The best start in life

The first 1,001 days are critical to a child’s development and set the foundations for lifelong emotional and physical wellbeing.

In our new policy position statement we emphasise the need to shift towards prevention and early intervention to support children to lead healthy and fulfilling lives and prevent ill health in later life.

The policy, which we are publishing during National Breastfeeding Week, sets out clear national and local recommendations to ensure that children get the very best start in life.

One recommendation is for a long-term plan and public health campaign that has the support of all the UK Governments, health agencies and health services to change the culture of breastfeeding so that women feel socially supported to breastfeed.