Kid's Health

Key points to remember if you have concerns about your child's vision at any time, take your child for an assessment if your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development What are the signs of a visio...

Key points to remember if you have concerns about...

Key points to remember screening for some vision problems for your child should occur at around 11 or 12 years of age if you have concerns about your child's vision or hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment (see What are the signs of ...

Key points to remember screening for some vision p...

Key points to remember if you have concerns about your child's hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment if your child does have a hearing problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development What are the signs of a hea...

Key points to remember if you have concerns about...

After your child has their hearing checked at four or five they will NOT have their hearing checked again at school, so if you are concerned about your child's hearing, it's important that you visit your family doctor. Your doctor may refer your chil...

After your child has their hearing checked at four...

Key points to remember - your child's hearing and vision will be discussed with you at various Well Child checks before your child turns four years of age - the eighth and final Well Child check is called the B4 School Check and happens when your chi...

Key points to remember - your child's hearing and ...

Newborn hearing screening results leaflet (Ministry of Health)If your baby passes the hearing screen, it means that at the time of the screen, your baby's hearing was good. It is still possible for some babies who pass their hearing screen to develop...

Newborn hearing screening results leaflet (Ministr...

Should I use fluoride toothpaste for my baby? You can use a smear of fluoride toothpaste to help keep the teeth hard. Choose a mild flavour. It is recommended that regular fluoride toothpaste be used to maximize the effect of fluoride. I don’t live i...

Should I use fluoride toothpaste for my baby? You ...

Key points to remember- all babies are checked at birth to see that all is well - some of your baby's health checks are called ‘screening' - screening for hearing and some vision problems for your baby should occur at birth - if you have concerns abo...

Key points to remember- all babies are checked at ...

After six months, the first teeth begin to erupt into the mouth. Babies can be uncomfortable during teething. Clean teething rings which have been cooled in the fridge can help. Babies often like a piece of apple to bite on as well. Ask your pharmaci...

After six months, the first teeth begin to erupt i...

The baby is likely to be significantly unwell from the time they were severely shaken. There may be vomiting, irritability, fits (seizures), drowsiness, and even coma. There is a range of severity in this condition, and some babies may be only mildly...

The baby is likely to be significantly unwell from...

Key points to remember it is never ever okay to shake a baby. Make sure that all the people who care for your baby know this never leave your baby alone with someone that you know has an anger problem or violent temper have a plan of what YOU will d...

Key points to remember it is never ever okay to s...

It is very hard to cope with a baby who seems to be crying all the time. you may feel helpless when your baby keeps on crying. Just think - it's not always easy for you to calm down if you're very upset. It's the same for your baby. Try to remember ...

It is very hard to cope with a baby who seems to b...

pick up your crying baby. Carry, or gently rock your baby or use any kind of slow, rhythmical movement. Try not to do too many things at once. If you realise your are patting and jigging and shooshing and swaying all at the same time, try to slow dow...

pick up your crying baby. Carry, or gently rock yo...

At this time in your baby's life, they are learning that they can trust you to meet their needs. The best way to do this when your bbay is crying is to hold them. hold and comfort your crying baby if you can hold your baby close and snuggled in to y...

At this time in your baby's life, they are learnin...

Crying is normal and is the only way your baby can let you know that something is upsetting them and that they need you. When babies cry they may be: hungry thirsty too hot too cold unwell in pain over-tired, or uncomfortable They may have been sta...

Crying is normal and is the only way your baby can...

Children should not get MMRV vaccine if they: Have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of MMRV vaccine, or to either MMR or varicella vaccine. Have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of the va...

Children should not get MMRV vaccine if they: Hav...

Some children should not get PCV13 or should wait Children should not get PCV13 if they had a serious (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine, to PCV7, or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (for example, DTaP)...

Some children should not get PCV13 or should wait ...

Chickenpox vaccine is the best way to protect you and your child from chickenpox. Also, when you get vaccinated, you protect others in your community. This is especially important for people who cannot get vaccinated, such as those with weakened immu...

Chickenpox vaccine is the best way to protect you ...

Most children with chickenpox completely recover. But it can be serious, even fatal, for babies, adolescents, and adults. Be proactive. Get vaccinated if you are not protected against chickenpox. Chickenpox is a very contagious disease. You or your ...

Most children with chickenpox completely recover. ...

Food allergies can get triggered when a sensitive person eats, inhales, or comes into contact with even tiny amounts of foods or food additives. The reactions can be very mild or may be life-threatening. Food allergy occurs when a food triggers an i...

Food allergies can get triggered when a sensitive ...

Introduction to dry baby scalp When a baby has a dry scalp, the condition is often associated with the so-called “cradle cap” conditions, which is a lot like dandruff in adults. It is a common thing for babies to have dry scalps that are flaky and it...

Introduction to dry baby scalp When a baby has a d...