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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.

Babies and toddlers

Free immunisations for your pēpi are due at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 12 months, and 15 months.

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). If the feelings do not go away after a couple of days, you may be developing postnatal depression.

Danger signs

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

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.