All genders

Show your child that you are interested in what they say, not how they say it. Help your child learn how to say tricky sounds by repeating them correctly as naturally as possible.

Vaccination on time is the most effective way to protect hapū māmā (pregnant mothers), pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) from preventable disease.

A health professional may recommend grommets if your child has frequent ear infections or glue ear (middle ear fluid that hasn’t cleared away).

A listing of New Zealand organisations, resources, helplines and counselling services aimed at preventing harm to tamariki (children), or which can offer help when family violence or abuse has occurred.

If you have been told your child has ‘glue ear’, it means there is fluid in the space behind the eardrum. This is not an infection, so there is usually no pain. Fluid in this space most commonly causes difficulty hearing. Hearing loss for long periods during the early years may affect the development of speech. It may also impact learning at school.

Tamariki (children) have thinner skin that burns faster, deeper and at lower temperatures compared to adults. Most childhood burn injuries happen in the home, especially in the kitchen. You can prevent burns by taking some simple steps at home.

Keep your child safe near water. Never leave tamariki (children), especially those under 5, unsupervised near any water, including baths, buckets and water troughs.

Plasters (also called casts or plaster casts) and splints are used to treat fractures. They allow fractures time to rest and heal.

Plasters (also called casts or plaster casts) and splints are used to treat fractures. They allow fractures time to rest and heal.

Fevers are common in tamariki (children). Fever by itself does not tell you whether your child is seriously sick. Even an ordinary cold can cause a high fever.

Soiling is when your child has poo accidents in their underwear. Constipation is the main cause of soiling.

Laxatives are medicines that help the body to get rid of poo. They are an essential part of the treatment of long-lasting constipation and soiling. 

Find out what tonsils are and why tamariki (children) sometimes need to have them removed.

Asthma is a condition that leads to narrowing of the airways of the lungs. Symptoms include wheeze, cough and difficulty breathing.

There are many different types of fractures. Your child's treatment will depend on the type of fracture, and where it is.

If your child has Henoch-Schonlein purpura, you may first notice a rash. This is caused by inflammation and swelling of the small blood vessels in the skin.