Baby Nutrition
What Is The First 1000 Days
Ever hear the term “the first 1000 days”? Wondering what it means? The first 1000 days refers to a unique window of opportunity from conception to a child’s second birthday in which growth and development is critical.
Understanding Growth & Development
A baby’s brain grows more quickly in the first 1000 days than at any other time in their lives. If a child a receives poor nutrition during their first 1000 days, it can cause irreversible damage to their growing brains. Poor nutrition often has a domino effect which impacts a child’s ability to learn in school and ultimately also their potential in their adult lives.
In South Africa (SA), malnutrition in all its forms affects many people of our population.
The UNICEF SA nutrition brief 2020 highlights that almost 3 out of every ten children are stunted. This means 30% of South African children will likely not grow and develop to reach their full potential impacting their ability to rise out of poverty.
For this reason alone, investing in the first 1000 days is vital to ensure every child can reach their full potential in life. And in turn, as a nation, we can break the cycle of poverty.
Nutritional Tips for Moms to Be
Four Tips for mothers during pregnancy include:
1. Increase your healthy food intake
2. Stop consuming alcohol after a missed period
3. Stop smoking completely
4. Exercise regularly and try to get into the habit of creating a short exercise routine.
The World Health Organisation recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months before introducing solids at six months of life.
Continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding is recommended until two years of age and beyond.
Tips for Introducing Solids
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Include various foods with different textures, flavours and colours (Children should be eating the rainbow).
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Feed slowly and communicate with a child during feeding.
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Ensure good food safety and hygiene when preparing food.
As a dietitian, it is gratifying working with mothers and children during the first thousand days. Knowing that my advice and assistance can ensure optimal nutrition in this period and leads to lifelong benefits. For additional information or appointment enquiries, you can contact me at www.thehealthtitian.co.za or kirstin@thehealthtitian.co.za
*Adapted from original article on The Healthtician.
