Nutrition vital for babies’ brain development, says expert

LUCKNOW: Mothers have the best opportunity to develop their child’s IQ right from infancy up to the age of two years, said Dr Samir Dalwai, a development and behavioural paediatrician, at a press conference here on Sunday.

Dr Dalwai, who has developed a kit for kids with Abbott, said 90% of brain developed by the age of 2 years.

So, right nutrition during pregnancy and in the first two years of life lead to better brain development.

“It also becomes important for doctors to educate mothers on the two critical pillars of brain development that are nutrition and stimulation or mother-child interaction. Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition to your baby as breast milk contains brain building nutrients like DHA and natural Vitamin E,” he said.

Supplementation of natural Vitamin E could lead to longterm benefits in child’s motor and IQ development, said Dr Dalwai.

Speaking about the activities that a child needed for development, Dr Dalwai said that parents should spend time with the child rather than just search for a good school.

“If a child is unable to sit properly, attention needs to be given at home. If you think your child likes cartoon character more than your face, try acting like the character so that the child pays attention to you and learns. it is better not to expose kids to cartoons and cell phones at an early age,” said development and behavioural paediatrician.