Parenting Your Baby In Their First 6 Weeks

'Baby blues'

You may feel down after having a baby – known as the 'baby blues'. If the blues don't go away, you may be developing postnatal depression. Ask for help.

See the Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand website for information about postnatal depression. 

When your baby cries

All pēpi (babies) cry. Responding to their crying will make baby feel secure and safe.

See KidsHealth for tips on what you can do when your baby cries.  

Smoke-free environment

Make sure your baby's environment is smoke-free. Cigarette smoke is very harmful for your baby.

If you want to give up smoking:

• call the free Quitline Me Mutu on 0800 778 778 or text 4006
• check out the website Quitline
• ask a health professional

Enrolling with a general practice

It's important to enrol your baby with a general practice at birth or as soon as possible after that.

See KidsHealth for information about enrolling your child with a general practice.

Pēpi and young tamariki (children) get sick often – it's a normal part of childhood. Get help quickly if your child shows any danger signs. 

See KidsHealth for advice about when to seek help if your child is sick.

Call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 for parenting advice.