The first 1,000 days of life are crucial for future health

The most rapid period of growth and development for a young child occurs from the moment they are conceived up to around their second birthday. — Dr JEANNE WONG SZE LYN

The first 1,000 days (of life) begins from the moment of conception up to a child’s second birthday.

It is a critical period of rapid growth and development, and sets the foundation for the child’s future health and emotional wellbeing.

Our brain continues to change throughout our lives.

However, the brain grows and develops the most during the first few years of life.

In today’s column, I will provide some of the key aspects of the first 1,000 days, and what parents can do to optimise this valuable window of growth and development.

Time of growth

The period from when a child is conceived to when he or she is born is essential for the development of the brain and organs.

Good prenatal care, and looking after mother’s health and nutrition, are essential.

Babies who are born smaller than expected for their gestational age (a birth weight of less than 2.5 kilogrammes for term babies, i.e. those born between weeks 37 to 42 of pregnancy) may experience poor growth with a shorter adult height.

Paradoxically, some babies who are born small, but subsequently gain weight too rapidly, are at higher risk for obesity later in life.

Babies grow fastest during the first year of life, gaining about 25 centimetres in length on average!

They also typically double their birth weight by about five months of age, and triple it by the time they are one year old.

After two years, children continue to grow, but at a slower rate until they hit puberty.

Whenever possible, breast milk is recommended for at least the first six months of life.

If breastfeeding is not possible, then appropriate infant formula milk should be given.

Introduction of complementary foods is usually around the age of six months when babies are able to sit with some support and hold their heads upright.

A variety of nutritious food should be offered gradually.

No additional salt or sugar should be added during the first one year of life.

The brain also grows and develops rapidly during the first 1,000 days.

Neurons are nerve cells that send messages all over our body.

They control the way we think, learn and execute functions.

The early years are the most active period for establishing neuron connections.

Nutrition and a supportive environment contribute to optimal brain development.

The brain has the greatest plasticity during the early years.

Brain plasticity or flexibility is the ability to learn and adapt, and make new neural connections.

Hence, interventions for any neurodevelopmental disorder should be done at an early age in order to take advantage of this ability for the best outcome.

Rapid development

Development is how children learn new skills, as well as how to communicate and socialise with the people around them.

During the first two years of life, you will be amazed at the developmental milestones your baby will achieve.

It will be a magical journey from the first touch, coo, words and steps.

Babies begin to form emotional bonds with their parents during the first few months of life.

Attachment and responsive caregiving are vital for emotional and social development.

Loving relationships help babies learn that the world is safe.

Routines and responding warmly and predictably to your baby when they are sick, hungry or distressed help babies feel secure.

Parents might feet a bit silly talking to a baby who can’t yet respond, but it is good for their speech and social development.

Talking, reading and singing to babies at an early age are fun and easy ways to help their brain create positive connections.

Whether breastfeeding or giving formula, feeding time is also a good opportunity for positive connections.

Make frequent eye contact, smile and chat to your baby.

Babies love listening to human voices and their parents’ faces are among their favourite things to look at!

In the early years, the main way of learning is by play and positive experiences.

This is through warm interactions with their parents, family members and caregivers.

Parents should realise that the whole world is their baby’s classroom.

Expensive and complicated toys are not necessary; there is already so much to see, hear, feel and absorb in our normal everyday lives.

For young children, finding out how to play with others and how the world works is important for learning and solving problems.

Plenty of time playing, listening and talking helps a child’s development.

Playing with other people and children from an early age helps them to develop confidence in their social interactions.

A child also learns by seeing relationships among other people, e.g seeing how their parents behave with other family members.

Hence, showing positive examples are important.

Screen time on TV, tablets or phones are not recommended for children age less than two years old.

Too much screen time in young children has been shown to have negative effects on their social interactions and emotions.

Health first

Immunisations during the first two years are essential to protect your baby from serious diseases.

Schedule regular well-baby visits with your paediatrician to monitor your child’s growth and development.

Home, babysitter or nursery environments should be baby- and child-friendly to prevent accidents and exposure to harmful substances.

Talk to your paediatrician about safe sleep for babies to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Parents should also not forget to look after themselves.

When parents are well and healthy, they are able to care for their children better.

When they are relaxed and calm, their babies and children are more likely to feel calm too.

If parents or caregivers are frequently feeling sad, worried or angry, they must not be afraid to ask for help from their spouse, family members, friends or healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

In summary, the first 1,000 days of life is a dynamic period of growth and development.

It is a window of opportunity to shape a child’s future wellbeing.

Nutrition, positive parenting and quality healthcare create a solid foundation upon which a child can grow both physically and emotionally.

At the same time, parents must also practice self-care to ensure that they are healthy enough to provide their children the nurture and attention they need to grow and develop.

Dr Jeanne Wong Sze Lyn is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist. For more information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.