Useful health tips for children

Practical tips

Its power supply

If you are breast-feeding

• Initially, breastfeed on demand
• For at least the first 4 or 6 weeks, avoid mixed breastfeeding (breast and bottle) if possible.
• Any alcohol you drink passes into your milk. So don't drink alcoholic beverages (beer, cider, wine, aperitifs, etc.) while you're breast-feeding.
• Similarly, do not take any medication without medical advice.
• If you need encouragement, advice or answers to your questions, or want to talk about breastfeeding, doctors, midwives, PMI professionals, other breastfeeding women or associations promoting breastfeeding are there to help.

If you're bottle-feeding

• Your doctor or the PMI consultation will provide guidance on the appropriate type of milk for your baby, along with the recommended quantities and composition methods.
• You can use tap water (unless it has been filtered or softened) or bottled water labelled "suitable for the preparation of food for infants".
• Milk can be fed at room temperature
• If you reheat milk, do not use a microwave oven:
  - nutritional quality may be altered
  - there is a risk of serious burns to the mouth and throat.
• Always shake the bottle, then check the temperature of the milk by pouring a few drops onto the inside of your forearm.
• Use BPA (bisphenol A)-free baby bottles, and glass ones if possible.
• Do not give honey to infants under 1 year of age (risk of infantile botulism).

Diversification

Well-being

• From the moment of birth, a privileged encounter is created between you and your child, through looks, smells, touch and voice: get into the habit of holding your baby in your arms and talking to him or her.
• When your baby is awake, place him on a firm surface in a protected area and let him move around freely. Let him/her sleep on his/her back and play on his/her tummy.

Babies and screens (TV, computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.)

Bathing

• The correct water temperature for baby's comfort and safety is 37°C. Always check the temperature with a bath thermometer before gently immersing your baby in water.
• Always hold your baby when he's in the bath and never leave him alone.

Crying

• On average, your baby can cry up to 2 hours a day. It's a way for him to express himself and get your attention. You'll gradually learn the meaning of his cries: hunger, sleep, discomfort, the need for a cuddle, etc.
• If you're disconcerted, if you can't stand him crying, don't shout and, above all, don't shake him.
• Shaking a baby can leave him disabled for life
• In case of exasperation: put your baby to bed (on his back), leave the room and ask for help from a relative (family, friend, neighbor…) or a professional.

Sleep

Health

• wash your hands thoroughly before and after caring for your baby
• avoid being kissed on the face and hands, especially if the person is ill or has a cold
• if possible, avoid crowded public places (shopping malls, public transport, etc.), especially during bronchitis epidemics.

Safety

• in the bath, on the changing table
• at home, in the car
• looking after another child
• in a room with an animal, even a very familiar one.

Sensory disorders

• you have a family history of eye problems
• your child was born prematurely
• one eye is red
• your child is cross-eyed, permanently or occasionally
• his eyes are always watering
• you see a white reflection in the black of the pupil
• you find that his gaze is inexpressive, that he blinks or squints often.

• your child does not react to unexpected noises
• someone in your family wore a hearing aid before the age of 50
• you have questions about your child's hearing.

Tips for a healthy environment

Inside the house

• remember to air your child's bedroom and other rooms for 10 minutes every day, even in winter, to prevent chemical substances (varnish, glue, etc.) from accumulating in the air.
• reduce the number of cleaning products you use, preferring single-component products (spirit vinegar, black soap, etc.) in moderate doses
• don't use home perfumes, incense or candles, as they are often rich in harmful chemical compounds
• avoid any work, especially painting, within 6 months of giving birth
• check that toys and childcare articles (including pacifiers, playmats, changing mats, etc.) are CE or NF approved. Regulations on toys and their composition are not the same for children under 3 as for those over 3. It's important to comply with them
• wash textiles (lint and clothing) before first use and regularly, as undesirable chemical compounds may be present
• avoid using cosmetics in the first few months, both for yourself and your baby
• plant treatment products (against insects or fungi) often contain pesticides that are harmful to you and your child: limit their use.

Outside the house

• avoid taking your child out in hot weather or during pollution peaks (especially late afternoons).
• avoid areas with heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.

PMI multilingual glossary

Child accident prevention

Falling children: beware of windows and balconies

Essential reflexes

• keep an eye on your child: never leave a child alone near an open window or on a balcony
• never leave a child in the care of another child; systematically close windows and patio doors in rooms where young children are present
• keep furniture, chairs, beds, toy boxes or any other object that could be used as a stepping stone away from windows
• if possible, block window openings with a security system. If your windows don't close securely, or if the balustrades make them difficult to climb over or pass through, talk to a professional about installing a security system.
• explain the dangers to your child, and teach him to play away from windows.

Domestic accidents