The first two years of life are a critical period of rapid growth and development of the brain. During this period, nutrition and environmental factors play an important role in the growth and cognitive development of the child. Early life nutrition has been shown to have a significant impact on health and long-term development. There are critical periods when the system and organs of the human body are plastic and sensitive to the environment. Most occur in the uterus, with the exception of the brain, liver and immune system, which remain plastic after birth. Nutrition plays an important role during pregnancy and childhood as these are critical periods of brain formation that will serve as the basis for developing cognitive, motor and socio-affective skills throughout life. Nutrient deficiencies during these periods can compromise the structural development of the brain. Within the pediatric and health care profession, there is broader thinking about how to make care systems more responsive to the developmental and social needs of young children and their families. Some countries have physician-focused models, whether they are general practitioners or pediatricians, while others rely on nurses. It is increasingly recognized that the goal of each model is to build parent-professional partnerships that place families at the center, challenge and respond to families' needs, and anticipate and support families in transition. development and fit into a seamless system of services and support.