Growing together and healthy

From birth prevention is important.
In the maternity ward, always before the baby is discharged, two screening tests will be carried out:

You will have a test to assess your hearing.

A heel prick will be performed.

Skin-to-skin contact and responding to the baby's needs in an appropriate way favors the establishment of the affective bond. You can take advantage of it to talk to him and caress him during feeding, bathing or at any time. It is convenient to check that he reacts to sounds (blinks, moves or wakes up). Surrounding the baby with a loving environment is key to its development.

Consult publication Skin to Skin

It is recommended to feed the baby with Breastfeeding exclusively during the first six months of life, and continue with it supplementing with other foods from that age. To facilitate a good start of breastfeeding it is recommended:

• Early contact skin to skin with the newborn, so that the first feedings are facilitated.
• Breastfeed on demand, whenever they show signs of hunger, since babies are the ones who know at all times if they are hungry, thirsty or in need of comfort. The shots can have different duration and different interval, and the first days should be more frequent (10-12 shots). The more times the baby sucks, the more milk is produced.
• Correct posture, so that the baby's mouth is quite open, grasping the areola and not just the nipple, the feed does not hurt and we see that the baby is calm and satisfied after the feeds. With proper positioning of the baby at the breast, most of the difficulties of breastfeeding can be avoided.
• Avoid pacifiers and nipples in the first weeks, until breastfeeding has been properly established.
• Consult with your midwife or your nursing or pediatric professional if you have any difficulties. There are breastfeeding support groups where other mothers will help you.

If for any reason your decision is not to breastfeed, the pediatric or nursing professionals will advise you on how to feed the baby safely and satisfactorily.

More information on How to prepare bottles

In the first days of life the baby loses weight and from the second week begins to regain it.

Consult the publication "Breastfeeding: a choice, a desire" 

It is recommended to follow a daily hygiene routine.

•  The bath should be brief, with lukewarm water at around 36º C and, if soap is used (which is not essential), it should be soft and neutral.
• The eyes will be cleaned only with water and the ears with a towel, avoiding the use of cotton swabs.
• Until the navel heals, it should be cleaned with water and neutral soap and dried well, with clean hands. You have to keep it clean and dry, as well as change the diaper when necessary.
• The frequency of bowel movements in newborns is not always the same; it is normal for the baby to have a bowel movement after feeding, or only once a day. Cleaning the diaper area in girls should always be from the vulva to the anus, to prevent infections.
• Isolated sneezes to clear the airways are common in newborns.

Consult publication: The best care for the baby

the pattern of dream it is acquired very progressively and does not correspond to that of adults. It can be favored by maintaining certain routines as well as adapting light and noise stimuli to the time of day.

For prevention of sudden infant death in the first year of life it is recommended:

• Put the baby on his back to sleep until 6 months of age (unless medically indicated). When awake, they can lie on their stomachs with surveillance.
• Continue breastfeeding on demand.
• Do not smoke (especially the mother) and do not allow smoking in your environment.

It is recommended that the first check-up at the health center be carried out 48-72 hours after hospital discharge, and in any case, before the end of the first week of life.

The baby needs you to feel loved and safe: talk to him, hold him, caress him and share games. She begins to smile more and more in response to your attentions.

The baby reacts to sound, orients himself to his mother's/father's voice, soothes his/her voice and looks for the source of new sounds that are not in sight.

It is at this stage that it acquires the ability to lift its head if you place it face down and to keep its head aligned with the trunk. From 2 or 3 months, you can incorporate it slightly at times, keeping its back straight.

Consult your pediatrician or nurse practitioner in case of any doubt or in the event that any cranial asymmetry is observed.
 

La breastmilk It is still the ideal food for the baby. It is a complete food that provides all the nutrients you need up to 6 months. It changes composition throughout the shot and from one shot to another, to adjust to the needs of the infant. Only the baby knows how much and when she needs to eat, so it is recommended to continue breastfeeding on demand. The shots do not always last the same. The older the age, the shorter the duration. Sometimes she will suffice with one breast and other times she will suck from both. Sometimes you will notice that the child asks to breastfeed more often; These are the so-called "growth spurts" that are resolved by breastfeeding more frequently for one or two days.

