Children's health centre (Barnavårdscentralen, BVC)

The BVC is usually located in a healthcare centre.

You can search for a BVC here. The information is in Swedish.

The BVC usually contacts a parent directly.

You can visit in person, call or email

The most common way to contact the BVC is to visit or call.

Some BVCs also offer the option of a video call.

The BVC handles everything related to the health and development of your child.

The BVC follows a programme that applies to all children throughout the country.

At the BVC, you will meet with a nurse.

On some visits, you will also meet with a doctor.

Visits at different ages

The visits take place from the time the child is born until they are six years old.

Do not visit the BVC if your child has an infection.

For example, if they have a stomach bug or a cold.

In such cases, you should contact a healthcare centre (vårdcentral) instead.

You can search for a healthcare centre here. The information is in Swedish.

Call 1177 for advice

Call 1177 for help on what to do.

Your call will be answered by a nurse.

If needed, they can tell you where to go for treatment.

The nurses speak Swedish and English.

Help is sometimes available in other languages.

Call 0046 771-11 77 00 if you are calling from a phone with a foreign number.

Here are some examples of what happens at a BVC:

• The staff go over what care and vaccinations the child has received.
• The child receives their vaccinations.
• The nurse or doctor examines the child.
• The nurse measures and weighs the child.
• You receive support and advice on the health and development of your child.
• You can ask questions about your child and being a parent.

The visits focus on your needs

You will talk about topics such as:

• Your child's health.
• Your child's development.
• How well things are working between parent and child.
• How well the child is eating and sleeping.

The child participates in the visits

The child should be involved in the conversation.

It is important that the child is allowed to express what they think.

The child will be asked to perform different tasks

Sometimes the child is asked to perform different tasks.
This is done to see whether the child is developing as expected.

The tasks that the child is asked to perform are determined by their age.

For example, they may be asked to draw, kick a ball, or thread beads on a string.

The child will receive their vaccinations according to the Swedish vaccination programme.

Ask the staff if you have any questions about vaccination.

You can get help from an interpreter if you do not speak Swedish. Let the clinic know you need an interpreter when you book your appointment.