Newborn Babies

Spend time with your new baby to get to know them, and as you develop a bond they get to know you too. This lets your baby feel safe and free to learn and explore, and helps them to form relationships throughout their life. Check this section for advice about caring for your newborn baby. You could also check our section on breastfeeding

Face of a newborn baby




Some babies will need home oxygen to help with their breathing.

Immunisation on time is the most effective way to protect pregnant mums, babies and children from preventable disease.

Iron is important for brain development and making new red blood cells to prevent a low red blood cell count.

The heel prick test is a blood test - it involves collecting a sample of blood from your baby's heel 48 hours after their birth. The test is part of the Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme. Early detection and diagnosis means that treatment can start quickly, before a baby becomes sick. Metabolic disorders are hard to find without screening. 

Immunisation protects against rotavirus - a common tummy bug that children catch easily. Rotavirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea (runny, watery poo/tūtae).


The best way to protect your baby against whooping cough is to immunise them on time.

Vitamin D helps your baby use calcium to build and maintain strong bones.

Babies have low levels of vitamin K in their bodies at birth. Without vitamin K, babies are at risk of getting a rare bleeding disorder. A single vitamin K injection at birth is the most effective way of preventing this.