Congratulations on being a parent/parent-to-be!
As you embark on this very special journey with your spouse, find out how you can give your child the best head start in life. The first 1000 days of life start from the time you find out you are pregnant, until your child turns about 2 years old.
Research has shown that this period is a unique opportunity to enhance your child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive, as his brain is developing rapidly. Preparing your child for the best in life as early as possible helps to maximise his future health and development, with an impact all the way into adulthood!
Here are some of the ways you can build a solid foundation for your child’s future, starting from now.
- Aim to exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months; thereafter continue to breastfeed while providing a healthy nutritious diet as your child enters the toddler years.
- Studies have shown that children who get the right nutrition in the first 1000 days of life have a lower risk of many illnesses and diseases. They also go on to be better learners with fewer behavioural problems in preschool and enjoy better health and financial security as adults.
- Always kiss your baby to show love and mercy. It was reported the Prophet (PBUH) kissed his grandson Al-Hasan and said ‘He who does not show mercy (towards his children), no mercy would be shown to him’ {Muslim}.
- Know and manage your baby’s needs such as hygiene, feeding cues, crying, bathing, nappy changes, sleeping and responses.
- Taking care of your baby well helps build a strong and special bond.
- Your baby will feel secure and contented. This helps in his emotional development.
- Establish good habits early, provide a nurturing environment and don’t underestimate the power of play.
- Actively engaging with your child strengthens your parental bond and stimulates his early development.
- The right type of stimuli during the first 1000 days of life helps with language, mathematics, reasoning and social skills, and these skills stand your child in good stead for life!
1. Take good care of yourself
A healthy baby starts with a healthy mummy. Refer to our chapters on maternal physical and emotional wellness for tips and pointers during your pregnancy.
2. Provide the best nutrition for your baby
3. Bond with your baby
4. Nurture your child well
Do read on and find out more about how to maximise your child’s growth, health and development.
Reference: World Health Organisation (WHO), KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
To be a righteous parent.
[Surah Al-Kahfi 18:82]
Allah says ‘And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure for them, and their father had been righteous, so your lord intended that they reach maturity and extract their treasure, as a mercy from your lord.”
Source: WHO, UNICEF, World Bank Group. Nurturing care for early childhood development: a framework for helping children survive and thrive to transform health and human potential. Geneva:WHO;2018
Pentingnya 1000 Hari Kehidupan
Tahniah atas kehamilan anda! Tahukah anda tentang pentingnya 1000 hari pertama kehidupan, yang bermula dari sewaktu janin terbentuk, sehingga anak anda berumur 2 tahun? Inilah waktu optimum perkembangan otak anak anda dan ini akan menentukan kecerdasannya dalam jangka panjang. Faktor-faktor penting membina asas yang kukuh bagi perkembangan otak anak anda termasuk pemakanan yang bernutrisi, stimulasi, pengasuhan yang baik dan kasih sayang.
Amalkan gaya hidup yang sihat dan pemakanan yang berkhasiat. Bayi yang sihat bermula daripada ibu yang sihat. Tahap kesihatan seorang ibu mempengaruhi perkembangan mental dan fizikal bayinya secara langsung sewaktu mengandung.
Apabila bayi sudah lahir, cuba sedaya upaya untuk menyusu badan secara eksklusif pada 6 bulan pertama. Seterusnya, pastikan anak anda menerima pemakanan yang berkhasiat.
Dari awal, bina ikatan yang rapat dengan bayi anda. Kasih sayang yang dicurahkan kepada bayi anda akan memastikan perkembangan emosi yang stabil. Stimulasi yang optimum juga adalah penting dalam perkembangannya secara keseluruhan. Pastikan anda mengasuh anak anda dengan baik, dan jangan lupa meluangkan masa untuk bermain dengannya!
