DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that acts as a primary building block for your baby’s brain and eyes. Read on to learn why this nutrient is so critical during pregnancy and your child's first years of life.
As a parent, you want to give your little one the best start possible. You’ve likely been talking to your doctor about which foods you (and your baby) should be eating, reading labels more carefully, and noticing one acronym that keeps popping up: DHA. Why is it so often mentioned in pregnancy nutrition guides and featured on formula labels?
Simply put, DHA is crucial for your baby's growth. It plays a vital role in the development of their brain and eyes, starting in the womb and continuing through the toddler years. That’s why DHA is a key ingredient in our formulas, designed to support your child’s incredible brain-building journey. Read on to find out how DHA supports your baby's milestones and why it’s essential for their early development.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid. The name may sound complex, but its role is straightforward: DHA is a primary structural component of the human brain, skin, and eyes, and a foundational brick in the construction of your baby's brain.
During the last trimester of pregnancy and the first two years of life, your baby's brain grows at an astounding rate.1 DHA is critical during this rapid growth phase. It’s most efficient to get it directly from diet or supplements, which is why it’s often a staple in prenatal vitamins.
The benefits of DHA extend far beyond pregnancy. Because the brain continues to develop rapidly after birth, maintaining adequate DHA levels is important for cognitive milestones.
Key benefits of DHA include:2
It’s one of the most studied nutrients for early development, and one you’ll find in Enfamil formulas designed to support your baby’s growth.
Your baby relies on you for DHA, both before and after birth. Here’s how they receive this important nutrient at different stages.
During pregnancy, DHA passes from you to your baby through the placenta. The demand for DHA is highest in the third trimester when brain accumulation is most rapid.3 To support this, many experts recommend including DHA-rich foods in your diet, such as low-mercury fatty fish (salmon, sardines), nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds), or fortified eggs.4
Once your baby arrives, they continue to need DHA.
Knowing how much to take can be confusing. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, many experts recommend aiming for 200 mg of DHA daily.5
You can achieve this by eating two to three servings of low-mercury fish per week or by taking a prenatal supplement that includes DHA. This intake helps ensure that your baby receives the nutrition they need for those critical developmental windows. For more on how DHA works with other nutrients to help support your baby’s growth, read about DHA and folate.
Navigating nutrition labels and developmental milestones is easier with a partner. Join Enfamil Family Beginnings® to get up to $400 in free gifts, coupons, and dedicated support. We’re here to help you fuel the wonder of your baby’s journey every step of the way.
1. Suri S, Verlato G, Ray S. Editorial: The first 1000 days: window of opportunity for child health and development. Front Nutr. 2025 Aug 18;12:1673003. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1673003.
2. Lauritzen L, Brambilla P, Mazzocchi A, Harsløf LB, Ciappolino V, Agostoni C. DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 4;8(1):6. doi: 10.3390/nu8010006.
3. Basak S, Mallick R, Duttaroy AK. Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Status during Pregnancy and Its Impact on Infant Neurodevelopment. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 25;12(12):3615. doi: 10.3390/nu12123615.
4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/↗
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/9754-pregnancy-prenatal-vitamins↗
6. https://www.fda.gov/media/102331/download?attachment↗
7. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/↗
8. Gualtieri P, Frank G, Cianci R, Dominici F, Mappa I, Rizzo G, De Santis GL, Bigioni G, Di Renzo L. Fish Consumption and DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy: Study of Gestational and Neonatal Outcomes. Nutrients. 2024 Sep 10;16(18):3051. doi: 10.3390/nu16183051.
9. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/↗
As with most things, practice makes perfect—and rest assured, you’ll get plenty of diaper-changing practice those first couple of years. In no time you’ll be a pro and be able to tackle your baby’s diaper with confidence. For more tips and resources on all things baby, including nutrition and feeding, be sure to join Enfamil Family Beginnings®. Enjoy up to $400 in savings, plus exclusive rewards, support, and surprises.
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