During lactation, the mother should follow a normal, varied and balanced diet and avoid alcohol and other toxic habits. This is a good time to quit smoking.

If the maternity leave ends and the mother must return to her job, the pediatric or nursing professionals will explain the possible options for feeding the infant during her absence and continuing to breastfeed, if this is your wish.

If for any reason the infant does not receive breast milk, the pediatric or nursing professionals will advise you on how to feed the baby safely and satisfactorily.

More information. How to prepare bottles

From 6 months you can start complementary feeding gradually, following the advice of pediatric or nursing professionals.

Consult publication Breastfeeding: a choice, a wish

It is recommended to follow a daily hygiene routine:

• After bathing, you have to dry the folds of the skin well, because the humidity favors infections.
• The rate of bowel movements may be slower and it may even take some time without passing stools. This is normal, and if the baby is suckling well and the last bowel movement was soft, it should not be a cause for concern.
• Cleaning the diaper area in girls should always be from the vulva to the anus, to prevent infections.
• To prevent scratching or injury, the nails are filed or cut with suitable scissors, taking care not to reach the edge of the skin.

You have to try to gradually adopt a rest routine.

For prevention of sudden infant death in the first year of life it is recommended:

• Put the baby on his back to sleep until 6 months of age (unless medically indicated). When awake, they can lie on their stomachs with surveillance.
• Continue breastfeeding on demand.
• Do not smoke (especially the mother) and do not allow smoking in your environment.

It is convenient that the room where the baby is is sunny (without direct sun exposure) and ventilated, never in a smoky environment.

The recommended temperature is around 20-22ºC. Overdressing the baby is not recommended. Soft or wool mattresses, pillows, cushions and neck pendants should be avoided.

Pacifier use for sleep may be offered for the first year.

Dipping it in sugary substances is not recommended, because it can contribute to the appearance of cavities.
 

It is beneficial for the baby to walk every day in sunny places. You have to be careful with the solar exposition prolonged direct sunlight and excess heat and wind.
Avoid exposure to smoke tobacco.

Remember vaccinate him according to the calendar in force in the Community of Madrid. After the vaccine, the baby may have a certain reaction, with fever, restlessness and/or local swelling. Communicate it to your pediatrician or nursing professional in subsequent visits.

It is recommended to attend scheduled child health care visits at the health center.
 

It is important to talk and smile at the baby looking at the baby's face, play games offering him objects to pick up, put on soft music and/or sing to him. The game stimulates their psychomotor development and promotes bonding.

At this age, the baby is capable of making sounds (pa, ma, ta) to attract attention, attend to his name and respond by imitating communication games (bye-bye, the wolves, cuckoo after...). She also learns to roll to the side, to roll over if you place her on her tummy, and to stay in a sitting position. She gains the ability to search for an item that has disappeared and enjoys throwing items on the ground to be returned to her. She can do the "pincer" between her thumb and forefinger, which allows her to pick up small objects and move them with more precision. Little by little, she will begin to move, crawl or even walk around the house.

Consult your pediatrician or nurse practitioner in case of any doubt or in the event that any cranial asymmetry is observed.

From 6 months, the milk Breastfeeding remains the main nutritional source and it must be ensured that the child takes at least 4 breastfeeds per day (or 400 ml of formula milk). Cow's milk should not be given before 12 months.

However, at this age milk may be insufficient in energy and some nutrients, which makes it necessary to introduce new foods. Its introduction will be gradual and progressive, in small quantities and with intervals of several days between new foods, in order for the child to get used to new flavors and to be able to detect possible allergies or intolerances.

