I believe that the quote “Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development” holds true in most, if not all, circumstances and situations. Although there are other factors to consider (such as safety & security as well as social and environmental factors) in relation to child’s survival, health, and development, ensuring good nutrition is still one of the most prominent and essential ones.
In connection, the first 1,000 days (from conception to age 2) of a baby can be considered as one of the most critical periods of a person because rapid formation and development of an individual’s organs and senses occur during this time. This implies that their first 1,000 days begin at the moment they were conceived which means that the nutrition of the baby largely and almost solely depends on how well the family and the mother provides herself with good nutrition by means of eating healthful foods during pregnancy. After then, even if the baby is born already, the baby still has to rely on his/her parents to ensure that good nutrition will be provided to him/her since the baby is not yet capable of deciding what to eat, let alone feeding himself/herself.
Thus, the family has to bear the responsibility of ensuring good nutrition of their baby since the baby’s experiences during their first 1,000 days can have a lifelong effect on their health and wellbeing. This makes it more essential to establish good nutrition among babies as the right mix of nutrients during this period as it aids them to better resist infections and allows their growing brains and bodies to realize their full developmental potential (Future Learn, n.d.).
Having said this, research has shown that poor nutrition during pregnancy and early life can lead to obesity, heart disease and stroke later on (Pregnancy Birth Baby, 2019). Adding to this, Harvard School of Public Health (2022) noted that a child’s early-life influences, starting with the intrauterine environment and continuing through the first few years of life, also affect and shape the trajectory of weight gain and body fatness throughout the life course. As such, the previous statements imply that the failure of establishing good nutrition during their first 1,000 days can predispose them to several chronic conditions.
In a similar manner, establishing good nutrition at the start of their life (even at their formation) will build them with a much stronger immunity which will be advantageous for them at the later stages of their life. Mothers (with their family) can achieve this by engaging in a healthy diet during pregnancy and by breastfeeding their baby for at least 6 months once the child is born. Furthermore, mothers and parents can still guide their baby by being hands-on in helping them develop healthy eating habits for life. Caregivers may not be able to watch their children for a lifetime, but at least a good health foundation has been laid during their early-life which can still guide and help them at the next stages of their life.
References:
Prenatal and Early Life Influences. (2022). Obesity Prevention Source. Retrieved from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/prenatal-postnatal-obesity/
The first 1000 days. (2019). Pregnancy, Birth & Baby. Retrieved from: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/the-first-1000-days
The first 1000 days of life: the importance of good nutrition. (n.d.). Future Learn. Retrieved from: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/infant-nutrition/0/steps/25409