First 1,000 Days of Brain Development

A child’s future begins long before the first words, first steps or even the first smile. In the span of just 1,000 days, billions of neural connections are formed, and the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and resilience quietly takes shape. Pediatricians understand the critical nature of early development, and they translate that message to parents, helping them guide, nurture, recognize risk and shape outcomes that can last decades.  

To explore this fascinating time in a child’s life, we are joined by two experts. Caroline Dias, MD, PhD, and Annie Helms, MD, both specialize in developmental and behavioral pediatrics here at Children’s Hospital Colorado and are assistant professors at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Helms also leads the BLOSSOM Clinic at Children’s Colorado. 

In this episode, our expert discusses: 

• How small things can have the biggest impact in these 1,000 days 
• The importance of supportive caregivers 
• The balance of nature versus nurture 
• Easing parent’s minds that they aren’t “doing enough”