All genders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to a range of preventable birth defects and disorders caused when a developing baby is exposed to alcohol before they are born. There is no known safe amount or time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Paracetamol is a medicine to help reduce pain. Too much paracetamol can harm your child. Always measure doses exactly and check the strength - there are different strengths. There have also been recent changes in the funded brands of paracetamol.

Watch videos of young babies affected by whooping cough. They show just how severe the disease can be.

A series of 6 video clips featuring Melanie Mora and her family. Mel is mother to 3 boys - Jamie, Ryan and Ethan. She talks about her experience of receiving a post-birth diagnosis of Down syndrome for her middle son Ryan.

Meet Mel and her family in a series of video clips. Mel is mother to 3 boys - Jamie, Ryan and Ethan. Her middle son Ryan was diagnosed after birth with Down syndrome.

When you use a health or disability service in Aotearoa New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights. 

Constipation is when your child has hard poo and doesn't poo for 3 or more days. It's a common problem in childhood.

The effects of abuse and neglect can be very harmful and may last a lifetime. All tamariki deserve to feel safe and have their needs met. It is crucial that everyone keeps an eye out for the children in our community. 

Play is how pēpē (babies) and tamariki (children) learn best. We don't need to formally 'teach' our young children in order for them to learn. Ordinary household objects such as boxes, blankets, pots and pans can provide many hours of fun and learning.

You can build on the learning your child is gaining at home by enrolling them in early learning services. When choosing an early childhood education service, think about what's important for you and what will work best for you and your child.

Babies and children with meningococcal disease can get sick very quickly. Call 111 in New Zealand if your child seems very ill, especially if there is a rash.

Helpful resources and services if your child has a genetic or rare disorder.

Dial 111 in New Zealand from any phone if you need medical help in an emergency. You can call this emergency number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At-a-glance information on a range of childhood infections - how they are spread, early symptoms, time between exposure and sickness, exclusion from school and day care.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes cough, fever and problems with breathing. Most tamariki (children) make a complete recovery from pneumonia.

Call Healthline free. If you need advice about a child who is unwell, call 0800 611 116 anytime. For COVID-19 health advice call 0800 358 5453 anytime. For COVID-19 vaccination advice call 0800 29 29 26 (8am - 8pm 7 days a week).