["Frühe Hilfen": what must pediatricians know?].

In early childhood, essential foundations are laid for healthy growing up and long-term quality of life and health. Stressful life situations can disrupt good early childhood development, therefore early support is essential. Early childhood interventions like "Frühe Hilfen" provide support systems with coordinated services for parents and children during early childhood. They are particularly aimed at families in stressful life situations and thus counteract the long-term consequences of negative childhood experiences and promote healthy growing up. Pediatricians are important cooperation partners of "Frühe Hilfen", especially with respect to access to the services. Early life care is an interdisciplinary and integrative concept that aims to promote optimal conditions for families around the desire to have children, pregnancy, birth and early childhood, among other things, with a view to risk situations.