Health | UNICEF Parenting

[Skip to main content](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#main-content) [](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/ "UNICEF") Parenting Toggle navigation Current language: English Click to select different language - [Current language: English](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health) - [Français](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/fr/sante) - [Español](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/es/salud) - [العربية](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%A9) - [Visit UNICEF Global](https://www.unicef.org/ "Back to UNICEF.org") [](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/ "UNICEF") Parenting Quick links - [About](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/about "About") - [Developmental milestones](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones "Developmental milestones") - [Mini parenting master classes](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mini-parenting-master-classes "Mini parenting master classes") - [Partners](https://www.unicef.org/parenting#partners "Partners") [Sign up](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/parenting-tips-sign-up#email-parenting-popup) [](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/ "UNICEF") Parenting - [Child development](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development) - [Back](https://www.unicef.org/) - [Child development](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development) - [Pregnancy](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development#pregnancy) - [First trimester](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/pregnancy-milestones/first-trimester) - [Second trimester](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/pregnancy-milestones/second-trimester) - [Third trimester](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/pregnancy-milestones/third-trimester) - Developmental milestones Developmental milestones - [2 months](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones-2-months) - [4 months](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones-4-months) - [6 months](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones-6-months) - [9 months](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones-9-months) - [1 year](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-toddlers-developmental-milestones-1-year) - [18 months](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-toddlers-developmental-milestones-18-months) - [2 years](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-toddlers-developmental-milestones-2-years) - [Baby and toddler tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development#babies) - [Ready for school](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development#school) - [Child care](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care) - [Back](https://www.unicef.org/) - [Child care](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care) - [Babies and toddlers](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care#new-parents) - [Teens](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care#parents-of-teens) - [Parenting guides](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care#big-conversations) - [Play ideas](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/playbox) - [Big conversations](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care#big-conversations) - [Digital parenting](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/digital-parenting) - [Parenting in an emergency](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/parenting-in-emergencies) - [Health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health) - [Back](https://www.unicef.org/) - [Health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health) - [Baby health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#baby-health) - [Mental health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health) - [Common conditions explained](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health#mental-health) - [Infants to pre-teens](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health#infants-preteens) - [Teens](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health#tips-teenagers) - [Parent self-care](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health#parents) - [Childhood illnesses and vaccines](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#vaccines) - [Safety and well-being](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#safety-tips) - [Safety tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#safety-tips) - [Healthy habits](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#healthy-habits) - [Digital parenting](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/digital-parenting) - [Food and nutrition](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition) - [Back](https://www.unicef.org/) - [Food and nutrition](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition) - [Breastfeeding](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition#breastfeeding) - [First foods](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition#first-foods) - [Healthy eating](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition#healthy-habits) Search area has closed. Search area has opened. SearchClose Search form Search Clear search input Search for result Hide filters Show filters Selecting a value will cause the page to reload with filter applied. Show results from: Clear search input Search for result Max Clear search input Search for result Page # Health Science-backed information for looking after your family’s health. - English - [Français](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/fr/sante) - [Español](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/es/salud) - [العربية](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%A9) Every parent wishes for their child to grow up happy and healthy. Find out how to support your child’s physical and mental health. ### I'm interested in... [Baby health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#baby-health) [Mental health and well-being](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#mental-health) [Protecting against childhood illnesses](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#vaccines) [Safety tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#safety-tips) [Healthy habits](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#healthy-habits)   ## Baby health Advice for taking care of your new family member.  