You might hear people talk about the “first 1000 days” of a child’s life but what actually makes this time so important?
The short answer?
A lot is happening… very quickly!
Did you know, your baby’s brain grows faster in the first 1000 days than at any other time in life. By the age of three, it’s already reached around 80% of its adult size. During this time, the brain is especially open to learning and change.
Think of your baby’s brain like a sponge (a very cute one!)
Every cuddle, wriggle, stretch, smile, song, tummy-time moment, and peekaboo game gets soaked right in.
It’s the Everyday Moments That Matters Most
When we talk about early development, it’s easy to think it means more activities, more toys, or more to-do lists. But that’s not really the case.
What matters most in the first 1000 days are simple things:
- Warm, responsive relationships
- Feeling safe and supported in their environment
- Opportunities to move, play, and explore
- Everyday routines that help babies feel secure
These small, ordinary moments are what build the foundations for learning, emotional regulation, communication, and relationships later on.
Research backs up what many parents sense intuitively – the early years really do matter.
Australian studies show that a child’s early experiences help shape learning and wellbeing later on. But with so much information out there, it’s no surprise many parents feel unsure about what actually matters most.
Why Play, Senses, and Connection Matter So Much
Babies learn through their bodies and their relationships.
Their brains are busy forming millions of new connections, and sensory experiences, things they can see, hear, touch, move through, and feel, help strengthen those pathways. Add a trusted caregiver into the mix, and those experiences become even more powerful!
When babies feel safe, seen, and connected, they begin to understand the world as a good place to explore. That sense of trust is something they carry with them as they grow.
A Gentle Reminder
Here’s something we often remind parents of:
You don’t need to do more, you just need to know what matters.
The first 1000 days aren’t about getting it perfect. They’re about connection, presence, and feeling confident in the everyday moments you’re already sharing with your baby.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting your baby’s development during this stage, Motivate Minis is our gentle, OT-led program designed as a supportive starting point for parents and carers. We’d love to share your child’s developmental journey with you and help set your child up to be the best version of themselves!
You can register your interest in Motivate Minis here!
