Child health (0-6)
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- Baby bath - preparation and safety (video)
Detailing on baby bathing from Royal Women's Hospital
- Baby bath - skin care (video)
Detail on baby skin care from Royal Women's Hospital
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.
- Childhood immunisation
Being immunised from an early age helps protect your child against serious childhood infections.
- Children and health services
There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria.
- Early support for a child with disabilities
For children diagnosed with a disability, getting the support they need as early as possible will give them the best chance of minimising the long-term effects of the disability.
- Immunisation – deciding which vaccines you need
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.
- Parenting services
Parenting is one of the most important tasks we undertake but it doesn't always come naturally.
- Anxiety and fear in children
You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings.
- Children and shyness
If your child's shyness is especially debilitating, you may like to consider professional help from a counsellor or psychologist.
- Children and sibling rivalry
Sibling rivalry is a common problem, particularly among children who are the same sex and close together in age.
- Discipline and children
Disciplining your child means teaching them responsible behaviour and self-control.
- Dummies
Dummy sucking should stop before school age to avoid teeth or mouth problems.
- Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a type of specific learning difficulty (SLD) in which the person has difficulties with language and words.
- Tantrums
When a young child is having a tantrum, it is because the emotional (limbic system) part of the brain is dominating the child's behaviour.
- Thumb sucking
Finger or thumb sucking should stop before school age to avoid mouth problems.
- Toddlers and fussy eating
If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will notice and copy your wariness.
- Toddlers and mealtime behaviour
Some toddlers do most of their eating on the run, refusing to sit down at the table at all.
- Baby bath - preparation and safety (video)
Detailing on baby bathing from Royal Women's Hospital
- Baby bath - skin care (video)
Detail on baby skin care from Royal Women's Hospital
- Child safety in the car
Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.
- Childhood immunisation
Being immunised from an early age helps protect your child against serious childhood infections.
- Children and health services
There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria.
- Melissa's story (video)
Melissa shares her story of how her baby caught chickenpox at 5 weeks old.
- Baby care - weaning
Be guided by your baby and let them set the pace when weaning and introducing solid foods.
- Bottle feeding - nutrition and safety
Breastmilk or commercial infant formula is necessary for all babies less than 12 months.
- Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding positioning and attachment come naturally to some babies and mothers, but many need time and practice to get it right.
- Breastfeeding - deciding when to stop
It is up to you and your baby to decide when breastfeeding should stop.
- Breastfeeding - expressing breastmilk
Expressing breast milk by hand is a cheap and convenient method.
- Breastfeeding and travel
Breastmilk protects your baby from illness and infection, so it is the safest drink for your baby while travelling.
- Breastfeeding and work
You can successfully combine breastfeeding with work if you have support from your employer, colleagues and family.
- Breastfeeding and your diet
Breastfeeding women need to eat regularly and include a wide variety of healthy foods in their diet.
- Lactose intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
- Death of a baby
Miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is a shattering event for those expecting a baby. Grief and anxiety about subsequent pregnancies are common in these circumstances but counselling can help.
- Sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI and SIDS)
You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.
- Trauma and children - newborns to two years
Babies and toddlers can be as affected by trauma as any other family member.
- Trauma and children - two to five years
Preschoolers may not have the words but will show their distress at traumatic events through changes in behaviour and functioning.
- Trauma and children – tips for parents
Tell your child the facts about a distressing or frightening experience using language they can understand.
- Child development (2) - three to six months
Young babies still have a notion that the whole of life is happening inside themselves, and they are 'making it all happen'.
- Child development (3) - six to nine months
Fun activities, such as shaking or banging objects, helps a baby understand they have an effect on the world.
- Child development (4) - nine to 12 months
At nine months your baby is moving around by crawling or pulling along with their arms. Safety is very important now. Your baby is also 'talking' with recognisable sounds and may even say simple words.
- Child development (5) - one to two years
Between the age of one and two, your toddler understands they are a completely separate person from you.
- Child development (6) - two to three years
Parents can be tricked into thinking our toddlers are more grown up than they really are.
- Children's feet and shoes
A child learning to walk receives important sensory information from the soles of their feet, and shoes can make walking more difficult.
- Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a type of specific learning difficulty (SLD) in which the person has difficulties with language and words.
- Growth charts for children
Babies and young children do not usually grow in a perfectly smooth way, but instead grow in 'bursts'.
- Teeth development in children
Teething symptoms are common in children and can be managed without medications.
- Toilet training
When toilet training your toddler, praise every little success and remain calm about accidents.
- Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies under 6 months of age
- Colic
Caring for a crying baby with colic can be stressful, so take some time out to calm down.
- Cradle cap
Cradle cap is not contagious and it is not caused by poor hygiene or bad parenting.
- Croup
Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough.
- Infant reflux
Reflux is common in babies and causes no pain or problems with weight gain in most babies.
- Nappy rash
Most babies get nappy rash at some stage, no matter how well they are cared for.
- Roseola infantum
Roseola is a mild viral infection with associated fever and rash that affects babies and young children.
- Baby care - weaning
Be guided by your baby and let them set the pace when weaning and introducing solid foods.
- Breakfast
People who skip breakfast may lack sufficient vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B2.
- Children's diet - fruit and vegetables
If you eat and enjoy fruit and vegetables every day, your child may eventually follow your lead.
- Eating tips for older toddlers
Offer children the same foods as the family, with a variety of textures and flavours for balanced nutrition.
- Eating tips for young toddlers
Children have a natural ability to sense when they are hungry and when they are full.
- Introducing solid foods for babies
First foods for babies can be prepared easily and cheaply at home without salt, seasonings and sweeteners.
