About the 1001 Critical Days Foundation

The first 1001 days – from pregnancy to age two – are a time of astonishing growth. During this short window, a baby’s brain develops faster than at any other stage, laying the foundations for lifelong health, learning and wellbeing.

This knowledge isn’t new. Decades of research across disciplines – from attachment theory to neuroscience – have shown how vital these early experiences are. A baby’s relationships, environment and experiences during this time shape everything from their stress response system to their immune system, and their social, emotional and cognitive development.

What is new is how far the evidence has outpaced global action. Around the world, we see excellent work supporting babies and families – but it is often fragmented, under-resourced, or treated as a lower priority. Too many babies still face avoidable risks in their earliest months and years, even though we know how to give them a better start.

That’s why the 1001 Critical Days Foundation exists.

We are working to change the world by championing the unique importance of babyhood on a global stage – sharing what we’ve learned in the UK and learning from others doing brilliant work elsewhere. We support governments, researchers, practitioners and communities to put babies and their families at the heart of policy and practice.

By working together with academics, professionals and policymakers, we can turn the science of early childhood into action – so that every baby can grow up healthy, safe and loved.