According to Doctor Hap Tien Loc, from the Pediatrics Unit at Tam Anh District 7 General Clinic, the first 1,000 days, from conception until a child turns two years old, represent the period of fastest body and brain development. During this time, children are vulnerable to environmental factors, especially nutrition. Proper childcare is crucial for a child's development.

Mothers should have regular prenatal check-ups

Pregnant women should attend regular prenatal check-ups to monitor fetal development and detect abnormalities early, such as growth retardation, congenital disabilities, or issues with amniotic fluid and the placenta. Expectant mothers need to receive necessary vaccines and take micronutrient supplements as advised by their doctor, which protects both maternal and fetal health. Emotional stability, adequate rest, and family support help pregnant women reduce stress, creating favorable conditions for fetal development.

Ensure adequate nutrition from pregnancy through postpartum

Pregnant women should avoid overeating and maintain a diverse, nutrient-rich diet. Their energy requirements increase throughout pregnancy. In addition to a balanced diet, expectant mothers need to supplement with micronutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, iodine, vitamin D, and DHA to support the formation of the fetal brain, nervous system, and other organs. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can heighten the risk of intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, or long-term developmental impacts on the child.

For the first 6 months of life, infants should be exclusively breastfed, as breast milk provides complete energy, antibodies, and immune factors that protect them from many infectious diseases. After 6 months of age, children can begin complementary feeding but should continue breastfeeding until two years old or longer.

When children reach the complementary feeding stage, parents should offer a variety of foods from different groups, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vegetables, and fruits. Providing sufficient micronutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin A, and DHA supports brain development and prevents deficiencies. Malnutrition can lead to stunting, delayed physical and intellectual development. Conversely, excess energy intake increases the risk of overweight, obesity, and metabolic diseases later in life.

Doctor Loc examines a pediatric patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Timely vaccination helps prevent diseases early

During the first 1,000 days, a child's immune system is still developing, making them susceptible to diseases like whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, pneumonia, meningitis, and polio. Complete and timely vaccination helps the child's body develop active antibodies, reducing the risk of illness and limiting severe complications. Parents should monitor the immunization schedule and take their children for vaccinations as scheduled.

Childcare and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits

Parents should talk, cuddle, and play with their children to strengthen emotional bonds. These activities stimulate neural connections in the brain, supporting language, emotional, and communication development in children.

Parents should maintain a clean living environment, limit exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, and mold, and prevent household accidents such as falls, burns, or choking on foreign objects. A regular routine, ensuring proper eating, resting, and physical activity, helps children develop well both physically and mentally.

Sleep plays a vital role in a child's development. During sleep, the brain processes and stores information acquired throughout the day. Adequate and timely sleep reinforces memory and supports motor, language, and emotional development.

Combining proper nutrition, full vaccination, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and creating a healthy living environment are key factors for ensuring children's well-being in their early years.

Minh Tam