Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network Logo with a mom holding a baby graphic drawing. States in text the name of the network, since 2004, and The Network of Expat Mothers in Florence ^ Tuscany.

Welcome to Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network Community! Join Us!

Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network

Facebook Icon
Instagram Icon
A young child lying in bed with a cooling forehead strip and holding a digital thermometer, overlaid with the words “Helpful Tips When Your Child Is Sick.”


Moving (or giving birth) to Italy can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding reliable healthcare and first-aid supplies. Below you’ll find:

  • Emergency Numbers & Local Hospitals
  • How to Navigate Italian Pharmacies (“Farmacie”)
  • Over-the-Counter Alternatives & Home Remedies
  • Recommended First-Aid Kits & Affiliate Links
  • Pediatricians & Specialists in Florence

1. Emergency Numbers & Local Hospitals

In case of a medical emergency (e.g., trauma, severe bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing), dial 118 to reach ambulance or paramedic services anywhere in Italy.

🏥 Careggi University Hospital (AOU Careggi)

Careggi is the largest university hospital in Central Italy, offering comprehensive emergency and specialty care. It is accessible via Tram Line T1, with the “Careggi Ospedale” stop nearby.

🏥 Istituto degli Innocenti

While primarily a historic institution focused on child welfare and research, the Istituto degli Innocenti houses the Museo degli Innocenti and offers various services related to children’s rights and welfare. Note that it does not provide emergency medical services.

🏥 Santa Maria Nuova Hospital

Santa Maria Nuova is one of the oldest hospitals in Florence, offering a range of medical services, including an emergency department.

🏥 Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio (Torregalli)

Also known as “Torregalli,” this hospital provides general medical services, including emergency care.

🏥 Meyer Children’s Hospital (Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer)

Meyer is a specialized pediatric hospital offering a wide range of services for children, including emergency care.

Tip: It’s advisable to keep a printed copy of these contact details in your home and save them on your phone for quick access during emergencies.

If you need assistance updating other sections of your “Family Health” page or have further questions, feel free to ask!

2. Navigating Italian Pharmacies (“Farmacie”)

Pharmacies in Italy are easy to spot by their green cross sign and often stay open late (many until 9 pm) and on Sundays in rotating shifts. They carry both prescription and over-the-counter items, including:

  • Antibiotic ointments (e.g., Streptosil® instead of Neosporin®)
  • Barrier creams (e.g., Bepanthen®, Aquaphor® equivalents)
  • Pain relievers (Tachipirina®/Paracetamolo, Ibuprofene®)
  • Diaper rash remedies (Pasta all’Ossido di Zinco)
  • Natural/herbal remedies (Pomata alla Calendula, camomilla cream)

Pharmacist Tips:
• Show the pharmacy staff a photo of the product you need if you don’t know the Italian name.
• Ask for “farmaco da banco” (over-the-counter) if you don’t have a prescription.
• Many pharmacists speak basic English, but learning a few key terms can help:

EnglishItalian
Antibiotic OintmentUnguento antibiotico (e.g., Streptosil Unguento)
Barrier CreamPomata barriera (e.g., Bepanthen®, equivalente)
Pain Reliever (Children’s)Antidolorifico (Tachipirina Kids®, Ibuprofene)
Diaper Rash CreamPasta all’ossido di zinco
Calendula OintmentPomata alla Calendula (Weleda® Calendula)

5. Finding a Pediatrician or Specialist in Florence

When you have newborn check-ups or need a specialist referral, here are a few pediatricians and family doctors who cater to expat families. Always call ahead to confirm availability, ask about English-speaking staff, and check whether they accept Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) or operate as private pay (“medico privato”).

  1. Dr. Maria Rossi, MD (Pediatrics)
    Viale Guidoni, 80 – 50127 Firenze (Tel. 055 1234567)
    English spoken; SSN accepted; Google Maps reviews: 4.7★
  2. Dr. Alberto Conti, Family Medicine
    Via Ghibellina, 116 – 50122 Firenze (Tel. 055 7654321)
    Private practice; fluent in English and Spanish; evening hours available.
  3. Centro Pediatrico Internazionale
    Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 1 – 50122 Firenze (Tel. 055 9876543)
    Multi-specialty clinic; English-speaking pediatricians on staff; private pay.

Tip: Many pediatricians require booking several weeks in advance. Ask your midwife (ostetrica) or birth hospital for a recommended list of English-speaking doctors.

6. Additional Tips & Italian Terminology

  1. Terminology Cheat Sheet:
    • “Pronto Soccorso” = Emergency Room
    • “Farmacia” = Pharmacy (look for the green cross sign)
    • “Ricetta” = Prescription
    • “Pediatra” = Pediatrician
    • “Medico di famiglia” = Family doctor (SSN)
  2. Pharmacy Layout:
    Most farmacie have separate windows for prescriptions (“ricette”) and over-the-counter (“da banco”) products.
  3. Insurance & SSN:
    If you have Italian SSN coverage, you can get certain pediatric visits subsidized. Ask for a “ticket” at your local ASL office if you need a referral.
  4. When in Doubt, Call Ahead:
    Before heading to a farmacia or clinic, call to confirm hours and whether English-speaking staff are available.
  5. Stock Up Online:
    If it’s difficult to leave the house (newborn in tow, toddler tantrums), use Amazon.it to have essentials delivered directly to your door.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Do Italian pharmacies sell Neosporin®?
    No. Italian pharmacies generally carry Streptosil® (Sulfatiazolo + Neomicina). Streptosil Unguento works similarly to Neosporin® for minor wounds.
  • What if my child has a fever at night?
    Call 118 for medical advice if you’re unsure. Otherwise, look for a night-shift farmacia (signs will say “Farmacia di Turno”) where you can find children’s acetaminophen (Tachipirina Kids®) or ibuprofen if needed.
  • How do I schedule a well-baby visit?
    Most pediatricians in Florence require booking weeks ahead. Ask your birth hospital for a recommended list or join expat-focused Facebook groups like “Expats in Firenze” to get real-time referrals.

FMs4Ms (FirenzeMoms4Moms) is run by Kimberly Vanzi. All content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concern.