DHA - docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid. The human brain needs DHA for growth, development, and maintenance. Should babies be given DHA on an ongoing basis? Despite the proven importance of DHA for eye, brain, and nervous system development, many infants and toddlers do not get enough. If a breastfeeding mother does not have adequate levels of omega-3s, DHA supplementation should be given to the breastfed infant or toddler. Infants and toddlers who are not breastfed may benefit from 500-800 mg of DHA per day.