Maternal and child health

Infants in the first eight weeks have no control over their movements and all their physical activity is involuntary or reflex.

Young babies still have a notion that the whole of life is happening inside themselves, and they are 'making it all happen'.

Fun activities, such as shaking or banging objects, helps a baby understand they have an effect on the world.

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.

Between the age of one and two, your toddler understands they are a completely separate person from you.

Parents can be tricked into thinking our toddlers are more grown up than they really are.

Your child is starting to understand social skills like sharing and being kind, but they can only practise these skills for a short time while feeling safe and happy.

When toilet training your toddler, praise every little success and remain calm about accidents.

It might be valuable to occasionally evaluate the dynamics of your family to ensure that everyone is as happy as they could be.

Parenting is one of the most important tasks we undertake but it doesn't always come naturally.

The birth of your first child can significantly change your relationship with your partner and may impact on other relationships.

Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems.

Pregnancy and new parenthood are full of emotions – some good and some not so good. Just remember, you are not alone and there are lots of places to get support for your mental health.

Use help and advice from family, friends and healthcare services to stay healthy, happy and well supported during the first few weeks after childbirth.

It is important to consult with your doctor or midwife before embarking on any postnatal exercise program - you may need more time than you think to heal from childbirth.

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.

Being immunised from an early age helps protect your child against serious childhood infections.

Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.

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.

Dyslexia is a type of specific learning difficulty (SLD) in which the person has difficulties with language and words.

ASD is a complex disorder that affects a person's ability to interact with the world around them.

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but you are not on your own and there are plenty of professionals and groups who can help.

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) has a helpline offering information, referrals and counselling to anyone who is concerned about how they are (or someone else is) coping during and after pregnancy.

Learn about newborn care, including skin-to-skin bonding, bathing safely, postnatal recovery and depression.

Caring for a crying baby with colic can be stressful, so take some time out to calm down.

Reflux is common in babies and causes no pain or problems with weight gain in most babies.

Most babies get nappy rash at some stage, no matter how well they are cared for.

Information about the Victorian government's baby bundle program.

Your local Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service will be a great source of support after your baby is born.

My Health and Development Record is designed for parents to keep and record their child's milestones, health, growth, development and immunisations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Breastmilk or commercial infant formula is necessary for all babies less than 12 months.

Be guided by your baby and let them set the pace when weaning and introducing solid foods.

First foods for babies can be prepared easily and cheaply at home without salt, seasonings and sweeteners.

If you eat and enjoy fruit and vegetables every day, your child may eventually follow your lead.

Children have a natural ability to sense when they are hungry and when they are full.

Offer children the same foods as the family, with a variety of textures and flavours for balanced nutrition.

If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will notice and copy your wariness.

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.

Every child is at risk of tooth decay, but good feeding habits and oral care can help prevent decay in baby teeth.

A healthy diet, plenty of fluids, exercise and regular toilet habits can help relieve constipation in children

Never leave your most precious valuables, your children, alone in the car.

Most injuries to babies do not occur by chance - many are predictable and largely preventable.

Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets.

The best way to reduce the risk of injury to children is to remove a potentially dangerous item or add a safety product.

By making a few practical changes to your home, you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury to your child.

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.

Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.

Encourage your child to be SunSmart, whatever their age.

You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.

Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a 'big bed'. Try to be patient, loving and reassuring.

Your child may have only a few scary dreams a year, or be troubled by nightmares much more often.

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.

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.

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.

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 – Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, toddlers often sleep 12 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period.

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.

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 – It can be difficult to know whether your toddler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern.

You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.