Toddler brain development: What your toddler’s developmental milestones tell you

Every new word, every pretend tea party and every problem your toddler learns to solve reflects toddler brain development in action.

In fact, the brain reaches 80% of its adult size by two years old, and more than 90% by the age of five ^[1].

During these early years, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second ^[2]. These connections become the foundation for everything from language and memory to emotional regulation and learning.

While every child reaches developmental milestones at their own pace, these early years of toddler age are a valuable opportunity to support healthy toddler brain development through play, loving interactions and good nutrition.

Everyday milestones that show your toddler’s brain is growing

When parents think about milestones, it’s often the big moments that come to mind. First words. First puzzles. The first time your toddler insists on putting on their own shoes.

But every milestone, big or small, begins inside the brain.

As your toddler explores the world, millions of neural connections are constantly forming and strengthening. The more opportunities they have to interact, communicate, move and play, the stronger these pathways become.

They’re communicating and learning through play

One of the most exciting toddler language milestones is watching your toddler find their voice.

As they begin naming familiar objects, speaking in short phrases and asking endless questions, toddler speech development is progressing alongside memory, understanding and social skills.

At the same time, everyday play, from pretending to cook for a teddy bear to completing puzzles or stacking blocks, helps develop problem-solving skills, creativity, hand-eye coordination and concentration.

Reading together, singing songs and everyday conversations are some of the best learning activities for toddlers, helping strengthen the brain connections that support language and learning.

They’re becoming more confident everyday

Have you noticed your toddler insisting on doing everything themselves lately?

Perhaps your child now remembers where their favourite toy is, insists on feeding themselves or proudly announces, “I do it!”

They’re also beginning to understand routines, recognise emotions, manage big feelings and make simple decisions. Even common toddler tantrums can be part of learning emotional regulation as the brain continues to develop.

Rather than worrying about whether your toddler is hitting every milestone at exactly the right time, it helps to focus on how they’re continuing to learn, explore and interact with the world around them.

How nutrition helps support your toddler’s growing brain

Alongside play, sleep and everyday experiences, nutrition provides the building blocks that help support healthy toddler brain development. It’s a topic many parents think about, especially when their toddler suddenly becomes a picky eater.

As one mom in the Supermom community shared:

“My girl already 2yo but still don’t really eat much during meals, always picky picky. Milk still like her main thing. I quite worried she not getting enough nutrients sia. Your little ones drinking what milk ah?”

It’s a common concern, and one that often becomes more noticeable after the first birthday when toddlers begin asserting their independence at mealtimes. Fortunately, healthy development isn’t determined by one perfect meal. What matters is your child’s overall nutritional intake over time.

DHA: supports brain development

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a major structural component of the brain and plays a key role in brain and eye development ^[3]. Research has found that more than half of studies on DHA in toddlers and young children reported favourable associations with learning, memory or behaviour ^[3].

While foods like salmon, sardines and other oily fish naturally contain DHA, many toddlers don’t eat these foods regularly. For families whose little ones have a limited diet, a growing-up milk with added DHA can help complement their nutritional intake.

MFGM: supports communication between nerve cells

Milk Fat Globule Membrane, or MFGM, contains bioactive compounds that help support brain cell development and communication between nerve cells ^[4].

Research has found that formula supplemented with MFGM showed enhanced myelination, the process that helps messages travel more efficiently throughout the brain ^[5]. While another study shows that MFGM-supplemented formula supported neurodevelopment comparable to breastfeeding at 12 months ^[6].

Simple toddler activities to support your toddler’s development

Alongside good nutrition, simple toddler activities and everyday interactions help strengthen the neural connections that support learning and development.

Here are a few simple ways to support healthy development:

• Talk together often. Describe what you’re doing, ask questions and encourage back-and-forth conversations to support toddler speech development.
• Read every day. Storybooks help build vocabulary, memory and support toddler language milestones.
• Try activities for toddlers at home. Building blocks, pretend play, drawing, puzzles and outdoor exploration are excellent learning activities for toddlers that encourage creativity, problem-solving and confidence.
• Offer a balanced variety of foods. Include foods rich in healthy fats, protein, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients whenever possible.
• Be patient with picky eating. Keep offering new foods without pressure. It often takes many tries before a toddler accepts something unfamiliar.

Supporting your toddler’s growing brain with Enfagrow A+ Nutrition

Every toddler reaches developmental milestones in their own way. Some become confident talkers early on, while others surprise their parents with their imagination, curiosity or determination to do everything themselves. 

While there’s no single food that can guarantee when a milestone will happen, providing balanced nutrition during these important early years helps support your child’s developing brain.  

For over 120 years, Mead Johnson Nutrition has been dedicated to advancing paediatric nutrition through scientific research. A pioneering industry first, introducing DHA in children’s milk formula in 2000 and MFGM in 2017 to deliver long-lasting benefits for brain development. 

Learn more about Enfagrow A+ Pro.