Three in-depth guides by our contributing medical writer, Claudia López-Morago, PhD, a biologist specialising in paediatric nutrition. Every source is listed at the end of each guide.
Pregnant, can I eat it? Foods to avoid in pregnancy in Ireland (HSE)
Can you eat feta, smoked salmon, prawns or pâté when pregnant? The HSE list of foods to avoid in Ireland, food by food, plus the Christmas table.
Newborn jaundice in Ireland: signs, feeding and when to call
Newborn jaundice: why it turns skin and eyes yellow, how long it lasts, how to feed a jaundiced baby and when to call your GP, midwife or PHN. From the HSE.
Pain relief in labour in Ireland: epidural, gas and air
Your pain relief options in labour in Ireland: gas and air, pethidine, the epidural, TENS and self-help, with how each works and its side effects. From the HSE.
What is corrected age for a premature baby? (with calculator)
Corrected age for a premature baby: what it means, how to work it out with our calculator, and when to start solids. Based on the HSE pages.
Breastfeeding breaks at work in Ireland: your rights and a plan
Breastfeeding at work in Ireland: 1 paid hour a day until your child turns 2, how to tell your employer, expressing and storing milk, from the HSE.
6 week check in Ireland: what the GP checks for baby and you
The 6 week check in Ireland: your GP checks your baby's hips, heart and eyes and your own recovery in one free visit. Plus the 2 week check. From the HSE.
Having your baby at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH)
Pregnant and booked into CUMH in Cork? How you get booked in, the scans, classes, the early pregnancy unit, visiting and contacts, from the HSE.
Having your baby at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin
Booking in at the Rotunda: how to book, the 12 to 14 week booking visit, what to bring, scans, classes, the early pregnancy unit, visiting and parking.
Having your baby at Holles Street (National Maternity Hospital)
Booking in at Holles Street: the online booking form, care options, scans, classes, early pregnancy scans, the 24 hour emergency room, visiting and parking.
Free GP visits under 8 in Ireland: how to register your baby
Every child under 8 living in Ireland can get free GP visits with the under 8s GP visit card: what it covers, the PPS numbers you need and how to register online.
Heel prick test in Ireland: what it checks and when
The newborn heel prick test in Ireland: done at 3 to 5 days old by your midwife or PHN, screens for 11 rare conditions, how you get the result. From the HSE.
RSV immunisation for babies in Ireland: who gets it this winter?
Who gets free RSV immunisation in Ireland this season and where, how long it protects, its side effects and the HSE signs of bronchiolitis that need urgent help.
How to register a birth in Ireland: steps, forms and timing
How to register your baby's birth in Ireland: when to book, the form and ID to bring, what changes if you are not married and how the PPS number follows.
Tax credits for new parents in Ireland: what you can claim
The tax credits new parents in Ireland can claim: the Home Carer Tax Credit, the Single Person Child Carer Credit and relief on maternity care, with 2027 rates.
Parent's Benefit Ireland 2027: 9 weeks each and how to apply
Parent's Benefit in Ireland is 299 euro a week for up to 9 weeks for each parent in 2026, rising to 309 euro from January 2027. Who qualifies, PRSI and how to apply.
Vaccines in pregnancy in Ireland: flu and whooping cough
The two vaccines the HSE recommends in pregnancy in Ireland: the flu vaccine, free at any stage from October, and the whooping cough vaccine between week 16 and 36.
One app for pregnancy and the baby? How Lullagram does it
One app from trying for a baby through pregnancy to the baby tracker: what stays free, how partners share it and what happens to your pregnancy after the birth.
Signs of labour and when to go to hospital in Ireland
The signs that labour is starting, how to time contractions, Braxton Hicks or the real thing, your waters breaking and when to call your maternity unit, from the HSE.
Paternity Benefit Ireland 2027: how much and how to apply
Paternity Benefit in Ireland is 299 euro a week for 2 weeks in 2026, rising to 309 euro from January 2027. Who qualifies, PRSI and how to apply on MyWelfare.
