Questions Irish parents ask

Every guide on this site is built around the questions parents actually type into Google at 3am. This page is the index: every question, grouped by topic, linked to the guide that answers it. The one-line answers here are the short version; the full answers, with the reasoning and the Irish specifics, live one click away.

Two tools live alongside these guides: the free Irish vaccine calculator, which turns your baby's date of birth into their actual vaccine dates, and Lullagram itself, the baby tracker these guides come from. Everything is written in Ireland, checked against HSE guidance where it applies and kept current.

Pregnancy

Pregnant, can I eat it?

Pregnant, can I eat it? The HSE says to avoid unpasteurised milk and cheese, brie, camembert and blue cheeses, raw or undercooked eggs and meat, cold cured meats, liver and all pâté, shark, swordfish and marlin, raw or smoked fish and...
What foods should you avoid when pregnant in Ireland? The HSE lists unpasteurised milk and cheese, soft-serve ice cream such as a 99, brie, camembert and blue cheeses, raw or undercooked eggs and meat, cold cured meats, liver, shark, swordfish and marlin, raw or smoked...
Can I eat feta, mozzarella or ricotta when pregnant? The HSE does not name feta, mozzarella, ricotta or burrata.
Can I eat smoked salmon or sushi when pregnant? No.
How much tuna can I eat when pregnant? The HSE says tuna should be limited to one fresh tuna steak a week, weighing 150g cooked, or two 240g cans a week, which is 140g drained weight each.
Can I eat prawns when pregnant? The HSE list of foods to avoid includes clams, oysters, scallops, prawns and mussels.
Can I eat salami, ham or pâté when pregnant? Avoid cold cured meats such as salami, parma ham, chorizo and pepperoni, the HSE says, and avoid liver, including liver sausage and haggis.
Can I eat eggs when pregnant? Yes, if they are cooked thoroughly.
What can I eat at Christmas when pregnant? The HSE has no separate Christmas list, but its list of foods to avoid covers the foods to watch, and they are mostly on the starter plate and the cheese board: smoked salmon, prawns, pâté, cured meats, brie,...
Can I have a drink at Christmas when pregnant? No.
How much coffee and tea can I have when pregnant? The HSE says to limit caffeine to 200mg a day, about the same as 2 cups of instant coffee.
How do I avoid food poisoning when pregnant? Wash your hands before, during and after preparing food, use separate knives and boards for raw and cooked food.
What if the HSE does not mention a food? The HSE list does not name every food.

Having your baby at Cork University Maternity Hospital

Having your baby at Cork University Maternity Hospital Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) is on Wilton Road in Cork city, phone 021 492 0500.
Where is Cork University Maternity Hospital and how do I contact it? CUMH is on Wilton Road, Wilton, Cork city, T12 YE02, and the main hospital number is 021 492 0500.
How do I book in to CUMH for my pregnancy? Public maternity care is free under the HSE Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, and you do not need a medical card or GP visit card.
When is the booking visit and what happens? The booking visit is your first appointment at the maternity unit, with a midwife, and the HSE says it usually happens between 8 and 12 weeks.
Which scans will I have at CUMH? Under the HSE schedule you are offered a dating scan at your booking visit, then a fetal anatomy scan, also called the anomaly scan, at 20 to 22 weeks at the hospital.
Does CUMH run antenatal classes? Yes.
Where is the CUMH Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit? The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit is not on the main hospital site.
What should I do if I am worried during my pregnancy? If you are worried about yourself or your baby at any stage, ring your midwife, your GP or the hospital rather than waiting for your next appointment.
What are the visiting times at CUMH? Visiting is from 3pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 8.30pm, with 2 visitors at a time plus a support partner.
Can I have a home birth through CUMH? CUMH has an HSE Home Birth Service, and its contact number is 087 288 9499.

Having your baby at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street

Having your baby at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street The National Maternity Hospital is on Holles Street, Dublin 2, phone 01 637 3100.
Where is the National Maternity Hospital and how do I get there? The National Maternity Hospital is on Holles Street, Dublin 2, D02 YH21, and the main number is 01 637 3100.
How do I book in to Holles Street? You start your care by filling in the hospital's online booking form, Request Your Maternity Appointment, or through the Central Booking Office, and you can book as soon as you know you are pregnant.
What care options does Holles Street offer? Public care follows one of three pathways matched to your risk: Supported Care for normal risk, Assisted Care for medium risk and Specialised Care for high risk.
Which scans will I have at Holles Street? The hospital's ultrasound department offers early pregnancy, dating and later pregnancy scans and anomaly scans.
Is there an early pregnancy service at Holles Street? Yes.
What should I do if I am worried during my pregnancy? The emergency room for pregnancy is open 24 hours a day, every day, on 01 637 3100.
Does Holles Street run antenatal classes? Yes, in person and online.
What are the visiting times at Holles Street? On the postnatal wards, your nominated support partner can visit from 8am to 9pm every day with a green visiting card.

Having your baby at the Rotunda Hospital

Having your baby at the Rotunda Hospital The Rotunda is on Parnell Square, Dublin 1, phone 01 817 1700.
Where is the Rotunda and how do I contact it? The Rotunda Hospital is on Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01 P5W9, with the main entrance on Parnell Square West, just north of O'Connell Street.
How do I book in to the Rotunda? The Rotunda asks you to contact it as soon as you know you are pregnant, by ringing outpatients on 01 873 0596.
When is the booking visit at the Rotunda and what should I bring? The Rotunda aims to see you for your booking visit between 12 and 14 weeks, but there is a waiting list.
Which scans will I have at the Rotunda? You are offered a dating scan at your booking visit, and every woman attending the Rotunda is offered a detailed anatomy scan at about 20 to 22 weeks.
What care options does the Rotunda offer? Public care follows one of three pathways: supported care for normal risk, led by midwives with your GP, assisted care for medium risk, and specialised care for high risk.
Does the Rotunda run antenatal classes? Yes.
Who can use the Rotunda Early Pregnancy Unit? You must be over six weeks pregnant to be seen in the Early Pregnancy Unit.
What should I do if I am worried during my pregnancy? If your baby's movements are reduced or have changed, contact the Rotunda straight away on 01 817 1700, and you will be asked to come to the assessment and emergency unit.
What are the visiting times and parking at the Rotunda? Your nominated support person can visit the wards from 8am to 8pm, and no more than 2 people can be at the bedside at once.

