First 2 years of life are crucial in terms of child’s overall physical, mental, intellectual growth and development. There is a critical window of opportunity as far as growth and development of a child is concerned. The concept of “1000 days” is 9 months of pregnancy plus first 2 years of life during which optimal breastfeeding (for first 6 months of age) and timely and appropriate introduction of complementary feeding (at 6 months of age) are extremely important.

The ability of a child to develop, learn, and thrive is significantly impacted by how well they are fed and cared throughout this period. Effect of poor nutrition can be long lasting on mother’s health as well as child’s growth and development.

First 1000 days of nutrition are divided into 4 stages-
1) 9 months of pregnancy.
2) First 6 months of Exclusive breastfeeding.
3) 6 to 12 months - Breast feeding with complementary feeding.
4) 1 year to 2 year- Transition to family diet.

DURING PREGNANCY:
Several nutrients play an important role.
These include iron, protein, copper, folate, zinc, iodine and certain fats. Zinc, in particular, supports the development of the autonomic nervous system.

infoKEM Newsletter JULY 2024 Issue 109 from KEM Hospital, PuneEVENTS AND ACTIVITIESKNOW YOUR HEALTH A mother’s diet and her nutrient stores are the only source of nutrition for the developing baby. When a pregnant woman does not get the calories, key nutrients or essential proteins, her baby is placed at high risk for developmental delay, birth defects and cognitive deficits.

INITIAL 6 MONTHS:
Breast milk is a natural super food. It helps protects against allergies, infectious diseases (respiratory tract & gastrointestinal tract infections). Lowers the risk of overweight/obesity as well as chronic diseases (diabetes, heart diseases, asthma & cancer) It improves cognitive & motor development.

AFTER 6 MONTHS:
Infant’s need for energy and nutrients starts to exceed what is provided by breast milk, and complementary feeding becomes necessary to fill the energy and nutrient gap. The introduction of complementary feeding around 6 months is the ideal time or “sensitive period”. If introduction of complementary feeding is delayed, then child may enter “critical period” after which the infant may become a poor chewer and may be poor in eating solids later.

Complementary feeding is important for oral motor skill development, maturation of digestive system ,development of taste and social attachment. Hence starting semi-solid food along with breast feeding is the key.

AFTER 1 YEAR TILL 2 YEARS OF AGE:
Baby can eat food from family plate.
Solid foods, including healthy snacks are now your child’s main source of energy and nutrition. Your child can take between three quarters to one cup of food three to four times a day, plus one to two snacks between meals. Continue breastfeeding as much as your child wants, until at least 2 years of age.

Malnutrition during the first 2 years of life causes wasting and stunting, leading to the adults being underweight (wasted) and several centimetres shorter (stunted) than his or her potential height.