There are three main factors that influence child neurodevelopment

Genetics

Bond of affection and adequate stimulation within a protective environment

proper nutrition

How does brain development occur in the first thousand days?

Approximately 22 days after conception, the formation of the human brain begins. The neural plate begins to fold inward, forming the neural tube, which later becomes the brain and spinal cord. Already from that early start, nutrients such as folic acid, copper and vitamin A are essential for the baby.

Seven weeks after conception (2 months), cell division begins within the neural tube, creating nerve cells (neurons) and glial cells (cells that support neurons).

After a neuron is created, it migrates (moves) to its place in the brain, where it then grows into twig- and root-like processes called axons and dendrites. These branching projections are responsible for making connections with other cells, this is called the synapse, and it is through these connections that nerve signals travel from one neuron to another.

Scientific studies have revealed that about half of all cells produced in the brain are subsequently eliminated throughout childhood and adolescence, as are the junctions between neurons (synapses) that are also initially overproduced and then they are selectively eliminated.

Part of this process of perfecting the nerve pathways depends on the experiences of the baby, the affection and stimulation provided by their parents, caregivers and the environment in general. It is very important that as parents and caregivers we know that the cells and connections that activated by these interactions are preserved and strengthened, while pathways and connections that are not used are eliminated. This is what is known as “brain plasticity” and it is believed to be one of the main mechanisms that allows the brain to organize itself to adapt to its environment and to reorganize itself to recover from injuries during development.

Genetic factors

Genetics is the study of heredity, the process in which parents pass certain genes to their children.
A person's appearance (height, hair, skin, and eye color) is determined by genes. Other characteristics affected by heredity are:

Probability of presenting certain diseases
Personal Traits and Mental Capacities
natural talents

From neuroscience it is affirmed that the weight of genetics in personal traits, such as intelligence, sociability or a taste for novelty, contributes 40% to the personality of the adult, leaving the greatest burden of the process to the environment and nutrition.

Bond of affection and stimulation 

All children need nurturing care to reach their full developmental potential, which is essential for healthy growth and development. The period from gestation to 2 years of age is decisive, because in this period, the brain is more sensitive to external influences.

It is for these reasons that the WHO and Unicef ​​have launched the guidelines for loving and sensitive care, since it not only promotes physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, but also protects young children from the worst effects of adversity (malnutrition , hunger, violence, neglect and abandonment). Producing benefits that extend throughout life and to the next generation, both in health and in productivity and social cohesion.

Loving and responsive care includes young children's needs for good health, optimal nutrition, safety and security, opportunities for early learning, and responsive care.

Parents, families, and other primary caregivers are the primary providers of this care. Secure, stable, and nurturing relationships between parents build the foundation for a healthy brain.

nutrition and neurodevelopment 

Scientific evidence generated in brain formation research models clearly shows that many nutrients are necessary for brain development, specifically in 5 processes that are key to neurodevelopment:

Proliferation of neurons (multiplication)
Growth of axons and dendrites (branching of neurons)
Formation of synapses (connection between them) then pruning and functioning of these.

Myelination (covering of nerve pathways to transmit signals)
Neuronal apoptosis (programmed cell death).

It is very important that all nutrients are adequate, balanced, administered at the right time, but it is useless to provide the best nutrition to children, if they do not have a secure and adequate bond of affection together with strong emotional support. in his family and in the midst of a protective environment.

The developing human brain requires protein, glucose, essential fatty acids and micronutrients to achieve optimal development.
The first and best food with the optimal proportion of these nutrients is called "Human Milk" produced by the human mother specifically to cover all these physiological needs in her baby. When introducing complementary feeding, it is key to start with foods rich in iron, zinc, and proteins of high biological value, choline, vitamin B6 and essential fatty acids such as eggs and fish, for example, accompanied by fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

So nutrient-rich foods, adequate stimulation and a strong love bond are the secret recipe to boost your baby's neurodevelopment and key life skills.