Babies - the first year

Babies - the first year

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To be safe when travelling in vehicles, all children need to use an approved child restraint, (this includes a booster seat) until they are 148cm tall (about nine years of age).
Breastfeeding helps lay the foundations of a healthy life for your baby. Breastfeeding is good for your health and wellbeing too. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until your baby is ready for and needs extra food - usually around six months of age. Most women can breastfeed but many mothers need help when they begin breastfeeding, especially with a first baby.
Crying is normal. Crying is the only way babies can let you know that something is upsetting them and that they need you. Play safe - pick up and comfort your baby.

Information on some of the financial support that may be available to you when raising your family.

The foreskin is the loose skin that covers and protects the end of the penis.
The foreskin and penis of an infant or child need no special care.

Baby Check was developed by doctors who analysed the signs and symptoms of illness in over 1000 babies under six months of age to help parents decide if their baby needs a doctor.
It can be common for babies to develop red angry skin in the nappy area, especially in older babies who sleep through the night without a nappy change. Disposable nappies now make nappy rash less common. It is better to try to prevent the rash developing. Keep your baby's skin as dry as possible. Give your baby some nappy-free time. Use protective creams and ointments.
Newborn metabolic screening is available to all NZ babies. It's a test which involves collecting a sample of blood from your baby's heel  48 hours after their birth.
Positional head-flattening may occur in a baby who spends too much time lying on the same part of their head. You can help to prevent a flat spot from occurring by varying your baby’s head position when you put your baby to bed. You should always sleep your baby on their back, but from birth you should try to turn their head to a different side at each sleep.
Every year, about 60 babies die suddenly in their sleep. Most deaths are preventable. Safe sleep means face up, face clear, smokefree every time and place a baby sleeps. Sleeping face up (on the back) protects babies through a critical stage of development. A clear face protects babies from suffocation. A smokefree start to life makes babies strong.

After six months, your baby's first teeth begin to erupt into their mouth. Babies can be uncomfortable during teething. Suggestions for helping you look after your baby's teeth.

All babies need vitamin K. Vitamin K helps blood to clot and prevents serious bleeding. Babies have low levels of vitamin K in their bodies. The most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by one injection into the muscle (intramuscular injection). One injection given just after birth will protect your baby for many months.
Well Child / Tamariki Ora services are offered free to all New Zealand children from birth to five years. They provide support, information, advice, checks and immunisation.
A checklist for some of the things you can look for in your baby’s first year. Seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your child’s eyes.