Nourishing Beginnings: Fueling Healthy Futures in the First 1,000 Days of Life
Speaker: Rupa Mahadevan, MD & Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH
Length: 1:00:02 minutes
The role of optimal nutrition in the first 1,000 days, from conception through toddlerhood, is critical for shaping lifelong health, growth, and development.
This session highlights:
- Data-driven strategies to support early nutrition education and guide families through the timely introduction of nutrient-rich complementary foods
- Practical tools and resources to connect families with community and clinical programs that promote access to healthy, affordable options
- Collaborative approaches to integrating nutrition-focused care into clinical practice and community outreach
Objectives:
- Describe the importance of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and identify key nutrients critical for growth and development
- Explain strategies for the timely introduction of complementary foods at approximately 6 months of age and recommend nutrient-dense options to support healthy growth, cognitive development, and prevention of common pediatric conditions
- Identify and apply tools and community resources, such as WIC, Head Start, provider nutrition education, and interdisciplinary supports, to enhance family access to healthy foods and promote sustained development
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, dietitian, or public health professional, this presentation offers practical guidance to advance early childhood nutrition and foster healthy beginnings.
