Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Apr 12: The first 1000 days of the child are the most vital window for ensuring long-term health, growth and cognitive development, doctors said on Saturday.
Dr Rubina, a paediatric nutritionist in Kashmir said that the first 1000 days are marked by rapid brain development, organ formation and physical growth and up to 80% of a child’s brain develops in this period.
“The right nutrition during this time ensures that the child’s body and mind develop to their fullest potential,” she said.
According to UNICEF and WHO, this phase lays the biological foundation for a lifetime. Proper nutrition, health care, and emotional support during this time significantly shape a child’s ability to learn, resist disease, and thrive physically and mentally.
Dr Rubina said children who receive adequate nutrition during this window are not only healthier but also perform better in school and have a lower risk of chronic illnesses later in life.
Dr Showkat, another paediatrician, said several factors play vital roles in better outcomes during this window period of 1000 days. He said pregnant women should receive iron, folic acid, calcium and other essential nutrients as the malnutrition in mothers can lead to low birth weight and developmental delays.
“For the first six months, breast milk alone is the best source of nutrition and immunity for infants,” Dr Showkat said, adding that for six months onwards, children should receive age-appropriate, nutrient-dense foods along with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.
“Parents must ensure protection against common diseases that can affect growth and brain development and prevent infections like diarrhoea, which can interfere with nutrient absorption safe water and hygiene practices are a must,” he said, adding that interaction, love, and attention help with emotional development and cognitive growth.
Doctors warned that if proper care is not taken during the first 1000 days, the consequences can be severe and often irreversible.
They said it can lead to stunting that is below average height, wasting and underweight, higher risk of infectious diseases and long-term health complications like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity and poor bonding and lack of stimulation can result in behavioural and emotional difficulties.
