Since its inception, Santé publique France has been committed to promoting health and prevention in the areas of perinatal care and early childhood through an integrated program focused on surveillance, prevention, and health promotion for pregnant women and children.

In 2019, the government-initiated project “The First 1,000 Days: Where It All Begins” made this issue a priority for public action. Indeed, it is now scientifically well established that interventions carried out as early as possible in life—from pregnancy through a child’s first two years, during the critical period known as “the first 1,000 days”—are among the most effective in public health. These interventions are what will enable children to reach their full developmental potential into adulthood.

Santé publique France and the Ministry of Solidarity and Health are launching an information campaign today aimed at the general public, particularly expectant and new parents. The campaign aims to raise awareness about this pivotal period and promote the available resources, including 1000-premiers-jours.fr, the leading health promotion website and app dedicated to this stage of life.

1000-premiers-jours.fr : the go-to website and app on the first 1,000 days for parents

Launched on September 15, 2021, the website provides scientifically grounded information related to a child’s fundamental needs: a healthy and safe environment, appropriate nutrition, and stable, secure emotional relationships. As a go-to resource, it offers reliable information amid a multitude of sometimes contradictory sources.

With a supportive and non-judgmental editorial approach, this site enables expectant parents and parents of children under two to access advice that is easy to understand and implement.

In addition, a mobile app, available for download from the website, has been specially designed to support parents at their own pace during this period. It includes a personalized calendar to ensure they don’t miss any important appointments, a map to locate healthcare professionals near their home, and a questionnaire to assess the risk of postpartum depression.

An awareness campaign to support expectant and new parents in their new roles

Santé publique France and the Ministry of Solidarity and Health are launching the “First 1,000 Days” campaign today. As the first campaign focused on the 1,000-day period, it aims to address the questions parents and expectant parents may have and raise awareness about this specific period. By directing them to the 1000-premiers-jours.fr website and the app, the goal is to provide them with tools and advice that will support and reassure them as they navigate parenthood, helping them take actions that benefit their health and that of their child.

Aired on television and social media from November 3 to December 7, 2021, the campaign’s two spots offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of two couples wondering about their child.

The spots highlight the multitude of questions they ask themselves, gently and with a touch of humor, set to the song “You Don’t Know How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson.

Radio spots, which use the same scripts as the TV spots, will also complement this campaign and will air during the same time period.

The information campaign is presented in the form of print ads: 9 visuals present the various questions parents have about the themes addressed by the campaign in a lighthearted tone. They invite readers to find the answers to these questions at 1000-premiers-jours.fr. They will appear in national and regional magazines and daily newspapers during November and December 2021. The visuals were designed to reflect real-life situations experienced by parents as closely as possible.

In addition to this initiative, partnerships have also been established: the M6 group and the news site 20minutes.fr will distribute content throughout December 2021. Furthermore, the WeMoms community—the first social network 100% dedicated to moms—will also be featured alongside Santé publique France throughout December. Advice, quizzes, and informative carousels will be made available to moms.

Finally, promotional tools for the 1000-premiers-jours.fr website have been specially designed for healthcare professionals:

• a small poster encouraging parents to visit 1000-premiers-jours.fr is intended to be displayed in waiting rooms, pharmacies, or public reception areas;

• a bookmark promoting the website has also been sent to professionals so they can give it to parents and expectant parents.

These tools, distributed to 180,000 professionals through a distribution plan, can also be downloaded or ordered free of charge from the Santé publique France website.