The incorporation of these new foods may vary depending on the culture of the family, seasonal foods or the characteristics of each infant. The food introduction calendars are an indicative proposal that must be adapted to the family reality, trying to gradually incorporate the baby into the family menu.

No salt or sugar will be added to food, nor will fresh honey be given before the year. The use of viscera is not recommended. In hot weather, water without sugar will be offered between meals. Consult your pediatrician or nursing professional before starting to give him new foods.

Complementary feeding from 6 to 12 months

Physical activity at this age consists of playing with the baby: on the ground, in the water, on top of you...

When he is awake and happy, you can take the opportunity to play, several times a day, trying not to spend too much time sitting or fastened to chairs, carts or seesaws.

It is not recommended at this age that they spend time in front of screens, such as television, mobile phones or other electronic devices.

The hygiene habits that you have already started will continue.

In the first year of life, generally from the 5th or 6th month, the first teeth begin. Start by cleaning your teeth with a damp gauze pad.

You have to try to gradually adopt a rest routine. Habits such as bathing, reading a story, or singing softly before bed can help.

For prevention of sudden infant death in the first year of life it is recommended:

• Put the baby on his back to sleep until 6 months of age (unless medically indicated). When awake, they can lie on their stomachs with surveillance.
• Continue breastfeeding on demand.
• Do not smoke (especially the mother) and do not allow smoking in your environment.

It is advisable to take a daily walk with your child. The sunlight helps activate vitamin D. To prevent sunburn, care should be taken in the middle of the day (from 12 to 16 p.m.) and, when it is very sunny, protect yourself with suitable clothing, a hat or umbrella and use sun protection creams properly.

Avoid exposure to smoke tobacco.

Remember vaccinate him according to the calendar in force in the Community of Madrid. Observe and report possible vaccine reactions.

It is recommended to attend scheduled child health care visits at the health center.

At this age he begins to babble his first words and, throughout the year, it forms two-word sentences. It helps that you always speak and read correctly and clearly, without distorting the words.

around the year start walking and, approximately, at 15-18 months, he begins to go up and down stairs with your help.

He calms down easily with you and starts to miss other people.

If you see it convenient, when you have to leave him in the care of other people, you can say goodbye so that he understands the temporary separations.

Tantrums around age two are normal behaviors, because you already have your identity and look for your autonomy but it still doesn't express itself well. They are often related to tiredness and hunger. You have to try to remain calm without giving in to what he asks, distracting him with another activity or trying different strategies.

At this age all foods may have been introduced.

Gradually all the textures will be offered, stimulating chewing and the gradual use of cutlery, glass or cup, promoting autonomy in eating.

It is important to incorporate the child into family customs for the acquisition of healthy habits, and that the diet is varied and balanced, distributed in 5-6 meals a day, without snacking between meals.

Must be respect your appetite without force feeding. It is advisable that children eat the amount of food they want to eat; this will make it easier for them to eat until they are full and will prevent overweight and obesity.

The basis of their diet are cereals, bread, pasta, potatoes, fruit, vegetables and vegetables. Daily it is advisable to take at least 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables. It is necessary to alternate the consumption of meat, fish and eggs, and ensure a daily supply of half a liter of milk (breast or cow) or dairy products (yogurt, cheese...).

The preparation of the meals will be with little salt. It is recommended to avoid precooked and processed foods, industrial pastries, packaged juices and soft drinks, salty snacks and sweets. Increase consumption of fresh foods and using water to quench thirst helps get a healthy diet.

Preschool feeding recommendations 1-3 years

It is recommended that they spend time outdoors, in the park or walking. When they begin to walk, their spontaneous physical activity is usually enough (recommended at least 3 hours distributed throughout the day).

It is desirable that you do not spend more than 1 hour at a time in sedentary activities.
It is not recommended at this age to spend time in front of screens, such as television, mobile phones or other electronic devices.

The hygiene habits that you have already started will continue.

