Everything about children's health

A child's health record is their personal medical database, carried with them from birth to adulthood, to every doctor's appointment. It is divided into seven sections, covering all aspects of health:

• Perinatal period: delivery process, clinical examination at birth, observation records at discharge, etc.
• Essential basic information on chronic diseases and allergies, as well as emergency situations.
• Health checkups from birth to age 18, especially mandatory checkups: must be performed by a doctor at one week, nine months, and 24 months after birth.
• A growth curve shows a child's height and weight compared to the average for their age.
• Oral and dental health: The results of preventative checkups at ages six and twelve will be recorded in the handbook.
• Hospitalization records and radiological examinations.
• Finally, there are vaccination records, which are kept in a valid vaccination calendar and can serve as proof: simply photocopy the relevant pages when needed, such as when registering for a childcare center or school.
• The handbook also contains a wealth of advice and information, covering diet, sleep, safety, management of various symptoms (such as fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing), teething, and more. Even if you don't see a doctor, please remember to consult it!

Professional tools...and personal memories

Children's health handbooks are primarily designed for healthcare professionals, enabling them to quickly grasp a child's medical history. It's crucial to have all information in one place because children don't always see the same doctor: from pediatricians, family physicians, and dentists to hospital doctors and other specialists, many people can find the necessary information in this handbook.

Always bring your child's health record to every doctor's appointment, regardless of which doctor you see. Also, be aware that your child's health record is protected by medical privacy; except for the vaccination page, childcare centers, schools, or recreational centers cannot request to see it.

Finally, your child's health handbook will also be a cherished memory that you'll want to keep as your child grows up. When your child is four or five years old, spend time looking through it together, talking about your memories of his birth and early life, while gently explaining the importance of taking care of his health.