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Newborn baby essentials

Routine health checks for babies and children

Routine checks with a child health nurse or GP help monitor your baby’s growth, development, stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.

How your baby gains weight

All babies gain weight at different rates. Understand your baby's healthy weight gain with guidelines on feeding, growth and developmental milestones.

How to know when your baby is well - video

Knowing that your baby is well gives you confidence and peace of mind as a parent.

Baby names

Here are some things to consider when choosing a name for your baby and how to register your baby's name in your state or territory.

Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Vaccinations and immunisation protect babies and children. Read more on why and when to vaccinate your child, and about side effects and costs.

Washing your baby

Learn how to safely bath your baby. Find out what you need to prepare before bath time and how to make this an enjoyable time for you both.

Umbilical cord care

Find out how to care for your newborn baby’s umbilical cord stump and belly button and read about what to do if the cord stump is not healing well.

About the fontanelle

Fontanelles are soft spots on a baby's head where the skull bones have not yet completely fused together. Learn what signs may be a health problem.

Poos and wees

Babies have very delicate skin and need changing soon after they wet themselves or passed a stool (poo) to prevent nappy rash and stop them from smell...

Nappies

Nappies are important in your baby's first two years of life. Learn about the different types, pros and cons and how to choose one.

Hiccups

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens), resulting in a hiccup sound being produced at the top of the windpip...

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