Introduce
The first 1,001 days of a child’s life—from conception to age two—are crucial because they lay the foundation for lifelong health, wellbeing, and development. During this period, the brain develops faster than at any other time, making it a critical window for shaping a child’s social and emotional development and wellbeing.
Early relationships shape a child’s development and this begins during pregnancy, when a baby’s brain is developing rapidly and can be influenced by the physical environment of the womb, as well as the wider environment and relationships.
The following video explores how early experiences play a crucial role in brain development. You’ll see how nurturing care, responsive communication and a safe environment can help build strong, healthy brain connections:
Develop
This article explores the science behind the first 1,001 days and why supporting parents and caregivers during this period is key to unlocking a child’s full potential:
Milestones are checkpoints in children’s development as they grow. These are the core skills all children should be reaching. Understanding the milestones of children’s development in the early years is essential for tracking a child’s growth, responding to children’s needs appropriately and ensuring they are on the right developmental path. There is variability in when we see these milestones occur but the following timeline gives you an overview for what you might expect to see:
Interactive Child Development Timeline | NHS GGC
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Use the following questions to reflect on your approach during these early days:
– What is one thing you could do differently to better support families during this critical developmental window?
– What steps can you take to address signs of stress, adversity, or inequality, and how might these changes impact outcomes for the family?
– What strategies can you use to support children who may not be reaching developmental milestones, and how will you work with families and other professionals to ensure they get the help they need?
Optional
Watch the following TedTalk below where Johan Morreau explains the importance of the first 1000 days: