This tool helps NSW Health staff to understand why the first 2000 days of life are important and what needs to happen to support everyone, young and old. It highlights the programs, services and models of care available for everyone over the first 2000 days of a child’s life.  Health workers can partner with families from the start of the first 2000 days and help them to access the right care sooner. 

Why is it important? 

The First 2000 Days Framework helps us to see what affects a child’s health, growth and development: 

• Access to quality antenatal care, breastfeeding and parenting programs are important.  
• Childhood immunisation and oral health checkups are good protection for their health 
• Attending quality childhood education and school engagement can make a difference 
• Specialised programs for Aboriginal people, refugee and migrant populations can also help families in the first 2000 days  

Steps like these create a nurturing environment and help children and families to build resilience. This will improve their lifelong health and wellbeing. A good start to life helps people to make healthy choices, manage their emotions and form trusting relationships. People can pass these skills from generation to generation and create a brighter future for everyone.  

With this in mind, NSW Health created the First 2000 Days Framework because we all have a role to play in giving children the best possible start to life! After all, it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.   

[Source: NSW Ministry of Health 2021 First 2000 Days Implementation Strategy 2020-2025  ISBN 978-1-76081-5479]

What are we doing?

We are implementing the First 2000 Days Framework in our hospitals and health centres across south western Sydney, supporting babies and families to have the best possible start to life.   

Together, we can work to raise happy and healthy children in south western Sydney by supporting the First 2000 Days of your child’s life.   

Sources: 

• NSW Government, 2022. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/programs/Pages/first-2000-days.aspx 
• NSW Ministry of health, 2019. https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2019_008.pdf
• Elisabeth Murphy, Senior Clinical advisor for child and family health, ministry of health, 2020. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/programs/Pages/transcript-first-2000-days.aspx