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The child’s health book (carnet de santé) has a long private and public history, having been officially generalized by the Decrees of 1945. It has gradually been enriched and now fulfils different entangled missions: following the child’s development until adulthood, improving links between health professionals, epidemiological recordings of the data of obligatory examinations, certification of vaccinations, and education concerning the health of parents and children. The usefulness of the child’s health record is widely recognised, but its practical utilization is not optimal, either for parents or professionals. The respect of confidentiality and the choice of information necessary for following the child’s health remain two important issues that are closely linked. The new edition of the child’s health book, currently being developed, will have to take them into account and will be the object of publicity compaigns to improve its use.