Babies & Pregnancy topics
- Alcohol, smoking and drug use in pregnancy
- Baby and child nutrition
- Baby's health
- Blood and the rhesus factor
- Child-rearing and child development
- Childbirth and pain relief
Baby's health
Learn all about the health issues that you could encounter with your baby.
Animation: newborn baby's senses
Take a look at our animation on newborn baby senses, keeping in mind that not all babies develop at the same rate.
Antibiotics and children
Antibiotics: what are they and when does my child need them? Also, how to use antibiotics correctly and side effects of antibiotics.
Asthma and babies
Is your baby wheezing? It could be asthma or it could be something else. Learn all about babies and asthma here.
Autism risk high in siblings
The risk of autism in babies with an affected brother or sister is around one in 5 - higher than previously thought - a study has found.
Autism spectrum disorders
Usually detected in early childhood, autism spectrum disorders cause problems with social understanding, behaviour and communication. Find out the symptoms and causes of these disorders.
Babies and vomiting
Many small babies who vomit regularly after feeds have reflux, when the contents of their stomach flow back up the passage between the stomach and the mouth.
Baby sling warning after death of newborn
Death of a baby carried in a sling carrier has prompted doctors to warn that babies in slings should have their heads facing outwards and faces uncovered.
Baby's health: the Apgar score
Find out about the Apgar newborn scoring system, the standardised technique that doctors use to determine the health of a baby within 5 minutes of its birth.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection that affects mainly babies under a year old and may cause breathing difficulties, wheeze and a cough.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is a highly infectious disease which mostly affects children.
Chickenpox complications
Chickenpox is usually a mild viral illness, but serious complications sometimes occur.
Circumcision benefit small against sexually transmitted infections
Circumcision may confer only minimal protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Australian research shows.
Circumcision: US experts review current advice
US paediatricians are reviewing whether to change their position on circumcision for newborn boys as the evidence of benefits linked to the procedure grows.
Cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects of the upper lip and palate (roof of the mouth). Find out about the causes, treatments and associated problems.
Colic in infants
Colic is a pattern of unexplained, persistent crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect where there is an abnormal hole in the diaphragm, which allows some of the abdominal organs to protrude into the chest.
Cough
Although coughs may be a sign of a serious condition, this is usually not the case.
Croup
Croup is a viral infection affecting the larynx (voice box) and trachea (upper part of the windpipe).
Croup: symptoms and treatments
Croup, an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), is usually caused by an acute viral infection.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become more watery or more frequent than usual, or both.
Down syndrome
Down syndrome is caused by a chromosome abnormality. Antenatal screening tests can identify women at greater risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis still on the rise
Eosinophilic oesophagitis - inflammation of the oesophagus often caused by food allergy - is increasing in Australia, expert says.
Fever
A fever is when the body temperature rises above normal. Find out about taking a temperature, how to treat a fever, and when to see your doctor.
Fifth disease
Erythema infectiosum (EI), often referred to as the Vth (fifth) disease, is due to a virus known as parvovirus B19.
Hearing problems in children
Poor hearing is a serious problem for children, affecting the ability to speak, read and be educated.
Hydrocoeles
Hydrocoeles are fluid-filled bags occurring in the scrotum.
Infrared thermometers fail test for children with fever
Infrared skin thermometers and tympanic (ear) thermometers are not as accurate as traditional thermometers for detecting fever in children, studies suggest.
Iodine deficiency still common in pregnant women
Iodine deficiency is common in pregnant women in Australia, despite compulsory bread fortification, and few pregnant women know about the importance of iodine.
Jeans for Genes Day
Jeans for Genes is a fundraising event to support research by the Children's Medical Research Institute into the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases.
Low-birth-weight babies
Babies are considered of low birth weight if they weigh less than 2500 g at birth. Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of disabilities.
Measles vaccination
Measles is a highly infectious virus infection that now occurs rarely in Australia due to widespread vaccination.
Measles: what you need to know
Measles is a very infectious illness that mostly affects children. It is caused by a virus and is spread from child to child by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing.
Meningitis in children
Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges - the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Meningitis: signs and symptoms
Meningitis can occur suddenly and requires immediate treatment by a doctor. Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Mumps
Find out about the symptoms, treatment, and complications of mumps, as well as how to prevent this disease.
