When Does a Baby’s Brain Start Developing?

Key Insights:

• First Trimester: Brain structures begin forming by week 5.
• Second & Third Trimesters: Rapid growth, synapse formation, and folding.
• Nutrition Matters: Nutrients like folic acid, DHA, and MFGM support healthy development.
• After Birth: The brain keeps growing fast—doubling in size by age 1.

Why Supporting Cognitive Growth Early Matters

During the first year of life, your baby’s brain is forming all kinds of new neural connections. These early connections are the foundation for memory, emotion, language, and lifelong learning.

That’s why interaction, love, and key nutrients like MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)↗ matter so much. Once found only in breast milk, MFGM is also available in Enfamil^® NeuroPro↗ formulas and has been shown to support cognitive development during these early months, and science backs its impact. In a clinical study↗, babies who were fed formula with MFGM showed higher cognitive scores than babies fed standard formula at 12 months of age.¹

How MFGM Supports Early Brain Development

MFGM is rich in nutrients that play key roles in building your baby’s brain, supporting how it forms, connects, and functions during this rapid stage of development.

• Sialic Acid
  Supports early brain cell communication and helps lay the groundwork for memory and learning.
• Gangliosides
  Contribute to healthy brain cell membranes and help signals move efficiently between neurons.
• Choline
  Vital for producing neurotransmitters that support attention, focus, and learning.
• Sphingomyelin
  A building block for myelin, the protective layer that helps brain cells send messages quickly and clearly.
• Cholesterol
  Helps form brain cell membranes and supports hormone production—key for healthy brain and body growth.

Together, these nutrients help create a strong foundation for your baby’s developing brain—one that supports how they learn, connect, and grow, both now and into the future.

Think Long-Term: From First Words to First Day of Kindergarten

The support you provide today doesn’t just help your baby—it builds a strong foundation for tomorrow. Imagine your little one walking into kindergarten full of confidence, curiosity, and communication skills. That future starts now—with every loving moment and every brain-nourishing bottle.

With MFGM, you can help fuel cognitive development during this foundational year and give your child all the support possible along the way.

Join Enfamil Family Beginnings^®↗ to get smart, science-backed tools that grow with your baby. The app gives you personalized tips, feeding guidance, milestone trackers, and expert articles—all designed to help you make confident decisions from day one.