Bringing Up Toddlers

Find out about the services, activities and help available to parents, babies and young children in Switzerland...

From birth to young adulthood, this section contains useful information for parents with children in Switzerland.

Birth

After the birth, mothers stay in the hospital or clinic for up to seven days, and once the mother and child return home, a nurse or midwife makes home visits to check on their health. Breastfeeding is actively encouraged in Switzerland and if necessary the nurse can offer advice or assistance with breastfeeding.

Health insurance cover is compulsory by the time an infant is three months old so parents should contact their insurance company as soon as possible after the birth. Certain parents may qualify for a child allowance from their employer, so they must also be informed as soon as possible as well.

Adoption

Zürich, Lucerne and Geneva have adoption offices which provide information on adoption and international adoption for potential parents.

Ch.ch provides detailed information about adoption.