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The #EarlyMomentsMatter – Children need adequate nutrition, stimulation, love and protection
On 10 January 2017, UNICEF launched the new #EarlyMomentsMatter campaign with support from the LEGO Foundation to drive increased awareness about the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and the impact of early experiences on the developing brain.
January 23, 2017 - Last update: February 10, 2023
Interventions in early childhood work. Two-year old Abner’s parents, grandparents and aunt – participate in the Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP), which brings services to vulnerable families in the region. RCP facilitators, who are trained members of the local community, conduct 45-minute home outreach with each of the families they serve, engaging children in age-appropriate stimulating activities through play and encouraging parents and caregivers to participate. © UNICEF/LeMoyne
On 10 January 2017, UNICEF launched the new #EarlyMomentsMatter campaign with support from the LEGO Foundation to drive increased awareness about the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and the impact of early experiences on the developing brain.
What’s the most important thing a child has? It’s her brain. And yet, we’re not caring for children’s brains the way we care for their bodies.”
Anthony Lake, Executive Director, UNICEF and Chair of the SUN Movement Lead Group.
During this critical window of opportunity, brain cells can make up to 1,000 new connections every second – a once-in-a-lifetime speed. These connections contribute to children’s brain function and learning, and lay the foundation for their future health and happiness. A lack of nurturing care – which includes adequate nutrition, stimulation, love and protection from stress and violence – can impede the development of these critical connections.
The campaign kicks off with #EatPlayLove – a digital and print initiative aimed at parents and caregivers that share the neuroscience on how babies’ brains develop. The first video encourages parents and caregivers to make the most of this unrivaled opportunity to provide their children with the best possible start in life.
This campaign is part of UNICEF’s broader programme on early childhood development, supported by H&M Foundation, The Conrad N Hilton Foundation, ALEX AND ANI, and the IKEA Foundation.
Learn more about the campaign at UNICEF’s Early Moments website
