How A Child’s Brain Develops Over The Years
                     How a Child’s Brain Develops Over t
he years
HOW A CHILD’S BRAIN DEVELOPS OVER 
THE YEARS
• The brain is the most potent and essential organ in the human 
body. It controls the entire body system and process. A healthy and 
well-developed mind is crucial for thriving in life. When we are a 
baby, our brain is not well-developed, and we cannot operate in 
society on our own.
• Through the years, we gain experience, and our brain develops. We 
learn basic things like walking, speaking, etc. at the early stage of 
our life. A toddler’s brain develops at a rapid rate. They learn and 
grasp things efficiently, and their curiosity to learn new things and 
adapt to their surroundings is very high.
AGE 0-1 YEARS
At birth, the brain has nearly 200 brain cells, which are also known as neurons. 
During the first year of our life, our brain grows at a rate of 1.7 grams per day. 
The nutrition requirement of an infant is also different. The digestive system of a 
baby is not well developed and advance, so the baby food has to be prepared 
with significant consideration. The first six months of a baby’s life is spent in 
consuming only mother’s milk. About 60% of the energy from the infant’s food is 
utilized in brain growth.
Babies are not very well aware of their surroundings and do not know how to 
perceive things. Their feeling of happiness is expressed through giggles. When a 
baby encounters any discomfort, they resort to crying. Babies are in constant 
need of a loving embrace of their parents. This makes them feel safe and secure.
AGE 1-2 YEARS
At this phase, rapid growth can be recorded. Communication 
abilities develop drastically during this age. Toddlers become 
more curious to communicate with other people to deliver their 
messages. They will show more interest in engaging in 
conversations and observe the people around them. By two 
years of age, our brain develops to about 75% of the total adult 
weight.
At this age, parents and mothers need to take extra care of 
their child’s nutritional needs. DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, 
choline are some of the essential nutrients that enhance brain 
growth. These nutrients are like the crucial fuel that helps in 
developing the brain.
At this age, the interest of the toddlers is at peak. They strive to 
learn new things and tend to become more independent. They 
become socially apt and can express themselves and their 
thoughts better. At about 18 months of age, a toddler’s 
vocabulary increases potentially fast. They can learn a new 
word every two hours.
AGE 2+ YEARS
Toddlers at this age have trillions of brain cells of 
neurons. They have nearly 100 trillion synapses or 
brain connections. This the maximum that an 
individual can have in their life. The brain has 
developed into its full capacity and forms the 
appearance of an adult brain.
At this age, more importance is given to the bones 
and teeth development. So the dietary needs of a 
two-year-old child should be furnished with 
calcium and vitamin D. Make sure that the children 
at this age are well supplemented with calcium. 
Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption in the body.
By two years, the vocabulary of the child contains 
about 300 words. They can put together sentences 
and are better able to communicate their 
messages to others.
IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION
Proper nutrition leads to more 
stable moods and increases a 
person’s ability to pay attention 
and improvise memory. 
Consistent care and love are 
prominent factors that ensure a 
healthy brain development of 
the child. If important values and 
empathy are taught to children 
from a young age, they develop 
a better personality.