The first year with your pēpi (baby)

Being a parent can be the best and hardest thing you have ever done — especially during the first year. There is a lot to think about, from changes to your body, safe sleeping, feeding, and your mental health.

Immunisations for babies and toddlers

Free immunisations for your pēpi are due at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 12 months, and 15 months.
Coping with a crying pēpi (baby)

Tips to help you cope with a crying pēpi.
Looking after yourself

To look after your pēpi (baby) well you need to look after yourself too.
Infant formula feeding

A commercial infant formula product can be used as an alternative to breast milk until your pēpi (baby) is 1 year old.
Postnatal depression

You may feel down after having your pēpi (baby). These feelings usually only last a couple of days. If they do not, you may be developing postnatal depression.
Sex after having a pēpi (baby)

After your pēpi is born you may feel that having sex is the last thing you want to do. Some people have sex within the first few weeks, for others it may be several months later.
Sickness — danger signs in children

Babies and young children get sick often — it is a normal part of childhood. They will usually get better after a few days. Learn about the danger signs to look out for.
Teething

Most pēpi (babies) start to show their pēpi teeth when they are around 6 months old. As the teeth push through their gums, pēpi can become irritable. They may have unsettled sleep, drool or dribble more and may go off their food a bit.
Your baby's poos

You may find yourself wondering about your baby’s poos and what is normal. Your baby’s poo is a good health indicator and there are things you can look out for to make sure it is normal.
Vitamin D and your baby

Vitamin D helps our bodies use calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Low levels of vitamin D in pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) can cause rickets.