Child Benefit Ireland: amount, payment dates and how to apply
Child Benefit in Ireland is 140 euro a month per child. Payment dates, twins, the 280 euro New Baby Grant, how to apply after the birth and who to contact.
Nappy rash: how to treat it and when to see a GP
How to treat nappy rash at home with HSE advice: cleaning, nappy-free time, barrier cream, wipes and talc, thrush, and when to contact your GP in Ireland.
Budget 2027 Ireland: what it means for parents and families
Tax credits, USC, Maternity Benefit, childcare and Child Benefit in Budget 2027: what you save and when each change starts.
Clocks going back: helping your baby's sleep in Ireland
The clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026. What it means for your baby's bedtime, two simple ways to adjust and the HSE sleep advice that helps.
Pregnancy scans in Ireland: when they happen and what is free
Which scans the HSE offers, when the dating scan and the anatomy scan happen, whether you get a 6 or 8 week scan and what is free in Ireland.
1 month old baby: what to expect, sleep, feeds and milestones
What a 1 month old usually does, how much they sleep and feed, the HSE milestones, the 2 and 6 week GP checks in Ireland and when to call the GP or PHN.
Which baby tracker app can both parents use?
Our pick is Lullagram, made in Ireland: both parents log feeds, sleep and nappies on their own phones and see each other's logs straight away. Twins too.
Is there an IVF app in Ireland?
Our pick is Lullagram: free IVF tools for treatment dates, injections with reminders and appointments, made in Ireland. Plus the other apps people use.
Baby milestones by month: what to expect from 0 to 12 months
What the HSE says most babies do at each age from birth to 12 months, and when to talk to your public health nurse or GP in Ireland.
Early signs of pregnancy: how do you know if you're pregnant?
The early signs of pregnancy, when they usually start, when to take a test and how accurate home tests are, with HSE guidance for Ireland.
Just found out you're pregnant? What to do next in Ireland
Just found out you're pregnant? Folic acid, your first GP visit, free maternity care, what to avoid and your rights at work in Ireland.
The three trimesters of pregnancy, week by week
The three trimesters of pregnancy week by week: what happens to your baby and to you, plus the scans and appointments in Ireland, using HSE weeks.
Public, semi-private or private maternity care in Ireland?
Public, semi-private or private maternity care in Ireland: what each means, what the free scheme covers, how health insurance works and what to ask.
Antenatal classes in Ireland: when to start and are they free?
Antenatal classes in Ireland: free at public maternity units, when to book, what they cover, partners, time off work, online and breastfeeding classes.
C-section in Ireland: what to expect
Planned or emergency C-section in Ireland: what happens on the day, the recovery timeline, driving, lifting, feeding and the warning signs to watch for.
How much does a crèche cost in Ireland?
Crèche costs in Ireland as of September 2026: the new maximum fee caps, NCS subsidies from €2.14 an hour, free ECCE preschool and how to budget.
How do I find and choose a crèche in Ireland?
How to find a crèche or childminder near you in Ireland: Tusla inspection reports, your Childcare Committee, legal ratios and what to ask on a visit.
When should I keep my child home from crèche?
HSE guidance on keeping your child home from crèche in Ireland: temperature, the 48 hour rule after vomiting, common bugs and the leave you can take.
How to baby-proof your home: a room-by-room checklist
A room-by-room baby-proofing checklist for Irish homes, stage by stage from newborn to walking, based on HSE child safety advice. Poisons line included.
Baby shower gift ideas parents in Ireland will actually use
Practical baby shower gift ideas by budget, gifts for the parent-to-be, group gifts and the safety checks worth knowing, for baby showers in Ireland.
Can I start weaning my baby at 4 months? Readiness signs, first foods and the HSE guidance
The HSE's 17-week minimum, the three real signs of readiness and what to offer first.
When to introduce allergens to your baby: the 3-day rule myth, and what the HSE actually says
Why the 3-day rule is a myth, how to start peanut and egg, eczema and the signs of a reaction.
