Find information about keeping your baby healthy throughout their first year – coping with colic, reflux, nappy rash, and more.
With the continuing spread of the COVID-19 virusaround the world, we are hoping to avoid widespread community transmission here in New Zealand. We have a great opportunity to do what we can to contain the spread, while we wait for a vaccine.
Scientific studies have shown that your child's future development is highly dependent upon the way they use their senses in the early months of life. Grab some tips on how you can help your newborn, baby and toddler get moving.
A baby born in Japan weighing just 268g (9.45oz) has been cleared to go home five months after his birth. He is believed to be the world's smallest surviving baby boy.
December 2022 saw a dramatic increase in the number of cases of meningococcal disease across some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable groups which has prompted a warning from a local vaccinologist.
You will be astonished at how important the contents of your baby’s nappy becomes in your parenting journey, so find out what is 'normal' and when you should seek advice about your baby's poo.
All babies cry - after all, it’s the only method of communication they have. But some babies will be unsettled without apparent reason. How do you know if it's colic or something else?
Earaches commonly occur in babies and small children and can be distressing for them and you.
Whooping cough is a very contagious and potentially fatal illness that is also called pertussis. Find out what causes it, how to recognise it and treatment options.
If your baby is born with a blocked tear duct they may get sticky eye. Find out how you can treat it at home or when antibiotics are required.
When they’re too little to tell you how they’re feeling or what’s hurting, parents have to read some other signs to know if their baby is sick. GP Dr Ginni Mansberg has the following must-read tips for parents of littlies.
Constipation is bowel motions that are very firm, and look like little pebbles. Quite a lot of babies look like they are concentrating hard or may get very restless when passing a bowel motion. This is normal, providing the bowel motions are soft and there is no blood.
Drug allergies can be a confusing area for parents because an adverse reaction to a medication does not necessarily mean that the child is allergic to that medicine. In fact most drug-related symptoms will not be caused by an allergic reaction.
Yes, you need to brush your baby’s teeth with toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Fluoride works by attaching itself to the tooth surface and then becoming a part of the enamel. This outer fluoride-rich layer of enamel is much stronger than regular enamel and helps prevent cavities.
Even experienced parents might have an “Is this normal?” adjustment period to their new baby, and question whether something needs their doctor's attention or will clear up in a day or so. If you see any of the following, give your doctor a call:
Around 60 per cent of full-term babies (born after 38 weeks of pregnancy) exhibit signs of jaundice. Jaundice can be more likely in premature or sick babies. Jaundice comes from high levels of a chemical called bilirubin in your baby’s body.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness. A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum - which naturally occurs in soil - creates the toxin that causes botulism. There are several kinds of botulism:
Baby wind refers to the small amounts of air your baby swallows as she feeds. This air is often brought up later in the form of a burp
The inside of the nose is self-cleaning and needs no special care. If your baby has any discharge, wipe it from the outside, but resist using cotton balls or your fingernail to try to remove it from the nostril – you might damage the nasal membranes. Newborns often have snuffly breathing because their nasal passages are very narrow. Frequent sneezing will help your baby to clear any blockages from his nasal cavity.
The first thing to remember when it comes to ear care is ‘less is more’. Don’t go poking around in your child’s ears as you may do serious harm to the ear drum. The ear is naturally self-cleaning, and trying to remove wax by probing may only force it further into the ear.
Sticky eye is more likely if your baby's tear duct is narrower than normal or not fully developed.
If you think your baby’s incessant crying is frustrating, imagine not being able to communicate what’s wrong.That's basically what a crying newborn is doing.
Hip dysplasia, also called developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or clicky hips, is a congenital (present at birth) disorder
Your baby is likely to get a cold between 4 - 10 times in his first year of life, while his immune system is still developing.
Reflux in babies is a common condition. Learn more about your infant's reflux and how to manage the symptoms in Kidspot's New Zealand's comprehensive family health section.
There are many reasons why your newborn may be vomiting. Understand why your baby vomits from Kidspot New Zealand's comprehensive baby health section.
Find advice on managing your baby's lactose intolerance in Kidspot's New Zealand's comprehensive health section.
Find advice on lactose intolerance and adverse reactions to cow's milk - tips and information on babies and allergies. Find everything for babies and kids 0-14 - Kidspot New Zealand's.
Newborn babies often make funny breathing noises such as hiccups and sneezing. Learn what each baby breathing noise means.
New parents are obsessed with poo. Green poo, runny poo, hard poo and even explosive poo - from colour and consistency to constipation, we've got your baby's nappy covered.
Understanding why your baby cries, could help you to settle your crying baby. Find out why your newborn baby cries.
