What parents can do to ensure healthy development in first 2000 days of child’s life

The early years of a child's life is critical to building a foundation for a healthy wellbeing. Here’s how parents can assist their child's development as they grow.

Staff from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service are helping parents understand how critical the period from conception to age five is for their children’s brain development and mental health.

The first 2000 days of a child’s life is vital for building a good foundation for future learning, behaviour and health with parents being urged to understand how to create a safe and comfortable environment where their children can develop motor skills and undergo early learning experiences.

Amanda Cran from the Child and Youth Mental Health Service said that during a child’s early years several factors contribute to a child’s long term mental health and wellbeing including secure attachments and stigma reduction.

“A child does not exist on their own, they need a caregiver in order to exist in our world,” she said.

“The time around bringing a new baby into the world is a transitional moment in those parent’s lives and therefore there are many factors that contribute to supporting a child and their family through those first 2000 days of development”.

Dr Nila Kasianandan, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Alisha MacPherson, clinical lead, Dr Monica Saunders, paediatric registrar, Amanda Cran, team leader.

It’s important for a child and their caregiver to develop a healthy relationship that bolsters a sense of safety and security which will forge healthy social and emotional development.

Other factors that can contribute to a healthy mindset can include access to resources, emotional regulation and supportive relationships.

Ms Cran works alongside Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Nila Kasianandan and Senior Infant Mental Health Clinician Michelle Applegate, to understand how different environmental factors affect mental health through children’s first years.

While it is a priority for parents to support their child’s growth, Ms Cran said that one of the best ways to do this is by taking care of themselves.

“Remember to prioritise your own wellbeing as a parent. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally enables you to better support your child’s development,” she said.

“Normalising a child’s development during the first 2000 days involves recognising and accepting the wide range of variability in children’s growth, milestones, and behaviours.”

“Reach out to friends, family or healthcare professionals if you need assistance or guidance. Parenting can be challenging, and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.”

It is recommended that parents and caregivers build their own understanding of healthy development through educating themselves and creating an environment that embraces diversity, encourages play, supports individuality and provides unconditional love.

Originally published as What parents can do to ensure healthy development in first 2000 days of child’s life