Your baby and the first few weeks

Bringing your baby home can be overwhelming, especially for new parents. Discover health checks and support services to help during those early weeks.

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Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Learn more about how antibiotics work, how to take them and antibiotic resistance.

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Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine. Read what doxycycline is used for, how it works, its risks and what to do if you miss a dose.

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Penicillin

Penicillin is the name of a widely used and effective group of antibiotic medicines. Read more on safety, side effects, and signs of allergy.

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Cefalexin (Cephalexin)

Cefalexin is used to treat bacterial infections. Read how cefalexin works; what the risks are and other treatment options available.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect many parts of your body. Find out about bacterial infections, how they are treated and how to stop them spreading.

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Medicines information

Learn more about a range of medicines, such as pain relief medicines, antidepressants and medicines for children.

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Babies' and toddlers' health

Knowing and understanding the health risks of young children is an important part of being a parent. Learn about health issues like breastfeeding, croup and fevers in young children.

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Assisted vaginal delivery (antenatal use)

An assisted vaginal delivery is a common procedure and is usually a safe method of delivery for you and your baby.

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Baby teeth

Baby teeth start to come through the gums at about 6 months and have usually all appeared by 2 to 3 years of age. Learn how to care for baby teeth.

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Water safety for babies and children

Babies can drown in as little as 5cm (two inches) of water. Drowning is silent so you won’t necessarily hear any noise or struggle.

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How your baby gains weight

All babies gain weight at different rates. Understand your baby's healthy weight gain with guidelines on feeding, growth and developmental milestones.

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Dental care for babies and children

Learn about tooth development in babies and children, brushing teeth, flossing, tooth decay, other dental problems and when to see a dentist.

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Developmental milestones in babies and children

Track your baby’s growth and learnings with developmental milestones. Discover when to expect progress, recognise issues, and seek professional help.

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Feeding your newborn baby

One of the most important choices you need to make as a new parent is how you will feed your baby. Find out about the different options available.

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Breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. Find out all you need to know about breastfeeding.

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Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infection that mostly affects your skin and nerves. Leprosy is rare in Australia and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

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Medicines for babies and children

Get practical and reliable advice on giving your sick infant or child medicine, including help with measuring dosage and managing side effects.

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Fever in babies and children - infographic

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more with this infographic about fever in children.

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Nappy rash

Most babies will get nappy rash at some point in their first 18 months. Find out more, including how to recognise, treat and prevent nappy rash.

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Symptoms of serious illness in babies and children

If your child has a serious illness, it's important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.

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Group B streptococcal infection

Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about prevention, symptoms and treatment, including in babies and pregnancy.

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Antifungal medicines

Antifungal medicines come in many forms including creams and tablets. Treatment choice depends on where the infection is and how severe it is.

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Postnatal depression

Many women experience the 'baby blues' after pregnancy, but when low feelings persist beyond these early days, it may be postnatal depression.

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Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here's how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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Clubfoot

Clubfoot is when one or both of your baby's feet are pointed and twisted. Some babies are born with it. Clubfoot does not hurt and can be treated.

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Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby's spine from early pregnancy. Having enough folate in your diet lowers your baby’s risk.

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection. It is rare in Australia, due to routine vaccination of babies. Learn about Hib symptoms.

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MumMoodBooster online program

MumMoodBooster from PIRI is an evidence-based treatment for postnatal depression. MumMoodBooster is designed to help women anywhere in Australia who are experiencing depression after the birth of their baby (postnatal depression).

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Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies that affects their breathing. Urgent treatment can be needed. Find out when to call for help.

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