Nappy rash treatments
Nappy rash can be treated using a number of different over the counter medications, depending on the cause. These include barrier creams, anti-fungal preparations and products containing hydrocortisone.
Newborn screening tests
Newborn screening tests can detect rare but serious genetic or metabolic disorders in newborn babies.
Pneumococcal disease: what you need to know
Pneumococcal disease refers to illness caused by infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (sometimes shortened to Strep. pneumoniae).
Polio: what you need to know
Polio is an infectious disease that can cause permanent muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
Reflux in children
Many babies and small children experience heartburn, or acid reflux.
Rubella
Rubella (also called German measles) is generally a mild illness caused by a virus, but it can cause birth defects if pregnant women become infected.
Teething
Most children will get their first tooth between the age of 5 and 9 months.
Teething problems
The discomfort of teething, or erupting teeth, is experienced by all babies and begins at around 6 months.
Temperatures and febrile convulsions in children
A raised temperature (fever) is a common event in childhood, but there are some steps that can help.
Toddler injury risk from baby bottles
Toddlers are injured by their bottles, training cups and dummies at surprisingly high rates, a study shows.
Undescended testicles
About 4 or 5 out of every 100 boys are born with undescended testicles - a condition known as cryptorchidism.
Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most important public health measures in the world.
Vaccination: Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule
An easy guide to the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule showing which immunisations and vaccines you need.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection that can affect children, especially those under 1, but it can be prevented with vaccination.
Whooping cough overview
Whooping cough is a highly infectious disease that causes sudden attacks of coughing that often end in a high-pitched whooping sound.
Whooping cough rising in vaccinated children
Whooping cough (pertussis) is being increasingly seen in vaccinated primary school-aged children, experts say, suggesting a risk to younger siblings and a need for booster vaccination at age 18 months.
Yellow fever vaccine virus transmitted through breastfeeding
A baby was infected with the vaccine strain of yellow fever virus through breastfeeding after his mother was vaccinated, Canadian doctors report.
Take a look at our animation on newborn baby senses, keeping in mind that not all babies develop at the same rate.
Antibiotics and children
Antibiotics: what are they and when does my child need them? Also, how to use antibiotics correctly and side effects of antibiotics.
Asthma and babies
Is your baby wheezing? It could be asthma or it could be something else. Learn all about babies and asthma here.
Autism risk high in siblings
The risk of autism in babies with an affected brother or sister is around one in 5 - higher than previously thought - a study has found.
Autism spectrum disorders
Usually detected in early childhood, autism spectrum disorders cause problems with social understanding, behaviour and communication. Find out the symptoms and causes of these disorders.
Babies and vomiting
Many small babies who vomit regularly after feeds have reflux, when the contents of their stomach flow back up the passage between the stomach and the mouth.
Baby sling warning after death of newborn
Death of a baby carried in a sling carrier has prompted doctors to warn that babies in slings should have their heads facing outwards and faces uncovered.
Baby's health: the Apgar score
Find out about the Apgar newborn scoring system, the standardised technique that doctors use to determine the health of a baby within 5 minutes of its birth.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection that affects mainly babies under a year old and may cause breathing difficulties, wheeze and a cough.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is a highly infectious disease which mostly affects children.
Chickenpox complications
Chickenpox is usually a mild viral illness, but serious complications sometimes occur.
Circumcision benefit small against sexually transmitted infections
Circumcision may confer only minimal protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Australian research shows.
Circumcision: US experts review current advice
US paediatricians are reviewing whether to change their position on circumcision for newborn boys as the evidence of benefits linked to the procedure grows.
Cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects of the upper lip and palate (roof of the mouth). Find out about the causes, treatments and associated problems.
Colic in infants
Colic is a pattern of unexplained, persistent crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect where there is an abnormal hole in the diaphragm, which allows some of the abdominal organs to protrude into the chest.
Cough
Although coughs may be a sign of a serious condition, this is usually not the case.
Croup
Croup is a viral infection affecting the larynx (voice box) and trachea (upper part of the windpipe).
Croup: symptoms and treatments
Croup, an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), is usually caused by an acute viral infection.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become more watery or more frequent than usual, or both.
