Enf.ª Patrícia Sancho

Specialist in Maternal 
and Obstetric Health
Head of Nursing Services Gynaecology/Obstetrics Unit
Doctorate in Educational Sciences

Guarantee the rights of children from birth

HPA Magazine 23 // 2025

The first years of life are crucial for a child's development, and ensuring their rights from birth is fundamental. Studies show that the first 1000 days are a critical period for brain development, accounting for about 80% of human brain growth.
During early childhood, adequate nutrition, quality emotional, and environmental stimulation can positively impact learning ability, behaviour, and lifelong health. The first 1000 days, which encompass the period from conception to the second year of life, represent a unique window of opportunity to ensure healthy growth and development. Birth is a milestone that impacts the life of the child and their family. Ensuring safe care based on evidence-based practices is essential. The quality of care during childbirth must respect and prioritize the best interests of the child and not the convenience of health professionals.

Fundamental Rights of Babies
Every baby has basic rights that need to be respected. For example, in situations of extreme neglect, such as a lack of access to adequate food or the absence of medical care, there is evidence of profound negative impacts, such as delays in cognitive development and increased vulnerability to disease. Children in conditions of extreme poverty are up to three times more likely to die before the age of five. This reinforces the need to protect these rights from the beginning. Among them are the right to life, safe care, and identity. It is essential to recognize the baby as an individual being, and not as an extension of the mother.

The Role of the Mother and Society
The mother plays a vital role in protecting the baby's rights. The emotional bond formed during pregnancy and after birth is essential for the child's emotional and physical development. However, mothers need support from society to face the challenges of motherhood without judgment.

Nutrition and Health
Access to medical care and adequate nutrition from the first days of life is essential.
Studies show that babies fed exclusively with breast milk in the first six months of life have a lower risk of developing respiratory infections, allergies, and obesity.
Promoting breastfeeding and guiding the introduction of food safely help prevent diseases and ensure the baby's well-being.

Proper Stimulation From the Start
After birth, practices such as uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, especially in the first hours of life and whenever possible, have a positive impact on bonding and emotional security, in addition to promoting successful breastfeeding. Maintaining rooming-in is another measure that ensures the baby’s rights.

The Role of the Community
Protecting children's rights is a collective responsibility that involves different sectors of society. The family has the role of ensuring a loving and safe environment for development. Schools and daycare centres must offer a welcoming educational space and encourage learning from an early age. The healthcare system needs to provide access to quality medical care and guide parents on best practices. Furthermore, the government has a responsibility to create and implement effective policies, while the wider community can provide practical and emotional support to families. Each sector has an essential role in ensuring the well-being of children. Community support groups can offer resources and support, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to children's well-being.

Challenges and Necessary Actions
Although progress has been made in protecting children's rights, many challenges remain. Issues such as poverty, lack of access to essential services, and situations of abuse still threaten child well-being. It is crucial to combat all forms of disrespect and violence against children, as well as promoting the implementation of effective policies.

The Voice of Babies
Although babies cannot express their needs verbally, it is essential to recognize their forms of communication, such as crying, non-verbal language, and the need for closeness. Listening to and responding to these demonstrations is a way of guaranteeing your rights. After all, babies need adults who are passionate about them and who prioritize and care for them.

A Collective Commitment
Guaranteeing children's rights from birth is an investment in the future. Each step towards promoting these rights contributes to a more fair and equal society. Everyone, within their means, must collaborate to build a safe, healthy, and loving environment for children to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

Referências/References:
Harvard University Center on the Developing Child (2019) "The Science of Early Childhood Development." Disponível em: https://developingchild.harvard.edu
Instituto de Apoio à Criança (2020). "Convenção sobre os Direitos da Criança." Disponível em: https://iacrianca.pt/convencao-sobre-os-direitos-da-crianca/
Lancet (2016) "Breastfeeding in the 21st Century: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Lifelong Effect." Lancet Series on Breastfeeding. Disponível em: https://www.thelancet.com
Organização Mundial da Saúde (2021). "The importance of the first 1000 days."  Disponível em: https://www.who.int
Serviço Nacional de Saúde (2023). "Direitos das crianças." Disponível em: https://www.sns24.gov.pt/guia/direitos-das-criancas/
Sociedade Portuguesa de Pediatria (2024). "Direitos da criança." Disponível em: https://criancaefamilia.spp.pt/direitos-da-crianca/
UNICEF (1990). Convenção dos direitos da criança. Disponível https://www.unicef.pt/media/2766/unicef_convenc-a-o_dos_direitos_da_crianca.pdf
UNICEF (2020) "Child Poverty and Mortality: A global perspective". Disponível em: https://www.unicef.org