The first days with an infant confront parents with quick decisions: how to organize sleep, what equipment to choose, when to consult. The health framework is also evolving, with new recommendations on the prevention of bronchiolitis and a strengthened role of Maternal and Child Protection (PMI) in post-maternity follow-up.
Prevention of bronchiolitis in infants: what has changed
Bronchiolitis remains a major concern during the first months. Since the 2024-2025 season, two preventive treatments against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are available: maternal vaccination during pregnancy and the administration of monoclonal antibodies (nirsevimab, marketed under the name Beyfortus) to the newborn.
These treatments can be administered before or after leaving the maternity ward, and the treatment given at the maternity is covered 100%. Health Insurance has extended the reimbursement of Beyfortus to certain children up to 24 months when they remain vulnerable during a second season of RSV circulation, according to an update on September 15, 2026.
The initial results are encouraging. According to data published by Health Insurance, the 2025-2026 bronchiolitis season affected infants under six months less severely, a finding that may be partly linked to passive immunization. The available data do not yet allow for precise isolation of the portion of this decrease attributable to monoclonal antibodies compared to other seasonal factors, but the trend is steering recommendations towards systematic preventive coverage.
Among the resources that compile equipment, health, and support for the newborn, everything you need to know about Bébés Avenue offers a structured overview of needs by age.
PMI follow-up after returning home: an underutilized service
The return from maternity focuses attention on feeding and sleep, but the medical and social follow-up of the infant has a public relay that is often unknown. Maternal and Child Protection services offer home visits, weight checks, growth monitoring, and breastfeeding advice.
The PMI also organizes collective workshops on sleep, carrying, feeding, and environmental health. These workshops are free and open to all parents, regardless of income. The City of Paris details this service on its information page updated in September 2026.
However, field reports diverge on the actual accessibility of these services depending on the regions. In rural areas or departments with low staff density, the wait times for a home visit can be extended. The PMI remains a point of entry to be sought immediately after leaving the maternity ward, even before encountering a difficulty.
Room temperature and air quality: two measurable parameters
The infant’s room is subject to specific recommendations. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C, an interval that most childcare guides refer to. Maintaining this range requires a reliable thermometer and, in winter, adjusting the heating room by room if the housing allows.
Humidity in the air is the second parameter to monitor. Air that is too dry irritates the baby’s airways, while air that is too humid promotes mold. A humidifier can correct a deficit, but it requires regular maintenance to avoid bacterial proliferation in the reservoir.
- Ventilate the room for at least ten minutes a day, even in winter, to renew the air and reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants.
- Avoid air fresheners, scented candles, and oil diffusers that release volatile organic compounds in a closed space.
- Place the crib away from windows to limit direct drafts and temperature fluctuations.
A firm mattress that fits the crib perfectly reduces the risk of suffocation. No pillow, comforter, or bumper should be placed in the infant’s sleeping space during the first months.
Safety of childcare products: standards and recalls to monitor
The childcare market is subject to regular product recalls. Toys intended for children under three years old must comply with the European standard EN 71, which covers mechanical resistance, flammability, and the migration of certain chemical elements. The Alerte Conso website publishes ongoing recalls, including toys withdrawn for choking hazards or detachable parts.
Collective childcare facilities are subject to a strengthened national reference concerning building safety and equipment. For parents buying second-hand equipment (crib, stroller, car seat), checking compliance with current standards and the absence of recalls on the specific model is a reflex to adopt before any use.
- Check CE labels and normative references on the packaging or instructions.
- Consult product recall databases before purchasing a second-hand item.
- Replace a car seat after an accident, even minor, as the internal structure may be weakened without visible signs.
The childcare industry is also trying to adapt to the decline in births in France, which is steering the offer towards more sustainable ranges and multi-age products. This trend may alter families’ budgetary decisions, favoring adaptable equipment over successive purchases.
A room at a good temperature, early medical follow-up, and products compliant with standards cover the essentials of the first weeks. Public services like the PMI and bronchiolitis prevention campaigns provide a safety net that every family should mobilize as soon as they return home.
