The biggest responsibility parents face is making sure their infant thrives during their early years. But what are some of the ways parents can go about that? In a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics, scientists from Washington University in St. Louis lay out a compelling case for prioritizing the “thrive 5” — a set of five essential conditions necessary for the optimal development of infants in their first year of life.
The findings emphasize the profound impact of environmental stimulation, nutrition, neighborhood safety, positive caregiving, and regular circadian rhythms and sleep on a child’s brain development, behavioral patterns, and cognitive abilities.
The significance of these factors is not entirely new as countless studies have highlighted the benefits of individual components like breastfeeding. However, what sets this research apart is its comprehensive approach, showcasing how these factors collectively influence early brain development and predict outcomes by age 3.
“The novelty here is putting them all together and thinking of them as a constellation of things that are necessary and important for a child to be able to thrive,” says study author Dr. Deanna Barch, the vice dean of research, a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Arts & Sciences and the Gregory B. Couch Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine, in a media release.
This revelation comes as part of the university’s extensive exploration into the intricate ways psychological and social elements during early development not only affect biological processes but also have the power to remodel the brain. This shift in understanding underscores a pivotal message: much of our health trajectory is not merely inscribed in our genes but is significantly shaped by our early psychosocial environment.
The study evaluated 232 infants and their mothers, examining how positive environmental factors from fetal development through the first year of life bolster brain growth, minimize negative behaviors, and enhance cognitive function. Through a series of assessments including MRIs, the team determined that these “thrive factors” hold remarkable potential to offset the disadvantages posed by adverse conditions and under-resourced backgrounds.
“It may seem obvious that a baby needs care, sleep, food, stimulation and safety, but nobody has particularly focused on or prioritized the importance of this during fetal development and in the first year of life to enhance critical developmental outcomes,” explains study author Dr. Joan Luby, the Samuel and Mae S. Ludwig Professor of Child Psychiatry at the School of Medicine, stressing the critical need for these findings to inform policy and pediatric practice.
The research also indicates that interventions based on the thrive factors are not only promising but are also practically feasible for broad implementation. Proposed strategies include educational sessions for parents to cultivate each thrive factor at home. Yet, Dr. Luby and Barch recognize that education alone is insufficient. Systemic public policy changes are essential to provide families with the resources they need to create a nurturing environment for their infants, particularly in areas such as safe housing and financial stability.
Addressing the challenges faced by parents, especially those grappling with financial adversity, Dr. Barch highlights the urgency of understanding and mitigating the stressors that impede the ability to offer these vital conditions.
“We need to make it so families can have the resources necessary to provide these core things to kids because it’s going to have such a big impact on kids’ development across the course of their lifespan,” says Dr. Barch.
As researchers prepare to further validate their findings through randomized controlled trials, their work shows a path forward. By embracing and promoting the “thrive 5,” society can make strides toward ensuring that every child is afforded the opportunity to reach their full developmental potential, marking a significant leap in our approach to early childhood care and health.
