Issues
An urgent opportunity: a healthy first 1,000 days for every family, everywhere.
From India to Indiana, Kenya to Kentucky, mothers and children everywhere need good nutrition and nurturing care in the first 1,000 days in order to thrive.
Yet too many families in the U.S. and throughout the world do not get the food, healthcare or support they need to have a healthy first 1,000 days. The consequences are often devastating. Globally, hundreds of millions of young children fail to reach their developmental potential, while millions more die every year as a result of malnutrition.
In the U.S., as in many other parts of the world, there are profound health disparities that contribute to unacceptably high maternal and infant mortality rates. And when we fail to nourish strong beginnings, we all feel the consequences—from persistent poverty and worsening inequality, to higher healthcare costs and weaker economies.
While the roots of malnutrition, disease, stunted development and inequality are often found in the first 1,000 days, so is the opportunity to build healthier and more equitable futures for children, women, their families and societies. This opportunity is what drives us at 1,000 Days.
The Solutions We Support
Improved Women’s Health and Nutrition
Increase investments in women’s nutrition and health throughout the first 1,000 days
Increased Breastfeeding Support
Improve policies and increase investments to enable more women to reach their breastfeeding goals.
Better Diets for Babies and Toddlers
Improve baby and toddler diets and feeding practices.
Increased Investment in Children and Families
Improve and expand programs that enable the most vulnerable babies and toddlers and their families to get the food, nutrition and support they need to thrive.
Building Blocks for a Healthy First 1,000 Days
The first 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and a child’s second birthday are universal. No matter where they live, all mothers and children need the same “building blocks” for a healthy future.
- A nutritious diet for mothers during pregnancy
- Good care for all mothers during pregnancy
- Paid time off for working parents to care for their newborns
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
- Nurturing, responsive care and feeding of babies and toddlers
- A nutritious diet for mothers during pregnancy
- A healthy and nutritious diet for babies and toddlers
- The right knowledge and skills for parents and caregivers to properly nourish young children
- Consistent access to enough nutritious food for families of young children
- Societal investments in the wellbeing of every baby and toddler