The earliest stage of human development — the period from conception to the end of a child’s second year — has become known as the first 1000 days. Due to the significance of this period for future health and developmental outcomes, there has been a growing focus on the first 1000 days by governments, the early years sector and some commercial organisations.

Despite this growing focus, the Australian public’s understanding of the significance of the first 1000 days is limited, and the policy response to date has not been in line with the weight of the evidence. As a result, the Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth (ARACY); Bupa Australia; the Bupa Health Foundation; the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI); and PwC Australia formed a partnership with the aim of growing a greater awareness of what happens during the first 1000 days and why it matters, and facilitating evidence-based action on policy, practice and parenting.