Iron-rich foods for your baby: signs of low iron, and how much you actually need
Signs of low iron, the best iron-rich foods and what baby-led weaning changes.
When do babies sleep through the night? The honest ranges
Sleeping through usually means a 6 to 8 hour stretch, not 12. The honest ranges by age, why babies fight sleep or wake again and what genuinely helps.
Where should a newborn sleep? Safe sleep in Ireland
Why babies sleep on their backs, what changes once they can roll, what belongs in the cot and the sleeping bag tog guide by room temperature. HSE-aligned.
Why won't my baby latch? Latch problems and tongue tie
The common reasons a baby fights the latch, what to try at the next feed, how tongue tie is assessed in Ireland and where to get free breastfeeding help.
What should a 5 month old be doing? Sleep, feeds and milestones
Roughly how much a 5 month old sleeps and drinks, why solids can usually wait until 6 months, the milestones to look for and when to ask the PHN.
What should a 7 month old be doing? Food, sleep and milestones
Roughly how much a 7 month old sleeps and eats, moving to lumpier food and finger foods, sitting and babbling, and the 9 to 11 month PHN check.
What should an 8 month old be doing? Sleep, food and milestones
Roughly how much an 8 month old sleeps and eats, finger foods, crawling and separation anxiety, the 8 month sleep wobble and when to ask the PHN.
What should a 9 month old be doing? Milestones, food and checks
Roughly how much a 9 month old sleeps and eats, breakfast ideas, crawling and pulling to stand, the 9 to 11 month PHN check and when to ask for advice.
How many wet nappies should a baby have a day? Baby poo and nappies, what is normal
About 1 wet nappy on day 1, 2 on day 2, then 6 or more a day from about day 5. What baby poo should look like, how often it should come and when to ring the PHN. For Irish parents.
Why does my baby cry so much in the evening? Colic, wind and reflux explained
Evening crying peaks around 6 to 8 weeks and is rarely a feeding problem. What colic, wind and reflux look like, what actually helps and when to ring the GP. For Irish parents.
What temperature is a fever in a baby? What to do and when to ring the GP
A fever in a baby is 38°C or higher. How to take the temperature, when a baby needs a doctor the same day, how to keep them comfortable and when to ring 999. For Irish parents.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk? The signs that count
Wet nappies, weight gain and swallowing are the signs that count. How often a breastfed newborn feeds, why cluster feeding is normal and where to get breastfeeding help in Ireland.
What should a 2 month old be doing? Sleep, feeds, milestones and checks
Roughly how much a 2 month old sleeps and drinks, how many feeds to expect, the milestones to look for, the 2-month vaccines in Ireland and when to ask the PHN.
What should a 3 month old be doing? Sleep, feeds, milestones and the PHN check
Roughly how much a 3 month old sleeps and drinks, how many feeds to expect, the milestones to look for, the PHN 3-month development check and when to ask for help.
What should a 4 month old be doing? Sleep, feeds, milestones and vaccines
Roughly how much a 4 month old sleeps and drinks, how many feeds to expect, the milestones to look for, the 4-month vaccines and sleep regression and when to ask the PHN.
What should a 6 month old be doing? Sleep, feeds, first foods and milestones
Roughly how much a 6 month old sleeps and eats, how often they feed, starting solids the HSE way, the 6-month vaccines, the milestones to look for and when to ask the PHN.
When is a baby no longer a newborn? Ages, stages and PHN checks
Officially 28 days, in everyday use 2 to 3 months. What changes after the newborn stage and when the PHN checks fall in Ireland.
How much weight should a newborn gain per week? A guide in grams
Around 150 to 200 g a week in the first 3 months. The normal early loss, the centile lines in the child health record and when to ask the PHN.
How much should a newborn drink? Per feed and per day, in ml
From 5 to 7 ml per feed on day one to the HSE rule of thumb after the first week, plus how often newborns feed and the signs of enough.
What does a newborn need? Baby clothes and essentials
Baby clothes, cot, monitor, car seat, carrier, bouncer and high chair: what you need before the birth, what waits, and what to skip.
