The earliest stages of a child’s life lay the foundations for lifelong health, development, and wellbeing. Increasingly, there is recognition that the period from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, often referred to as the 1001 critical days, is a window of opportunity that cannot be revisited. What happens during this time shapes not only individual outcomes, but also the long-term social and economic health of communities.

Despite this, investment in early support for families has often been justified on the basis of long-term benefits alone, which can make it harder for governments to prioritise within shorter funding cycles. There is now a growing need to demonstrate not just future gains, but the immediate, measurable impact of early intervention.

Will Quince - Chief Executive Officer of 1001 Critical Days Foundation states:

“If we can demonstrate the economic value of investing in babies and families in the 1001 critical days, from pregnancy to age two, then we can enable governments to invest more effectively in babies.”

1001 Critical Days Foundation

The 1001 Critical Days Foundation has commissioned world-leading researchers at University College London (UCL) to undertake new economic research exploring the short-term financial benefits of investing in early intervention during the 1001 critical days.

While existing studies highlight the long-term value of early years investment, this new research will focus on the short-term economic impact within a typical government spending review period.

By analysing real-world data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), one of the most comprehensive birth cohort studies in the world, UCL researchers will quantify how supporting maternal mental health can improve outcomes for babies, families, and public services.

Timeline

This research will be published later in 2026.