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.

• Schweizerische Fachstelle für Adoption
  At: Hofwiesenstrasse 3, Postfach 340, 8042 Zürich
  Tel: 044 360 80 90
  Fax: 044 360 80 99
  e-mail
• Zweigstelle Luzern, Schweizerische Fachstelle für Adoption
  At: Pilatusstrasse 18, 6000 Lucerne
  Tel: 041 210 59 10
  Fax: 041 210 59 11
  e-mail
• Bureau Genevois d'Adoption
  At: 1 Rue de Cornavin, 1201 Geneva
  Tel: +41 (0)22 731 05 01
  Fax: +41 (0)22 731 05 10
  e-mail