The first European conference on child safety, organized by Gotu and the Safe Child Association (ACS) in May 2024, brought together 11 experts who addressed crucial topics for child safety and well-being. Here is a summary of the main points covered by each speaker:

✅ Nuno Pinto Martins

• Focus on children's emotional security .
• He highlighted the importance of helping children manage emotions and promoting parental self-care.
• He explained the impact of brain development and the importance of positive education , with clear rules and encouraging safety.

✅ Mia Negrao

• A lawyer and doula, she addressed safety during childbirth and defended the rights of mothers and babies.
• He criticized unnecessary medical interventions and promoted natural and respectful childbirth .
• It highlighted the role of supporting breastfeeding and mother- and baby-centered care.

✅ Catarina Louçada

• Focus on strategies for dealing with unexpected events in children with autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) .
• He highlighted the importance of interventions without punishment and without resorting to fear.
• He advocated the use of structured play to teach emotional regulation strategies.

✅ Ana Boaventura

• Explored the impact of attachment relationships on children's emotional development.
• He explained the difference between emotions and feelings and highlighted the importance of parental support in preventing anxiety and depression .
• Emphasized the role of emotional understanding for healthy development.

✅ Liliana Lima

• He explained the benefits of babywearing for the baby's emotional and physiological development.
• He highlighted skin-to-skin contact, which promotes bonding and facilitates breastfeeding .
• He mentioned different baby carrier options to ensure comfort and functionality for mothers and babies.

✅ Filipa Freitas

• It addressed breastfeeding safety and demystified beliefs on the topic.
• Explained the physiology of milk production and the importance of breastfeeding on demand.
• Reinforced the benefits of skin-to-skin contact in the baby's early development.

✅ Marilia Pereira

• Discussed the introduction of complementary feeding through the BLW (Baby-Led Weaning) method.
• He highlighted that BLW does not increase the risk of choking when done correctly.
• Emphasized the early introduction of allergenic foods in small quantities.

✅ Rita Gaspar

• He talked about safety in co- sleeping .
• He differentiated between sudden death and accidental asphyxiation, offering recommendations for safe sleep.
• He stressed that bed sharing is a safe practice when done correctly.

✅ Jorge Bica

• Addressed the impact of children's footwear on the development of children's feet.
• He emphasized that footwear must protect without interfering with the natural function of the foot.
• He highlighted the importance of sensory stimulation and walking barefoot in the early stages of development.

✅ Fabio Castro

• He shared his personal experience about the impact of paternal abandonment.
• He emphasized the importance of parents' presence and emotional dedication.
• It encouraged a positive and attentive view of family relationships.

✅ Helder Fernandes

• He highlighted the importance of child road safety, with a focus on the use of car seats .
• It reinforced the superiority of the rear- facing position in terms of safety.
• He explained the risks of frontal shields and the importance of following updated safety tests.

This conference brought together important knowledge about child safety and well-being in different contexts, from birth to infancy, covering emotional, physical, and developmental aspects. The diversity of topics and the depth of the presentations demonstrate the importance of adopting informed, evidence-based practices to ensure the best for children.