Child Health and Nutrition from Conception to Age Two: Policies and Practices in Public Health

This book provides a holistic and comprehensive view of child health and nutrition, from conception through the pivotal first two years of a child's life. It is rooted in scientific research and evidence-based practices, ensuring readers receive accurate and up-to-date child health and nutrition information. It synthesizes the latest findings from reputable sources. The book addresses the broader societal implications of child health and nutrition by focusing on the public health aspect. It delves into policies, programs, and strategies to improve child health outcomes on a population level. Readers gain insights into the policies and programs that shape child health and nutrition in society. It critically evaluates existing policies and proposes necessary improvements, making it a crucial resource for policymakers and advocates. Combining theoretical insights with practical applications, the evidence-based volume caters to parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. It addresses both the theoretical and practical dimensions of this critical stage in a child's life, making it an indispensable resource for those invested in the health and nutrition of children in the first 1,000 days of life. By integrating individual-level guidance with population-level perspectives, this book underscores the lasting impact of early-life interventions. It empowers readers to translate knowledge into action, fostering healthier beginnings and stronger futures through informed decision-making and collaborative responsibility. This book uniquely integrates science, practice, and policy to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the “first 1,000 days,” the most critical window for shaping lifelong health, growth, and development. Unlike conventional texts that focus solely on caregiving or clinical guidance, it distinctly examines how public policies, programs, and health systems influence child health and nutrition outcomes at both individual and population levels. Grounded in robust scientific evidence, it bridges research and real-world application by translating complex findings into clear, actionable guidance. This dual focus on evidence-based knowledge and practical decision-making positions the book as an essential resource for parents, caregivers, health professionals, and policymakers committed to securing healthier outcomes for the next generation.

Shoba Suri is a nutritionist and public health expert, currently serving as a Senior Fellow with the Health Initiative at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition & Physiology from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, and a M.Sc. in Food & Nutrition from the University of Delhi.

With extensive experience in both community and clinical research, Dr. Suri has worked on a range of issues including nutrition, healthcare, infant and young child feeding (IYCF), policy advocacy, and climate-resilient food systems. She is a trained Infant and Young Child Feeding counselling specialist and has authored over 50 research publications including journal articles, book chapters, and policy briefs. Actively contributes as a scientific reviewer for academic journals, evaluating manuscripts related to nutrition, health policy, and development. She co-authored the book ‘The Sustainable Plate: Unveiling the Science of Meat Substitutes and Impact on Global Health’, published by Springer Nature.

Beyond her role at ORF, Dr. Suri serves as an advisor on the Nutrition Board of Sukarya, an NGO focused on health and development. Her recent work includes contributions to publications addressing climate change, food security, and sustainable nutrition, reflecting her commitment to integrating health and environmental considerations in policy discourse. ​She is an active voice in public health discourse, advocating for inclusive, evidence-based policies that address the intersections of nutrition, gender, and climate change.​