The first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from pregnancy through age two—are critical for development. A vast body of scientific evidence shows that experiences during this period have a lasting and profound impact on health, learning, growth, and overall well-being. Yet over the past decade, most attention has focused on these early 1,000 days, leaving another equally important stage in the shadows: the next 1,000 days, from ages two to five.
This period is also essential for child development and deserves similar attention. That is why researchers from around the world—including specialists from the Inter-American Development Bank—led a series of articles published by The Lancet that explore this critical stage and its implications: The next 1000 days: building on early investments for the health and development of young children and The cost of not investing in the next 1000 days: implications for policy and practice. These insights were also shared during a webinar where experts discussed their significance for public policy.
The Next 1,000 Days: A Window to Maximize Children’s Potential
These articles underscore the importance of continuing the investments made during the first 1,000 days. This stage offers a valuable opportunity for children who did not receive adequate support early on to catch up, prepare for school, and enjoy a healthy, thriving childhood.
The series presents evidence on the effectiveness of interventions in five key areas that shape development during the next 1,000 days: health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and protection, and early learning.
The findings reveal that millions of children aged 2 to 5 in low- and middle-income countries are not receiving the care they need. Fewer than one in three have access to adequate developmental stimulation or are protected from physical punishment, and only 39% are enrolled in early childhood care and education programs.
Recommendations for Action in the Next 1,000 Days
The Lancet series offers cross-sector recommendations for areas such as health, education, and social protection. These include:
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Sectors must work together, not in silos. Coordinated strategies across health, nutrition, education, and social protection are essential to address the complex needs of young children.
- Comprehensive, High-Quality Programs: Programs should not only reduce risks—such as violence prevention—but also strengthen protective factors, including the mental health and well-being of parents and other primary caregivers.
- Strategic Investment: There is growing evidence that multiple interventions targeting children aged 2 to 5 deliver both short- and long-term benefits. These include early childhood care and education, parenting programs, cash transfers, and nutrition initiatives.
- Expanding Coverage and Improving Quality: Early education and care play a key role in this stage. Ensuring at least one year of universal access to such programs in low- and middle-income countries would cost less than 0.15% of GDP—and could yield returns of 8 to 19 times the initial investment.
- Prioritizing Equity and Inclusion: Policies must focus on reaching the most vulnerable children, ensuring they have access to high-quality programs.
The next 1,000 days represent a critical window to support child development and build strong foundations for life. Investments in high-quality programs that address health, nutrition, caregiving, safety, and early learning not only provide immediate benefits—they also deliver significant long-term returns. It is time for coordinated global action to close the access gap and ensure that all children—especially the most vulnerable—have the chance to reach their full developmental potential.
Want to learn more? Watch the video from the event where the series was presented, or download the publications here.
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