The period from conception to roughly the second
birthday, determines much more than just the health of the child: it also
affects its opportunities in school, on the labor market and to contribute to
society as a whole.

During the first thousand days of life, a single fertilized egg develops into a 2 year old toddler. In no other period of life, do human beings grow this fast, and attain this many biological milestones. All organs are formed, and the structure of these organs determines its lifelong function. In this period individuals learn to eat, drink, walk, talk and attach to parents or caregivers.

If something goes wrong at that stage of life, whether physically or mentally, it can have consequences for the rest of your life. There is even evidence that the negative consequences of bad experiences can be passed on from one generation to the next.

The full article can be read here.