First 1000 days and beyond

Abstract

The United Nations is preparing for global equity and prosperity through 2030 with the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At least 7 of the 17 goals are relevant to children, emphasizing the life-course perspective that forms the basis of developmental science. To reach their developmental potential, children require health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, opportunities for learning and exploration, and protection from threats, such as violence, toxins, and infections. These five domains comprise Nurturing Care and are indivisible, meaning that all are necessary and no single domain is sufficient. This chapter illustrates how a Nurturing Care framework can be implemented during the first 1000 days (conception to 24 months), a period of rapid growth and brain development, with application during preschool and early childhood periods, and ultimately through middle childhood and adolescence. Through a systems approach and multi-sectoral collaboration, countries can achieve the SDGs by adopting a Nurturing Care framework that supports families and enables young children to reach their developmental potential.