You should clean your teeth after each meal and, above all, at night. It is not necessary to use toothpaste. In the event that he is unable to swallow the paste, an age-appropriate toothpaste (1000 ppm fluoride) can be used in a very thin layer on the toothbrush.

A rest routine will be maintained. Try to make bedtime a pleasant time of day. This can be reinforced by singing a song or reading a story.

It is recommended walk daily with your child and take precautions to avoid sunburn.

Avoid exposure to smoke tobacco.

Remember vaccinate him according to the calendar in force in the Community of Madrid. Observe and report possible vaccine reactions.

It is recommended to attend scheduled child health care visits at the health center.

The child repeats sentences and progresses in the language development. Avoiding excessive noise in your environment will help preserve your hearing.

He begins to understand that, when you leave, you do it temporarily and he tolerates separations better. He likes to get away to explore his surroundings, as long as he has you in sight. Keep an eye on him from a distance to take care of his safety while promoting his autonomy.

During the second year, the child discovers the existence of limits, learns them and experiences them, especially as a family. It is important that you maintain consistency in the rules established in the family, which will be few but clear.

Always praise your positive behaviors and foster their safety and self-esteem It will help the development of their personality, living with them as much as possible.

It is important for the health and development of the child that their diet is varied and balanced. Their appetite should be respected without force feeding.

It is recommended to eat 5-6 meals a day, without snacks between meals, and reinforce the habit of starting the day with a full breakfast formed by a dairy product, natural fruit and cereals. It is advisable to have meals as a family, with a certain order in the schedules, in a quiet environment and without distractions.

The basis of their diet are cereals, bread, pasta, potato, fruit, vegetables and vegetables. It is recommended to take at least daily 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables. You have to alternate the consumption of meat, fish and eggs. It is advisable to ensure a daily contribution of half a liter of milk or dairy products (yogurt, cheese...), preferably products with a low fat content (semi-skimmed) as long as the professional indicates it.

The preparation of the meals will be with little salt. It is recommended to avoid precooked and processed foods, industrial pastries, packaged juices and soft drinks, salty snacks and sweets. Increase consumption of fresh foods and using water to quench thirst helps to achieve a healthy diet.

Preschool feeding recommendations 1-3 years

Recommended encourage them to be physically active for at least 3 hours distributed throughout the day, including all kinds of physical activity, such as free play, being outdoors in the park or walking, going to places on foot...

It is recommended not to spend more than 1 hour at a time per day in sedentary activities (including being in front of a screen).

The hygiene habits that you have already started will continue.

You need to get used to the hand cleaning before eating and after using the toilet.

You will also learn to brush the teeth with a small brush with an age-appropriate paste (1000-1450 ppm fluoride) in a pea-sized amount after each meal and especially at night.

At this age little by little he will control his sphincters. A natural process in which each child may have a different level of maturity and different rhythms.

It is necessary that you sleep the necessary time, from 8 to 10 hours a day minimum, setting stable schedules.

Nightmares may appear, which distress him a lot because he still does not know how to distinguish reality from fiction. If she has them, stay with her/him until she calms down and, for example, you can leave a dim light on.

It is convenient maintain precautions to avoid sunburn.

Avoid exposure to smoke tobacco.

To avoid possible accidents:

• Act quickly. teach him to act with caution (without frightening him) in situations that may entail a certain risk: crossing the street, stairs, cycling...
• On the street it is prudent take him by the hand.

You must not use any form of contempt, fear, physical punishment or abuse, which is also legally prohibited. The good deal in childhood is essential for their development, well-being and learning.

Remember vaccinate him according to the calendar in force in the Community of Madrid. Observe and report possible vaccine reactions.

It is recommended to attend scheduled child health care visits at the health center.

It will get progressively bigger autonomy in their daily routines, but they still need your supervision.

It is important foster social relationships, especially in their environment (neighborhood, school...).

Progressively, it integrates and assumes social norms. From the family you can educate him towards a positive coexistence, promoting affection and respect for others, regardless of gender, culture or diversity of abilities.

