What are the first 1,000 days?

The “first 1,000 days” of a child’s life refer to the period from conception to their second birthday.

This period is crucial for their development, as it is during this time that a baby's brain can form more than 1 million neural connections per second. A rate that will remain unmatched for the rest of their life.

Moreover, during these first two years, up to 75% of the energy provided by food is dedicated to brain development. This makes the early years a key window where every meal and every form of care are essential for the child’s health, growth, learning abilities, and overall well-being.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Until 6 Months

During these first 1,000 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, if possible, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months to provide infants with the antibodies they need to protect them against many childhood diseases.

After 6 months, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the child’s nutritional needs. It is then recommended to introduce complementary foods: soft, semi-soft, and solid, into the child’s diet.

Between 6 and 23 months, meals should be balanced and diverse, including fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, fish, and meat.