Down syndrome
Down syndrome is caused by a chromosome abnormality. Antenatal screening tests can identify women at greater risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis still on the rise
Eosinophilic oesophagitis - inflammation of the oesophagus often caused by food allergy - is increasing in Australia, expert says.
Fever
A fever is when the body temperature rises above normal. Find out about taking a temperature, how to treat a fever, and when to see your doctor.
Fifth disease
Erythema infectiosum (EI), often referred to as the Vth (fifth) disease, is due to a virus known as parvovirus B19.
Hearing problems in children
Poor hearing is a serious problem for children, affecting the ability to speak, read and be educated.
Hydrocoeles
Hydrocoeles are fluid-filled bags occurring in the scrotum.
Infrared thermometers fail test for children with fever
Infrared skin thermometers and tympanic (ear) thermometers are not as accurate as traditional thermometers for detecting fever in children, studies suggest.
Iodine deficiency still common in pregnant women
Iodine deficiency is common in pregnant women in Australia, despite compulsory bread fortification, and few pregnant women know about the importance of iodine.
Jeans for Genes Day
Jeans for Genes is a fundraising event to support research by the Children's Medical Research Institute into the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases.
Low-birth-weight babies
Babies are considered of low birth weight if they weigh less than 2500 g at birth. Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of disabilities.
Measles vaccination
Measles is a highly infectious virus infection that now occurs rarely in Australia due to widespread vaccination.
Measles: what you need to know
Measles is a very infectious illness that mostly affects children. It is caused by a virus and is spread from child to child by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing.
Meningitis in children
Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges - the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Meningitis: signs and symptoms
Meningitis can occur suddenly and requires immediate treatment by a doctor. Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Mumps
Find out about the symptoms, treatment, and complications of mumps, as well as how to prevent this disease.
Nappy rash treatments
Nappy rash can be treated using a number of different over the counter medications, depending on the cause. These include barrier creams, anti-fungal preparations and products containing hydrocortisone.
Newborn screening tests
Newborn screening tests can detect rare but serious genetic or metabolic disorders in newborn babies.
Pneumococcal disease: what you need to know
Pneumococcal disease refers to illness caused by infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (sometimes shortened to Strep. pneumoniae).
Polio: what you need to know
Polio is an infectious disease that can cause permanent muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
Reflux in children
Many babies and small children experience heartburn, or acid reflux.
Rubella
Rubella (also called German measles) is generally a mild illness caused by a virus, but it can cause birth defects if pregnant women become infected.
Teething
Most children will get their first tooth between the age of 5 and 9 months.
Teething problems
The discomfort of teething, or erupting teeth, is experienced by all babies and begins at around 6 months.
Temperatures and febrile convulsions in children
A raised temperature (fever) is a common event in childhood, but there are some steps that can help.
Toddler injury risk from baby bottles
Toddlers are injured by their bottles, training cups and dummies at surprisingly high rates, a study shows.
Undescended testicles
About 4 or 5 out of every 100 boys are born with undescended testicles - a condition known as cryptorchidism.
Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most important public health measures in the world.
Vaccination: Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule
An easy guide to the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule showing which immunisations and vaccines you need.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection that can affect children, especially those under 1, but it can be prevented with vaccination.
Whooping cough overview
Whooping cough is a highly infectious disease that causes sudden attacks of coughing that often end in a high-pitched whooping sound.
Whooping cough rising in vaccinated children
Whooping cough (pertussis) is being increasingly seen in vaccinated primary school-aged children, experts say, suggesting a risk to younger siblings and a need for booster vaccination at age 18 months.
Yellow fever vaccine virus transmitted through breastfeeding
A baby was infected with the vaccine strain of yellow fever virus through breastfeeding after his mother was vaccinated, Canadian doctors report.
Support and Services
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- SIDS
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Parenting information
- Paediatric bowel disorders
- Nursing mothers
- Neonatal death
- Multiple births
- Lactation
- Hirschsprung's disease
- Genetic disorders
- Gastroesophageal reflux (children)
- Fragile X syndrome
- Eczema
- Down syndrome
- Cot death
- Congenital disease
- Congenital abnormalities
- Cleft palate and lip
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Children with disabilities
- Child and adolescent health, care and well-being services
- Breastfeeding
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