It is essential in these first years of life to be with your children, listen to them, maintain a warm and affectionate relationship and enjoy daily activities together.

It is recommended to keep a varied and balanced diet.

They can and should eat alone. Their appetite should be respected without force feeding.

Food should not be used either as a punishment or as a reward. It is recommended to distribute the food in 3 main meals and two snacks, one in the middle of the morning and another in the afternoon snack (sandwich and/or fruit).

This will prevent pecking. Snacks should be homemade and not very abundant.

El breakfast it must contain a dairy product, bread or cereals and fruit; This will cover the needs to start the day.

It is advisable to ensure a daily contribution of half a liter of milk or dairy products (yogurt, cheese...), preferably products with a low fat content (semi-skimmed) as long as the professional indicates it.

Foods rich in fiber 2-3 times a day (vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grain products).

The preparation of the meals will be with little salt. It is recommended to avoid precooked and processed foods, industrial pastries, packaged juices and soft drinks, salty snacks and sweets.

Increase consumption of fresh foods and using water to quench thirst helps to achieve a healthy diet.

Preschool feeding recommendations 4-6 years>>

From the age of 5, it is recommended to carry out at least 1 hour of physical activity a day (such as walking, cycling, running...) continuously or adding shorter periods throughout the day.

Vigorous intensity activities that strengthen muscles and improve bone mass, such as running, jumping rope, playing sports, are recommended at least 3 days a week.

Integrate into family routines active transportation and outdoor activities and in a group, it facilitates physical activity on a daily basis and improves the health and well-being of the whole family.

will minimize the screen time (television, mobile phones, video games or other electronic devices), so that it is a maximum of 2 hours a day.

The hygiene habits that you have already started will continue.

Before meals you should wash your hands with soap and water and also after using the toilet.

The brushing of teeth it will be with an age-appropriate paste (1000-1450 ppm fluoride) in a pea-sized amount after each meal and especially at night.

You need to sleep at least 8 to 10 hours a day.

It is advisable to take precautions to avoid sunburn.

Avoid exposure to smoke tobacco.

You have to teach him to act with caution (without frightening him) in situations that may entail a certain risk: crossing the street, stairs, bicycle...

You must not use any form of contempt, fear, physical punishment or abuse, which is also legally prohibited. The good deal in childhood is essential for their development, well-being and learning.
Remember vaccinate him according to the calendar in force in the Community of Madrid. Observe and report possible vaccine reactions.

It is recommended to attend scheduled child health care visits at the health center.

The family and close environment can support the development of their personality by enhancing their self-esteem and solidarity, fostering their capacity for affection and respect for others.

You can encourage their creativity and curiosity through games, crafts and reading. It is important that you collaborate in the creation of work and study habits by regulating their schedules, and that you encourage them to participate in activities that encourage their involvement with the school.

Between the ages of 8 and 14, puberty begins. Boys and girls need to know what bodily changes are going to take place. They must be helped to create a positive image of themselves and to develop an attitude of respect for differences.
It is still very important for your child to spend time with you, to have leisure in common, to talk, to share tastes and interests... Establishing good communication and enjoying good family relationships is a fundamental support for the development of the child or adolescent. .

Progressively, they will seek more the company of equals, the network of friends gaining importance.

You can favorably influence their diet, with the development of good eating habits and behavior patterns, as well as promoting the "Mediterranean diet" with 5 daily meals, without snacks between meals.

It is advisable to eat 5 or more daily servings of fruits, vegetables and vegetables. You should give preference to the consumption of lean meats, avoid visible fat and poultry skin due to its high fat content, and reduce the consumption of red and fried meats. It is preferable to consume fish due to its lower energy content and better fat profile.

It is advisable to continue with the already established dairy intake, consume little salt and avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and sweets.

In adolescence, it is advisable to be attentive to changes in behavior, in relation to meals, body weight, self-esteem... to detect possible eating disorders.