- Iron and iron deficiency
About iron and iron deficiency - symptoms, stages, causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, who is at risk, daily intake, food sources and supplements.
- Soft drinks, juice and sweet drinks - children
Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts.
- Toddlers and fussy eating
If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will notice and copy your wariness.
- Toddlers and mealtime behaviour
Some toddlers do most of their eating on the run, refusing to sit down at the table at all.
- Maternal and child health - visit 1 - first visit at home
This is your first key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.
- Maternal and child health - visit 2 - two week visit
This is your two week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.
- Maternal and child health - visit 3 - four week visit
This is your four week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.
- Maternal and child health - visit 4 - eight week visit
This is your eight week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.
- Maternal and child health - visit 5 - four month visit
This is your four month key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.
- Maternal and child health - visit 6 - eight month visit
This is your sixth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.
- Maternal and child health - visit 7 - twelve month visit
This is your seventh key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.
- Maternal and child health - visit 8 - eighteen month visit
This is your eighth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.
- Maternal and child health - visit 9 - two year visit
When your child turns two, it is time for their second from last key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.
- Maternal and child health – visit 10 - three and a half year visit
When your child turns three-and-a-half, it is time for their final key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.
- Baby bath - preparation and safety (video)
Detailing on baby bathing from Royal Women's Hospital
- Baby bath - skin care (video)
Detail on baby skin care from Royal Women's Hospital
- Jaundice in babies
If your baby is full-term and healthy, mild jaundice is nothing to worry about and will resolve by itself within a week or so.
- Newborn bloodspot screening
Every newborn baby in Australia is offered a test for the rare medical conditions of phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
PKU is an inherited disorder that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods.
- Premature babies
Sometimes premature labour can be delayed to increase a baby's chance of survival.
- Sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI and SIDS)
You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.
- Vitamin K and newborn babies
With low levels of vitamin K, some babies can have severe bleeding into the brain, causing significant brain damage.
- Babies and safety
Most injuries to babies do not occur by chance - many are predictable and largely preventable.
- Baby care - moving from cot to bed
Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a 'big bed'. Try to be patient, loving and reassuring.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.
- Child safety in the car
Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.
- Evacuating with infants in an emergency - Advice for parents and carers
In an emergency, it is recommended that all infants and their carers evacuate early or immediately when advised by emergency services.
- Family violence and children
Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems.
- Farm safety – children
Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury and death than their parents or other farm workers.
- Poisoning and child safety
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately if you suspect your child has been poisoned, given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine.
- Road and traffic safety for children
As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety, and become safer road users.
- Sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI and SIDS)
You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.
- Water safety for children
Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.
- Baby care - moving from cot to bed
Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a 'big bed'. Try to be patient, loving and reassuring.
- Sleep - children and naps
A child needs a daytime nap until they are around 2 and a half to 3 years of age.
- Sleep - children and nightmares
Your child may have only a few scary dreams a year, or be troubled by nightmares much more often.
- Sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI and SIDS)
You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.
- Typical sleep behaviour (1) – newborns 0 to 3 months
Newborn sleep patterns and behaviours - Newborns generally sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period and do not know the difference between day and night.
- Typical sleep behaviour (2) – babies 3 to 6 months
Baby sleep patterns and behaviours (3 to 6 months) – At this age, babies generally sleep 10 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period and need your help to settle and go to sleep.
- Typical sleep behaviour (3) – babies 6 to 12 months
Baby sleep patterns and behaviours (6 to 12 months) – From about the age of 6 months, your baby’s sleep patterns gradually become more developed.
- Typical sleep behaviour (4) – toddlers 1 to 2 years
Toddler sleep patterns and behaviours (1 to 2 years) – From approximately 12 months of age, toddlers tend to sleep better.
- Typical sleep behaviour (5) – toddlers 2 to 3 years
Typical sleep behaviour – (5) toddlers 2 to 3 years – Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, toddlers often sleep 12 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Typical sleep behaviour (6) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years
Typical sleep behaviour – (6) preschoolers 3 to 5 years – Preschoolers aged between three and five years sleep between 10 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Preventing sleep concerns (7) – babies 0 to 6 months
Preventing sleep concerns (7) – babies 0 to 6 months – To strengthen the bond with your baby as they grow, you need to provide lots of love, attention and different experiences.
- Preventing sleep concerns (8) – babies 6 to 12 months
Preventing sleep concerns (8) – babies 6 to 12 months – To strengthen the bond with your baby as they grow, you need to provide lots of love, attention and different experiences.
- Preventing sleep concerns (9) – toddlers 1 to 3 years
Preventing sleep concerns (9) – toddlers 1 to 3 years – To strengthen the bond with your baby as they grow, you need to provide lots of love, attention and different experiences.
- Preventing sleep concerns (10) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years
Preventing sleep concerns (10) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years – It is important that your preschooler feels secure and loved. You can do this by responding to them in a warm and positive way.
- Solutions to sleep concerns (11) - babies 6 to 12 months
Solutions to sleep concerns (11) - babies 6-12 months - If your baby’s sleeping patterns are not affecting you or your family and you have strategies that work, then you do not have a sleep concern.
- Solutions to sleep concerns (12) – toddlers 1 to 3 years
Solutions to sleep concerns (12) – toddlers 1 to 3 years – It can be difficult to know whether your toddler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern.
- Solutions to sleep concerns (13) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years
Solutions to sleep concerns (13) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years – It can be difficult to know whether your preschooler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern.
- Self-care and support for parents and caregivers of young children (14)
Self-care and support for parents and carers of young children (14) – The birth of a baby is a very exciting, happy and rewarding time your life.