Video ### [Newborn baby health: Mini Parenting Master Class](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/newborn-baby-health "Newborn baby health: Mini Parenting Master Class") Learn about some of the most important newborn health topics – what to know and what to look out for Watch now  Video ### [How to build your baby's mental health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/building-your-babys-mental-health "How to build your baby's mental health ") A psychologist's tips on helping your child to feel safe and protected Watch now  Explainer ### [What is SIDS?](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/what-is-sids "What is SIDS?") Learn how to reduce your infant’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome Read now  Video ### [Your baby's first vaccines](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/first-vaccinations-class "Your baby's first vaccines") A paediatric nurse answers some of the most common questions parents have Watch now  Video ### [Newborn health warning signs](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/newborn-warning-signs "Newborn health warning signs") A doctor explains the red flag symptoms that parents should know Watch now  Video ### [How to look after your baby's cold](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/baby-cold "How to look after your baby's cold") A doctor explains symptoms and treatment Watch now  Video ### [How to soothe a baby: Mini Parenting Master Class](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/how-soothe-baby "How to soothe a baby: Mini Parenting Master Class") Learn reasons why babies cry and how to calm them Watch now  Explainer ### [Your baby's developmental milestones](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones "Your baby's developmental milestones") Find out about your little one's journey during the first two years of life Read now  ## Mental health and well-being Expert tips and resources to help you support your child's and your own mental health. [All tips and resources](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health) [Mental health and wellbeing\\ \\ \\ ](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health-and-well-being) ##### [How to start the conversation](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health\#talking-mental-health) [Mental health conditions explained](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health\#mental-health) [For infants to pre-teens](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health\#infants-preteens) \| [For teens](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health\#tips-teenagers) \| [Self-care for parents](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health\#parents)  ## Vaccines Questions about vaccines? We've got the answers.  Video ### [Your baby's first vaccines](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/first-vaccinations-class "Your baby's first vaccines") A paediatric nurse answers some of the most common questions parents have Watch now  Page ### [Vaccines for children: Your questions answered](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/parents-frequently-asked-questions-vaccines "Vaccines for children: Your questions answered") Parents’ most frequently asked questions about vaccines Learn more  Page ### [Vaccines and the diseases they prevent](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/vaccines-and-diseases-they-prevent "Vaccines and the diseases they prevent") Find out more about the most commonly recommended vaccines Learn more  Explainer ### [How to prepare your young child for getting a vaccine](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/how-to-prepare-your-child-for-vaccine "How to prepare your young child for getting a vaccine") 7 tips to help make the moment go smoothly Read now [Load more items](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health)  ## Safety tips Guidance for keeping your family safe.  Explainer ### [Burns, scalds and fire-related safety tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/safety/burns-scalds-fire-safety-tips "Burns, scalds and fire-related safety tips") How to prevent and treat burns and scalds Read now  Explainer ### [Drowning prevention tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/safety/drowning-prevention-tips "Drowning prevention tips") Life-saving advice to help keep your family safe near water Read now  Explainer ### [Road safety tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/safety/road-safety-tips "Road safety tips") Expert advice for protecting your family Read now  Explainer ### [Heat wave safety tips](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/emergencies/heat-wave-safety-tips "Heat wave safety tips") Learn how to help keep your children and family safe in extreme heat Read now [Load more items](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health)  ### Healthy habits Simple steps that can provide lasting benefits.  Explainer ### [How to teach your kids handwashing](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/how-to-teach-your-kids-handwashing "How to teach your kids handwashing ") Tips on how to make handwashing a habit for children Read now  Explainer ### [How to raise a healthy eater](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/how-to-raise-healthy-eater "How to raise a healthy eater") 6 ways to set your child on the path to a lifetime of positive habits Read now  Explainer ### [Talking about periods at home](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/talking-about-periods-at-home "Talking about periods at home") How to approach the period conversation and help your child feel safe, healthy and supported Read now  Article ### [Babies need humans, not screens](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/babies-screen-time "Babies need humans, not screens") Find out why, and how, too much screen time can harm your child Read now ### Parenting tips direct to your inbox Expert advice, interesting insights and fun facts. [Sign me up](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/parenting-tips-sign-up) - [Share](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health#) ## [UNICEF Parenting](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/unicef-parenting "UNICEF Parenting") - [Child development](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development "Child development") - [Developmental milestones](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-babys-developmental-milestones "Developmental milestones") - [Child care](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care "Child care") - [Food and nutrition](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition "Food and nutrition") - [Health](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health "Health") ## [About UNICEF parenting](https://www.unicef.org/parenting/about "About UNICEF parenting") ## [Discover more about UNICEF](https://www.unicef.org/ "Discover more about UNICEF") - [Where we work](https://www.unicef.org/where-we-work "Where we work") - [Take action for children](https://www.unicef.org/take-action "Take action for children") [Become a donor](https://help.unicef.org/) [Visit us on WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va1Jcky9Bb65lGt07i1G) - [Contact us](mailto:parenting@unicef.org "Contact us") - [Legal](https://www.unicef.org/legal) [Report fraud, abuse, wrongdoing](https://www.unicef.org/auditandinvestigation/report-wrongdoing) Cookie settings UNICEF strives to uphold the rights of every child, protecting them from harm and all forms of discrimination, so that they can grow up healthy and educated to reach their full potential. This work is in line with UNICEF’s globally recognized mandate and its support of national priorities.