Boost Baby Brainpower

Give your baby a leg up by eating fish and breastfeeding.

If you want your infant to score better on such developmental milestones as sitting up, crawling or talking, there are two ways to enhance the odds, according to a recent study: 

First, while pregnant, eat at least three servings a week of low-mercury fish, such as cod, wild salmon and pollock.  Try these recipes:
Salmon Cakes with Tropical Salsa
Cod Ranchero
Salmon Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado
Salmon and Portobello Mushroom Frittata

Second, breastfeed—the longer, the better.   See our Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding for information and advice.

Both practices raised babies’ scores on motor and cognitive skills at ages 6 and 18 months, at least in part because of the brain-friendly omega-3 fatty acids in fish and breast milk.