We support the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding along with the introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age and beyond.

Child Nutrition for IQ and EQ: Supporting Growing Minds


Tips to Support Both IQ and EQ Development in Young Children

As parents, we all want our little ones to grow into smart, confident, and emotionally aware individuals. But true growth isn’t just about learning numbers, letters, or words - it’s about helping children think, feel, and connect with the world around them. That’s where nurturing both intellectual development (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in.

The good news? One of the most effective ways to support toddler brain development is by using the power of child nutrition.1 The right foods provide the building blocks for a healthy brain, helping toddlers develop cognitive skills, focus, memory, and emotional balance. In particular, nutrients like Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) and DHA for toddler can have a powerful impact on early learning and emotional growth. 2,3

Let’s explore how you can support your child’s IQ and EQ and what everyday meals can help them thrive.


Why Nutrition Is the Foundation of Your Child’s Brain

Toddler brain development is at an incredible pace in the first few years of life. During this time, millions of neural connections are formed every day.4 These connections are the foundation of thinking skills, emotional awareness, and social interactions.4

Feeding your child well isn’t just about filling their tummy - it’s about giving their brain the nutrients it needs to develop fully. Good food and brain health go hand in hand. A balanced diet with proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals supports both cognitive function and emotional regulation, ensuring your child can learn, focus, and express themselves confidently.5


How MFGM Helps Toddlers Learn, Play, and Connect

You might have heard of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), a special component found in milk. It’s more than just a nutrient - it’s a brain booster.6

Research shows that MFGM can help toddlers:

  • Improve memory and problem-solving skills, supporting early learning.

  • Develop emotional intelligence, helping them recognise and respond to feelings.

  • Strengthen brain-body coordination, making everyday activities like stacking blocks or playing catch easier and more enjoyable.

By including MFGM as a part of a balanced child nutrition chart, you’re giving their brain and body a head start, helping them think smarter and feel more empathetic.2,6


MFGM Benefits: Strengthening Brain and Body Connections

The MFGM health benefits go beyond learning and memory, and play a key role in:

  • Attention and focus: Toddlers can engage better with activities and follow instructions more easily.

  • Emotional regulation: Children are calmer, less frustrated, and better able to handle new experiences.

  • Social skills: Improved emotional awareness helps toddlers interact positively with family, friends, and caregivers.

Think of MFGM as a gentle guide that helps your child build strong connections between their brain, body, and emotions - all while they play, explore, and learn.2,6


Child nutrition - Toddler playing

How DHA Fuels IQ Growth and Emotional Balance

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is another nutrient that plays a big role in brain development. It’s a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for toddlers’ growing brains.

Including the right amount of DHA in daily meals can:

  • Boost IQ scores by enhancing memory, attention, and learning ability.

  • Support cognitive function, helping children think clearly and solve problems.

  • Promote emotional stability, helping toddlers manage feelings and interact kindly with others.

By combining MFGM with DHA, you’re creating a nutrient-rich environment that supports both thinking skills and emotional intelligence.7,2


Smart Bites: Everyday Foods That Boost Brain Power

You don’t need complicated recipes to support your child’s brain. Many everyday foods are packed with nutrients that fuel Toddler brain development. Adequate child nutrition can be supported through foods including:

  • Eggs and dairy products for MFGM and protein8,9

  • Fatty fish like salmon or sardines for DHA10

  • Nuts and seeds for healthy fats and minerals11

  • Colourful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants and essential vitamins12

  • Whole grains to provide steady energy for learning and play13

Even small, consistent choices at every meal can have a big impact on your child’s growth, focus, and emotional wellbeing.


Balanced Nutrition for Balanced Growth

Supporting both IQ and EQ means thinking about balance:

  • Combine protein and healthy fats to enhance brain function.

  • Include a variety of fruits and vegetables to boost mood and overall health.

  • Limit sugary or highly processed foods that can affect attention, energy, and emotional regulation.

By making mealtimes mindful and nutrient-rich, you’re helping your child grow intellectually sharp and emotionally resilient.8-13


Nurturing Smart Minds and Kind Hearts

Every parent wants their child to succeed, but success isn’t just about grades - it’s also about empathy, emotional understanding, and social confidence. Child nutrition rich in MFGM, DHA, and essential vitamins supports brain development and helps toddlers grow in these areas.

Thoughtful choices like a DHA-rich fish, an egg, or colourful veggies make a real difference. Each meal becomes a chance to nurture strong cognitive skills, focus, emotional balance, and social confidence in your little one.


Fuel your toddler’s brain growth with A+ Nutrition naturally!

Join the Enfamama A+ Club and discover trusted tips on child nutrition for IQ and EQ, helping support your child’s cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and overall healthy growth - right from the early years.



References:

  1. The crucial brain foods all children need, Claire McCarthy, MD, Harvard Health Publishing, Published January 23, 2018, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-food-children-nutrition- 2018012313168 , Accessed December 2025.

  2. Abd El-Salam MH, El-Shibiny S., Milk fat globule membrane: An overview with particular emphasis on its nutritional and health benefits, Published 01 September 2020, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1471-0307.12730 , Accessed December 2025.

  3. Kuratko CN, Barrett EC, Nelson EB, Salem N Jr., The relationship of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with learning and behavior in healthy children: a review, Nutrients, Volume 5, Issue 7, Published 19 July 2013, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3738999/, Accessed December 2025.

  4. Brain Development, First Things First, https://www.firstthingsfirst.org/early-childhood-matters/brain- development/, Accessed December 2025.

  5. Puri S, Shaheen M, Grover B., Nutrition and cognitive health: A life course approach,Frontiers in Public Health, Volume 11, Published 27 March 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083484/, Accessed December 2025.

  6. Spitsberg VL., Invited Review: Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane as a Potential Nutraceutical, Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 88, Issue 7, Pages 2289–2294, Published July 2005, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030205729064, Accessed December 2025.

  7. McCulloch M., 12 Health Benefits of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Healthline, Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD, Updated November 25, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dha-benefits, Accessed December 2025.

  8. Señoráns M, Gallo V, Calvo MV, Fontecha J., Buttermilk treatment strategies to obtain MFGM-enriched isolates and comprehensive characterization of their lipid and protein components, International Dairy Journal, Volume 160, Published January 2025, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095869462400213 9, Accessed December 2025.

  9. Bjarnadottir A., How Much Protein in an Egg?, Healthline, Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, RDN, CDCES, Updated February 6, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/protein-in-egg, Accessed December 2025.

  10. Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, American Heart Association, Last reviewed 23 August 2024, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy- living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty- acids#:~:text=The%20American%20Heart%20Association%20recommen ds%20eating%202%20servings%20of%20fish,in%20omega%2D3%20fatt y%20acids. Accessed December 2025.

  11. Nuts and seeds, Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/nuts-and-seeds, Accessed December 2025.

  12. Fruit and vegetables, Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fruit-and- vegetables, Accessed December 2025.

  13. Whole Grains for Kids Health, Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council, https://www.glnc.org.au/whole-grains-for-kids-health/, Accessed December 2025.

Yes! I would like to know more about Enfagrow A+ Pro Gentlease products!
Join Enfamama A+ Club