Child Nutrition

If your young children are picky eaters, they may be able to blame it on their genes, according to a new study. The findings add to growing evidence that genes play an important role in children's eating behaviors, including the tendency to avoid new...

If your young children are picky eaters, they may ...

The United Nations says over three million children in Syria suffer from direful consequences of the crisis that has gripped the country for over two years. “This emergency is a children’s crisis,” Special Representative of the Secretary-General for ...

The United Nations says over three million childre...

Researchers have warned that eating fast food several times a week can significantly extend the risk of severe asthma, eczema and watery eyes in children. Fast food which often contains high levels of saturated- and trans-fatty acids affects immune s...

Researchers have warned that eating fast food seve...

Breastfeeding, and especially early and exclusive breastfeeding, is one of the most significant ways to improve infant survival rates. However, a woman infected with HIV, can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy, labour or delivery, and a...

Breastfeeding, and especially early and exclusive ...

It’s important to eat well and stay healthy while breastfeeding – a healthy diet ensures perfect breast milk for your baby. Check out the pages below to find out: How much exercise is best How to safely return to your pre-pregnancy weight What to d...

It’s important to eat well and stay healthy while ...

Breastfeeding is an ongoing relationship between you and your baby breastfeeding starts soon after your baby is born it can take time for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed with the right help almost all mothers can breastfeed Breast milk...

Breastfeeding is an ongoing relationship between y...

If you are considering using infant formula, discuss this with your midwife, Plunket staff, other well child health provider, or lactation consultant. Use an infant formula that is suitable for your baby’s age. The Ministry of Health advises that ord...

If you are considering using infant formula, discu...

Dress or change your baby before feeds when their stomach is not full. Wind your baby several times during feeds (see below for wind). Use a towel to cover yourself after feeds, to catch the milk. Have lots of large bibs. Have a towel with you to put...

Dress or change your baby before feeds when their ...

It is best to express after a breastfeed. If milk is expressed immediately before a feed this may reduce the amount available for the baby’s feed. Usually the easiest time to express is in the morning. If Mum is going to be away from the baby when a ...

It is best to express after a breastfeed. If milk ...

It’s not unusual to feel exhausted when you first start breastfeeding – particularly when you’re having to deal with visitors as well as a new baby! Here are some hints to help you get as much rest as you can. In a maternity facility If you are stil...

It’s not unusual to feel exhausted when you first ...

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies. It’s easily digestible and provides everything your baby needs for the first six months of life. Breastmilk contains important antibodies which help fight infection, and it also helps protect babies against ...

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies. It’s ea...

If you want to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to use a gradual process. To do this, over time you reduce the amount of milk that is removed from the breast. You can gradually reduce the number of times your baby feeds from the breast in a 24-hour ...

If you want to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to us...

Reduce the risk of food-related choking in babies and young children. Young children can choke on food quite easily. This is because they have small air and food passages, are still learning to move food around in their mouths and their biting, chew...

Reduce the risk of food-related choking in babies ...

There is no age when toddlers should stop breastfeeding – it’s up to you and your child to decide. There are benefits to feeding older babies and toddlers, and it may help to talk to your family about these. The World Health Organization recommends t...

There is no age when toddlers should stop breastfe...

Breastfeeding your baby beyond the first year of their life is good for their health and nutrition. (It should be combined with increasing amounts of complementary foods.) Benefits for the toddler Breastfeeding helps protect your toddler from acute ...

Breastfeeding your baby beyond the first year of t...

It may help if you can figure out why they are telling you this, with the understanding that you decide what you want or are able to do. Is it because you’re about to return to paid employment? Is it that your wh?nau/family want to help look after b...

It may help if you can figure out why they are tel...

Babies should be exclusively breastfed until they’re around six months old. You should continue breastfeeding until they’re at least one year of age – or beyond. Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against viruses, bacterial infections and disease...

Babies should be exclusively breastfed until they’...

Are there risks with formula feeding? If so, what are they? The compositions of breast milk and formula have important differences. Babies are at greater risk of infection with formula, as people may: use ineffective sterilisation techniques use uns...

Are there risks with formula feeding? If so, what ...

Breast milk is the only food your baby needs for the first six months – but after that it’s time for them to start learning about solids. Keep breastfeeding while you introduce other foods that complement or add to the nutritients provided by breast...

Breast milk is the only food your baby needs for t...

Some people say breastfeeding is a baby’s first immunisation. The early breast milk (colostrum) is thick and full of specialised living cells to give a baby the first big immunological boost which is then continued on an ongoing basis with an establi...

Some people say breastfeeding is a baby’s first im...

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, then they don’t need extra fluids. Giving water or other drinks reduces the intake of breast milk, and Your baby will be less likely to meet their energy requirements. Exclusive breastfeeding also protects the...

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, then they d...