What are the first 1,000 days, and why do they matter?
From pregnancy through toddlerhood, the first 1,000 days are a critical development period for your child. A baby’s brain grows faster than at any other time in life, and nutrition during this time plays a major role in that process.
Dairy Fuels Brain Development
The brain grows fast! A baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year. It triples by age three. And up to 80% of total brain growth happens before your child turns three! Your child needs essential nutrients every day to support this rapid growth. Essential nutrients are nutrients your body needs to grow and function properly, and our body can’t produce enough on its own—requiring us to eat food to get them. Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are natural sources of:
- Vitamin B12 – supports cognitive development and learning
- Iodine – helps with memory, focus, and neurological function
- High-quality protein – builds brain cells and tissues
- Choline – supports brain development
For Pregnant & Breastfeeding Moms: Nourish to Nurture
Your nutrition during pregnancy directly affects your baby’s brain development. So why is dairy important here? Dairy includes choline and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and iodine, which support baby’s cognitive development. It also provides protein for healthy maternal weight gain and fetal growth.
Infants 6-12 Months Old: Start Smart When Starting Solids
What you feed them starts shaping their gut and brain.
- Yogurt and cheese provide essential nutrients for brain growth.
- Live & active cultures in yogurt support a healthy gut microbiome, digestion, and immune health.
- Protein supports every aspect of neurodevelopment.
Toddlers (1–2 Years): Growth is Still in High Gear
A child’s brain is still growing fast—even into their toddler years.
- Up to 80% of brain growth occurs by age 3.
- A toddler’s diet plays a key role in maintaining that momentum.
Daily dairy delivers:
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt provide a reliable source of vitamin B12, iodine, protein, calcium, and more.
- Helps balance gut health as toddlers transition to table foods.
For practical mealtime tips for feeding your child from 6-23 months, check out our printable resource here.
Building Lifelong Health—with Dairy
- Maximize Potential – Builds brain connections for learning, memory & behavior.
- Nutrient Powerhouse – Dairy contains 7 of the 14 nutrients identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics as essential for early brain development.
- Gut Support – Yogurt’s live cultures help digestion and immune support.
- Easy for Busy Parents – Nutritious, accessible, and kid-approved.
From brain development to digestion, dairy gives your child a strong foundation to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. As always, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian.
Want a helpful handout with these brain builders to put up on your fridge? Check out our printable resource here.
