International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 3 December 2017
1000 Days of love
The first three years of every child’s life makes a difference — fill them with love, opportunity and rights.
Danilo, 9 months, was born with Congenital Zika Syndrome in Guatemala City. Like all children he has the right to develop and reach his full potential. The first 1000 days form the foundation for any child. His whole family use every part of his daily routine to help stimulate him. Bathtime, playtime and lunch-time are all an opportunity to help him learn and develop.
For mum Sandra, breastfeeding is one of her favourite parts of the routine with Danilo, because she is able to hug and cuddle her little boy at the same time.
Every Friday night, Denisse, 9 months, goes to stay with her grandparents, so her parents can study on Saturdays.
‘She lights up our Friday night,’ says grandmother Maria Rosa.
Big sister Emma loves to cuddle Denisse.
‘My favourite thing about my little sister is her smile and her little mouth, I love to sing and dance with her too,’ says Emma.
Denisse loves bath time. She loves it when her parents sing to her at the same time. Every sound, every touch, every movement is an opportunity for Denisse to learn.
Danilo, 9 months, is the youngest of four brothers. Danilo was born with Congenital Zika Syndrome, and has microcephaly that affects his long-term development. He loves it when his great uncle, who has looked after all the four children in the family, dances to the music and swings him round.
Angelito is one of the babies at the Neurological Institute who loves it when they sing the Baby Shark song — and he recognises it when his family sing it at home too.
(Centre) Denisse and (right) Danilo’s parents learn how to stimulate their children at the Neurological Institute which they then use as part of their daily routine at home.
‘It’s also a fantastic place to meet other parents going through the same thing’ says Danilo’s mum Sandra.
Parents and caregivers help each other out. In Guatemala, several families have formed a support group called ‘Aliento’ to offer each other support, advice and friendship.
And every once in a while the families get together to have a party. The children eat cake, mums and dads pass their children around, and everyone is included. It’s 1000 days of love for all involved.
Read more: “Your baby is a badly-cooked potato”
