Supporting parents and carers to give their baby the best start in life

Debbie Scott, Senior Communications Officer

Welcoming a baby into the world is a profound and often daunting experience. While it is often a time of great joy, it can also be filled with uncertainty, vulnerability and strong emotions. At the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, we recognise that a baby’s journey doesn’t begin at birth – it begins during pregnancy. From that moment, a mother carries not just a child, but the hopes, dreams and wellbeing of a new life.

The first 1001 days really are critical

We are dedicated to supporting babies during the first 1001 days – from pregnancy to a baby’s second birthday – because this is the most critical period of brain development in a human life. During this time, more than a million new neural connections form every second. Sensory pathways for vision and hearing develop first, followed by early language and higher cognitive functions. It is also a vital time of development for our immune system, stress response system and even our gut biome. These early experiences shape the foundation for lifelong health, learning and behaviour.

Support for parents and carers is not always easy to find

In the past, new mothers often stayed in hospital for several days after giving birth, giving them time to rest and learn how to care for their baby. Today, many are discharged within hours, and while support is available, it can be inconsistent and difficult to access – especially for those who don’t know where to look. We understand how isolating and confusing this can be. 

We believe deeply in the power of prevention

At the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, we are passionate about ensuring that every parent and carer has access to the support they need, when they need it. This is the power of prevention. We work with charities, professionals, and policymakers to build a joined-up system of care that prioritises prevention and early intervention. We are determined that every baby should experience the best start in life, regardless of where they are born or who their parents are.

We fund charities delivering preventative, evidence-based support and advocate for greater investment in the 1001 critical days around the world. Our work is driven by a belief in equality of opportunity – for parents, carers, and most importantly, for babies. Everything we do is centred around their needs and their future.

This work is personal 

Parenting is personal. Many of us at the 1001 Critical Days Foundation have our own stories that fuel our passion. As a mother of a ten-year-old, I often reflect on how different those early days might have been if I’d had access to more consistent, joined-up support. I found services by chance, and like many parents, I turned to the internet for answers. That personal experience is part of what drives me – and all of us – to make things better for the next generation of babies.