THE first 1,000 days of life — from conception to the second birthday — are critical for shaping lifelong wellbeing. We asked six experts in nutrition, sleep, play, speech and language, and emotional wellbeing to share tips. Feed babies when they’re hungryBabies are intuitive eaters, says Dr Colette Reynolds, health psychologist and founder of Growing Healthy Eaters. Offer a wide range of foodsFrom when babies start solids to 12 months, offer them a variety of foods. Recognise sleep signalsKnow the difference between a baby being tired and a baby being overtired, says sleep consultant and author Lucy Wolfe (sleepmatters.ie).

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2026 09:49 UTC