Many suggest computer programs. But, in most expert's opinions, that timing is too late - after the window of opportunity to build a child's brain development has actually closed.

It's best to begin before your baby is born, up until his or her third birthday. This is when you can most impact a child's brain and ability to learn for the rest of their life.

While it may seem odd to start before they're able to read, write or reason, studies show the hard wiring for all these tasks is in place well before children reach kindergarten age.

In a recent study published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology [Vol. 42: 174-181], doctors took 56 babies, starting at five days old, and supplemented their diets with omega 3 fish oil fatty acids including DHA.

The DHA group had significantly higher cognitive and motor skills and outperformed the control group (who, sadly, did not get fish oil supplements) on the "Mental Development Index."

These doctors concluded that an early dietary supply of fish oil with DHA is a major determinant for vastly improved performance and mental development in full term babies.

A study of premature babies, published in Clinics in Perinatology. [Vol. 22(1):157-75], found that even babies who aren't full term benefit from fish oil. Supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids with DHA greatly improved both their cognitive and visual development.

These are just a few of many studies that conclude the secret to a child's brain development is getting enough omega 3 with DHA.

DHA is the most abundant long-chain omega 3 in the brain tissue. Some estimate it's 95% of all the lipids present at birth and becomes part of these tissues mostly in utero and during the first year of life.

It only makes good sense for expectant mothers to eat more fish and supplement their diet with fish oil. This is how to build a child's brain development from the beginning and create the hard-wiring that will determine their intelligence and ability to learn in the future.

Next, be sure to breast-feed during your child's first year. Breast milk happens to be a very rich source of omega 3s for your baby.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed even conservative amounts of dietary fish oil with DHA significantly elevated breast milk content. [Vol. 40, 780-785]

The research on brain development, convinced my wife to take fish oil during pregnancy and nursing and to start supplementing our children's diets with salmon oil when they were just six months old.

It went from capsule to spoon into their mouths. We constantly get remarks on how smart they are and their test scores prove it's true.

But, what's even better, they're such happy and healthy children too. Try fish oil with your kids and you'll be glad you did.