wooden spoons filled with 3 different types of lentils

Lentils are a great source of fiber, vitamin B, and Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and protein. There are many ways you can prepare lentils. Two great easy options are to make it into a soup or a puree. You can also add fruit blend to make it more palatable for your baby.

How can I Boost Baby’s Brain Development?

Give your baby a head start by slowly introducing new foods that are good for your baby’s brain development. Introduce new food one at a time in case your baby has an allergic reaction you can quickly identify the food allergen. Remember don’t force-feed, your baby will eventually learn to love new flavors in their own time. Now you have read the 11 best foods for baby brain development, which one are you excited for your baby to try?

Read Best Activities for a Baby to help your baby meet their milestones.

Disclaimer: This post Disclosure might contain Amazon affiliate links. Any purchase made through such links will award me a small commission (or referral fee), at no extra cost for you. Regardless of whether or not I receive a commission, I only recommend products that I personally use and/or genuinely love (I would never promote any products or services that I wouldn’t pay for myself), and I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.

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