First 1000 days

 LINK tedtalk  Deedee Yates - Nambia

• Can a strong start help us build a more equal society?
• Science of brain development is telling us
• Born with all our 100billion brain cells but connections between brain cells established in first years of life - synapsis.
• Newborn brain uses 97% energy that child takes, in 4 year old brain - 44%.
• Poor nutrition, lack of stimulation, violence = poorer health, lower success in school & life.

• Interventions work - above intervention closed the gap within 24months
• Home visits, nutrition packages, (home visits had most beneficial effect - parental interaction brain stimulation)

• Flexibility, plasticity and potential for growth at it's highest first 1000 days of life.
• Young infants respond the most to stong geometric shapes in black and white.
• We are biologically programmed to respond to our babies in positive way. 
• Kanohi ki te kanohi - baby talk universal. Ahuru mōwai - little paradise.
• Children need human face vs technology.
• Early investments/interventions most successful.
• Nutrition programmes, home visits with at-risk families, mothers' groups, preschools subsidised.