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The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, covering the entire period from the beginning of pregnancy to the age of two, are considered crucial for the subsequent development of their health.

This period can be critical for the child’s health, but also for the preferences they will develop regarding food, behaviors, and even the development of their nervous system.

This period is critical for physical and mental development, as well as their defense against infections and chronic diseases.

Proper nutrition at this age includes exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. During this period, no other liquid (e.g. water, chamomile) or food (e.g. cream) is needed, apart from milk. After this period and in order to meet their increasing nutritional needs, infants should receive safe and adequate complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed until two years of age or beyond.

Breast milk is an important source of energy and nutrients for children aged 6-24 months.

Breastfeeding can meet half or more of the energy needs of an infant aged 6-12 months and one-third of the energy needs at the age of 12-24 months.

The benefits of a proper diet, which includes exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and then a balanced diet with all nutrients through a variety of foods offered, are mainly summarized:

• In the ideal development of the brain. By the age of two, approximately 80% of the adult brain is formed. Adequate iron, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in proper development.
• In taste preferences. Exposure to taste begins in the womb, continues through breastfeeding and further, as a child begins to eat solid food. Studies show that early exposure to a wide variety of foods in terms of texture, taste and especially exposure to healthy foods such as vegetables can form a preference for healthier foods later in life.
• In obesity prevention. This period is also considered important for the development of fat cells. Studies show that the introduction of solid foods before 4 months is associated with a higher risk of obesity, as is the systematic administration of ready-made baby creams with added sugars. On the contrary, exclusive breastfeeding and its continuation along with the introduction of solid foods seems to prevent obesity. In this direction, it is also important to encourage the baby’s transition to unground foods early.