Most popular baby names in Ireland: the 2024 CSO list
Jack and Sophie hold the top spots, the Irish-language names keep climbing, and Mary has left the top 100.
Newborn gifts in Ireland: what new parents actually use
The presents that earn their keep by week two, the ones that gather dust, and where to shop.
Pregnancy care in Ireland: appointments and what's free
The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, the appointment schedule, and public versus private, explained plainly.
Maternity leave and Maternity Benefit in Ireland, in plain English
The rates, the rules, what your employer does and doesn't have to pay, and the questions parents actually ask.
Free baby stuff in Ireland: baby boxes, events and clubs
The freebie circuit Irish parents swap in WhatsApp groups: supermarket baby events, baby clubs and the signups worth it.
Shift sleeping with a newborn: how couples split the nights
How parents split the night so each gets a real block of sleep, how it works with breastfeeding, and the 3am handover problem.
What is the best pregnancy and IVF app in Ireland?
Our pick is Lullagram: a free pregnancy tracker and a free trying for a baby and IVF app, made in Ireland. Plus the other apps Irish parents use.
The Irish hospital bag checklist: what to actually pack
What you need for labour, for baby and for afterwards, without packing the entire nursery.
The 4-month sleep regression: what's happening and how to cope
It's not a setback and you didn't cause it. What's actually changing in your baby's sleep, and how to get through the bumpy weeks.
Starting solids: an Irish parent's guide to weaning
When to start, the readiness signs that matter more than the date, iron-rich first foods and the short list of foods to avoid.
How much formula does a baby need? A guide by weight and age
The HSE rule of thumb, a worked table in ml by weight, and why the tin is a guide rather than a target.
Your baby's first cold: what helps and when to see the GP
What's normal, what actually helps at home, and the exact signs that mean it's time to ring the GP.
Baby teething: the real signs, what helps and what's a myth
How to tell a tooth from an illness, what genuinely soothes sore gums, and the teething myths worth dropping.
Huckleberry alternatives for Irish parents: 5 baby trackers compared
What each app does best, who it suits, and the one thing to check before you commit your 4am data anywhere.
Lullagram vs Huckleberry: which baby tracker suits Irish parents?
The question we get asked most, answered fact by fact, and why the Irish app wins for Irish families.
Keeping your baby cool and safe in hot weather
Irish houses are not built for heat, and neither are small babies. The HSE advice on safe sleep, dressing, prams, cars and hydration.
Sun safety for babies: the Irish guide
Why babies under six months stay out of the sun entirely, when sunscreen comes in, and the SunSmart routine the HSE recommends.
Does a breastfed baby need water in hot weather?
The short answer is no. Why breast milk already has it covered, and what to do for formula-fed and older babies.
Your baby's first holiday abroad: an Irish checklist
Passports, the EHIC, flying, sun, car seats and what to actually pack. The Irish admin and the practical bits, in one place.
Baby developmental milestones 0 to 6 months: what to look for
A month-by-month guide to what babies typically do, and the HSE-flagged signs worth a call to your PHN.
How your baby learns to communicate: the first year
From cries to first words. What HSE recommends parents do to help.
How much sleep does a newborn need? An Irish parent's guide
The HSE answer on how much, where, and in what position. Plus the tired cues to watch for.
How often should a newborn feed? An Irish parent's guide
There's a short answer and a longer one. The short answer first.
Vitamin D for babies: the HSE recommendation, plain English
The rule, the reasons and the practicalities.
What to expect at your PHN visits with a new baby
The schedule, what they actually do, and what most parents wish they had known.
What your public health nurse will ask at every visit
The questions your PHN asks about feeding, sleep, nappies and development, and how to have the answers ready.
Baby wake windows by age: what they mean, what to look for
What a wake window actually is, and what the rough numbers mean in real life.
The Irish vaccine schedule for babies, in plain English
A timeline, what each jab covers, and what to expect afterwards.
How to tell if your baby is feeding enough
The signs that matter, the signs that don't, and when to call someone.