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.

Early Child Development Milestones: Brain Growth and Learning

 


Supporting Early Brain Milestones: Helpful Signs to Watch and How Nutrition Can Strengthen Growth

As a parent, you want to see your child explore the world with curiosity, confidence, and joy. Watching them reach development milestones can be exciting. From their first words, learning how to stack blocks to following simple instructions, each milestone counts.

Understanding what to look for, coupled with strategies to support your child’s growth through optimal nutrition, can give you confidence. It ensures that you are laying a strong foundation for their lifelong learning, cognitive development, and emotional well-being.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through key development milestones and the early signs to watch for. You will also learn how targeted food for brain growth can fortify your child’s cognitive pathways. These early years are also when the brain is most responsive to support, making timely guidance and nutrition especially impactful. Essential nutrients such as DHA, MFGM, and vital vitamins play a pivotal role in enhancing cognitive function, memory, focus, and social-emotional skills.


How Early Brain Growth Shapes Development Milestones – And Why Nutrition Matters

Your child’s brain undergoes remarkable growth in the first few years, forming intricate connections that shape how they think, learn, and engage with the world.1 Every milestone you notice - whether it’s saying their first words, mastering a new motor skill, or showing curiosity about their surroundings - is a reflection of healthy brain growth.

Nutrition plays a key role in hitting development milestones. Food for brain growth provides the building blocks your child needs for strong neural connections. Proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals all contribute to cognitive function and behavioural development.2

Key nutrients like MFGM and DHA are especially important-they support memory, attention, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, giving your child the tools to meet their development milestones confidently.3,4


Speech Delay in Children: Helpful Early Signs to Notice

Language is one of the earliest and most important ways your child connects with the world around them. By paying close attention to how your child communicates, you can begin understanding speech delays and recognise early signs of language development in children with confidence and clarity.5

Some helpful signs to watch for include:

  • A limited vocabulary between 18–24 months

  • Difficulty forming simple two-word phrases

  • Trouble following basic instructions

  • Challenges expressing needs, thoughts, or emotions clearly

Recognising these signs early allows you to provide timely support. Talk to your child often, read together, sing songs, and encourage them to repeat words. These simple interactions strengthen language pathways and help your child stay on track with key development milestones.6


Speech Development in Children: What’s Typical and When to Seek Guidance

Every child develops at their own pace, but understanding what is typical can help you identify when to reach out for guidance.7

Key stages of speech development in children include:

At 12 months

  • Your child may copy speech sounds

  • They may say a few simple words like “mama” or “dada”

  • They often respond to simple commands

  • They may recognise words for familiar objects

  • Turning toward sounds is common

By the End of 18 Months

  • Your child may recognise names of people and objects

  • They often follow simple instructions with gestures

  • Their vocabulary may include 10–15 words


By the End of 24 Months

  • Your child may use short phrases such as “more milk”

  • They may ask simple questions

  • They usually follow basic instructions

  • Many children use 50 or more words by this age

  • Their speech is often understood by familiar caregivers

If your child is consistently behind these stages, early support can make a big difference. Speech therapy or guidance from your paediatrician can help strengthen communication skills and overall cognitive function, ensuring your child continues to progress through important development milestones.


Development Milestones - Toddler playing

Motor Skill Delays and Behavioural Cues to Observe

  • Your child’s motor skills are another window into their early brain growth. Some signs of motor skill delay you might notice include:9

  • Difficulty sitting, crawling, or walking at expected ages

  • Challenges with hand-eye coordination, like stacking blocks or holding utensils.

  • Less interest in age-appropriate play or interactive activities

You may also notice behavioural cues, such as reduced curiosity or difficulty following instructions. These physical skills also support independence and confidence, which are closely linked to early learning experiences. Gentle physical activity can help. Interactive games and play that challenge coordination support motor development. These activities help your child meet development milestones while building confidence and curiosity.8


MFGM Benefits: How They Support Cognitive Function and Emotional Growth

MFGM benefits are well-supported by research and play a crucial role in cognitive function. Studies show that MFGM supports how young brains process information, manage emotions, and learn from early experiences. Including MFGM in your child’s diet - through fortified foods or trusted toddler formulas - can support memory, learning, and emotional regulation.4 These nutrients help your child process information, develop social skills, and navigate early learning experiences with confidence, aligning with their development milestones.4


DHA for Toddlers: Why It Matters for Learning, Focus, Memory, and Social Skills

DHA for toddlers is essential for building brain structure and supporting ongoing development. DHA supports:

  • Memory and learning efficiency

  • Attention span and focus during play and learning activities

  • Emotional regulation and social interaction

Providing your child with DHA, alongside MFGM and other key nutrients, strengthens neural pathways and encourages positive cognitive function, helping your child stay on track with early development milestones.3



Conclusion: Help Your Child Thrive With Early Support and Nutrition

Supporting your child’s early brain growth starts with observation, encouragement, and the right nutrition. Watching for early signs of speech delay in children or motor skill delay can help you respond with confidence. Interactive play and food for brain growth rich in DHA, MFGM, and essential vitamins, support healthy brain development and cognitive function.

Simple daily moments matter. Reading together, encouraging curiosity, and offering nutrient-rich meals help strengthen neural connections. These habits support memory, focus, and emotional skills. With consistency and care, your child can meet important development milestones and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. Support your child’s development milestones with expert-led guidance on early brain growth, learning, and behaviour.


Join the Enfamama A+ Club for trusted insights that support your child’s growth confidently through each stage of development.



Recommended articles:

  1. MFGM and Milk: The Child Nutrition and Brain Development Link, https://www.enfagrow.com.sg/blogs/mfgm/child-nutrition-and-brain- development-with-mfgm

  2. Why Is DHA Important For Your Child? https://www.enfagrow.com.sg/blogs/toddler-1-3-years-old/why-dha- important-your-child

  3. 5-Year MFGM Advantage Study: Holistic Brain Development, https://www.enfagrow.com.sg/blogs/mfgm/5-year-mfgm-advantage- study-holistic-brain-development

References:

  1. Brain Architecture, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/brain- architecture/ Accessed December 2025.

  2. Penchyna Nieto MR., The impact of nutrition on people's cognitive development, Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing, Volume 7, Issue 9, Published 07 August 2024, https://www.auctoresonline.org/article/the-impact-of-nutrition-on- peoples-cognitive-development, Accessed December 2025.

  3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cleveland Clinic, Last reviewed 17 November 2022,https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3- fatty-acids, Accessed December 2025.

  4. 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.

  5. Early Identification of Speech, Language, Swallowing, and Hearing Disorders, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, https://www.asha.org/public/early-identification-of-speech-language- and-hearing-disorders/?srsltid=AfmBOorrpV8EL0Mcgy-lmFoGv3i6- KbzQmVle4_tsBaHTlOBE1xm96bC, Accessed December 2025.

  6. Sheldon-Dean H., Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child? The benefits go far beyond literacy, Child Mind Institute, https://childmind.org/article/why-is-it-important-to-read-to-your- child/, Accessed December 2025.

  7. Child Not Talking Yet? When to Worry About a Speech Delay, Healthcare Utah HealthFeed, Published June 2025, https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2025/06/child-not-talking-yet- when-worry-about-speech-delay,, Accessed December 2025.

  8. Developmental Delay in Children, Cleveland Clinic, Last reviewed 27 March 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14814- developmental-delay-in-children, Accessed December 2025.

  9. Developmental Delay in Children, ClevelandClinic, Last reviewed on 03/27/2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14814- developmental-delay-in-children, Accessed December 2025.

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