School feeding recommendations 6-12 years

It is recommended to carry out at least 1 hour of physical activity a day (such as walking, cycling, running...) continuously or adding shorter periods throughout the day.

Vigorous intensity activities that strengthen muscles and improve bone mass, such as running, jumping rope, playing sports, are recommended at least 3 days a week.

Integrating active transportation and outdoor and group activities into family routines makes it easier to do physical activity on a daily basis and improves the health and well-being of the whole family.

Time in front of screens (television, mobile phones, video games or other electronic devices) will be minimized, so that it is a maximum of 2 hours a day.

It is especially important to promote physical activity in girls, since they tend to abandon physical exercise and sports. Efforts will be made to minimize motorized transport time and encourage walking or cycling transport.

From the age of 6 they change the temporary teeth for the definitive ones; These teeth are for life. Toothbrushing can be done with a toothpaste with 1450 ppm of fluoride.

You can progressively acquire autonomy in maintaining simple hygiene habits (brushing teeth, showering, hair, nails, etc...)

You need to sleep at least 8 to 10 hours a day.

It is advisable to take precautions to avoid sunburn.

You must not use any form of contempt, fear, physical punishment or abuse, which is also legally prohibited. Good treatment in childhood and adolescence is essential for their development, well-being and learning.

Adequate affective and sexual education is necessary, progressively and adapted to the concerns of each age. Family communication on this issue is important, to accompany the development process and provide quality information, in order to help achieve healthy and egalitarian affective relationships, and prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Avoid being exposed to tobacco smoke. Smoking and risky and harmful use of alcohol cause chronic diseases and increase mortality. The average age of starting tobacco and alcohol consumption is around 13 years old, so it is necessary to talk to adolescents, before that age and progressively, about the health consequences of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs . The family and their immediate environment (school, neighbourhood...) are fundamental in trying to facilitate healthy environments and give them tools to prevent the onset of consumption, such as resisting peer pressure from peers who smoke or use drugs.

Parents have the responsibility to control that your child learns to make appropriate use of information and communication technologies (internet, social networks...), supervising the total time of connection to the network and the sites to which it accesses , as well as meeting basic safety standards.

Remember to vaccinate according to the current calendar in the Community of Madrid. Observe and report possible vaccine reactions.

It is recommended to attend scheduled child health care visits at the health center.

In adolescence, it is advisable to be attentive to changes in eating behavior (frequency of meals, type, use of money with respect to food), body weight, self-perceived image, balance of self-esteem, among other aspects, to detect possible eating disorders.

Recommendations feeding 12-15 years

Healthy nutrition

Eating disorders

Adequate affective and sexual education is necessary, progressively and adapted to the concerns of each age. Family communication on this topic is important to accompany the development process and provide quality information, in order to help achieve healthy and egalitarian affective relationships, and prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

More information

Addiction prevention is also very important for the comprehensive development of your child. The average age of starting tobacco and alcohol consumption is around 13 years old, so it is necessary to talk to adolescents, before that age and progressively, about the health consequences of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs .

The main objectives are:

• Promote drug-free lifestyles.
• Delay the age of onset and experimentation with drugs.
• Avoid the transition from experimental to habitual consumption and from this to abuse, as well as the most serious forms of addiction.

The family and their immediate environment (school, neighbourhood...) are fundamental in trying to facilitate healthy environments and give them tools to prevent the onset of consumption, such as resisting peer pressure from peers who smoke or use drugs.

The family and the educational center must go in the same line. The active and joint involvement of parents, children and teachers in preventive actions has proven to be effective in learning skills and strategies, acquiring knowledge and motivating changes in attitudes and behaviours. Participate you and your child in the preventive programs available in the Community of Madrid.

More information on addiction prevention

The responsibility of parents includes checking that your child learns to make appropriate use of information and communication technologies (internet, social networks...), supervising the total time connected to the network and the sites they access, as well as as it meets basic safety standards.