What should I pack in my hospital bag in Ireland?

What should I pack for labour? Your maternity notes and birth plan if you have one, a long comfortable nightdress or an old t-shirt, warm socks, lip balm, hair bobbins, a water bottle with a sports cap, snacks for you and your birth partner, your...
What should I pack for myself after the birth? 2 or 3 comfortable nightdresses, front-opening if you're planning to breastfeed, a dressing gown and slippers, several packs of maternity pads, big comfortable knickers several sizes up or disposable ones, nursing...
When should I pack my hospital bag? Aim to have it packed from around 36 weeks, or earlier if you have been told baby may arrive ahead of schedule.
What should I pack in the hospital bag for the baby? 5 or 6 vests and 5 or 6 babygros in newborn and 0-3 month sizes, a full pack of newborn nappies, cotton wool, a hat and a cardigan, 2 soft blankets, muslin cloths, a going-home outfit, and a properly fitted...
What do people overpack and what do they forget? Overpacked: the entire nursery, ten adorable outfits the baby will never wear, a speaker and more books than a long-haul flight.
Does every Irish maternity hospital want the same things? No.
What will the PHN ask when we get home? How feeding is going and how many wet nappies you're seeing, mostly.
What's the short version of the hospital bag list?

Just found out you're pregnant? What to do next in Ireland

Do I need a medical card for free maternity care in Ireland? No.
How early should I see my GP when I'm pregnant? Book your GP as soon as you have a positive test.
When is the booking appointment in Ireland? The HSE says the booking visit at your maternity unit or hospital usually takes place between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
How long should I take folic acid for? The HSE advises 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, ideally from before pregnancy and at least until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
Do I have to tell my employer I'm pregnant? There is no rule that you must tell them in the early weeks.
What should I do first when I find out I'm pregnant?
Should I take folic acid?
When should I see my GP?
Is pregnancy care free in Ireland?
Should I go public, semi-private or private?
When is the booking visit and the first scan?
What should I stop or avoid now?
When should I tell work, and what are my rights?
When should I get help straight away?

Pain relief in labour in Ireland

Pain relief in labour in Ireland In Irish maternity units your pain relief options in labour are self-help methods such as breathing, moving and water, a TENS machine, gas and air (Entonox), a pethidine injection and an epidural.
What pain relief can I have in labour in Ireland? The HSE lists self-help methods, gas and air (Entonox), pethidine, an epidural and a TENS machine.
What can I do myself to cope with labour pain? Learning about the stages of labour and going to antenatal classes helps.
How does gas and air work? Gas and air, or Entonox, is half nitrous oxide and half oxygen.
What is pethidine and how long does it last? Pethidine is a strong painkiller, an opioid like morphine, given as an injection into your leg or bottom.
What happens when you get an epidural? An epidural is a local anaesthetic in your lower back.
Does an epidural have side effects? An epidural can make labour longer and lower your urge to push, and you may need forceps or a ventouse (vacuum) to help your baby out.
Does a TENS machine help in labour? A TENS machine sends a gentle electrical current through pads on your back, which the HSE says helps your body make endorphins, its own natural painkillers.
Can I use hypnobirthing, aromatherapy or acupuncture? Aromatherapy oils in a massage, a bath, on a tissue or in a diffuser may help you relax, but the HSE says to talk to a qualified aromatherapist and your maternity unit first.
How do I put pain relief in my birth plan? A birth plan is optional.

How does pregnancy care work in Ireland and is it free?

Is pregnancy care free in Ireland? Yes.
How do I register for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme? Your GP registers you.
When should I see my GP about my pregnancy? As soon as you can.
When is the booking visit (your first midwife appointment) and the scans? The booking visit, your first hospital appointment, is with a midwife and usually takes place between 8 and 12 weeks.
Should I go public, semi-private or private? Public care is free under the scheme and led by the hospital midwives and doctors on duty.
Can I choose my maternity hospital in Ireland? Ireland has 19 maternity units and most people simply attend the one covering their area.
What other supports are there for new parents? Maternity leave and Maternity Benefit, paternity and parent's leave, and the Child Benefit that follows the birth.
What happens after the baby arrives? The hospital hands over to the public health nurse, who visits your home in the first days, and the baby gets the two free GP checks.

What pregnancy scans do you get in Ireland?

What pregnancy scans do you get in Ireland? Public maternity care in Ireland offers two routine scans, both free: a dating scan, usually at your booking visit between 8 and 12 weeks and always before 15 weeks, and a fetal anatomy (anomaly) scan at around 18 to...
What scans do you get in Ireland? Public maternity care offers two main scans, both free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.
When is the dating scan? Usually at your booking visit, your first appointment at the maternity unit or hospital, which the HSE says takes place between 8 and 12 weeks.
Do I need a full bladder for my scan? For the dating scan, yes.
Can I get a 6 or 8 week scan in Ireland? Not as part of routine public care, where the scans are the dating scan and the anatomy scan.
Can my partner come to the scan? Usually, yes.
When is the anatomy scan? Usually between 18 and 22 weeks, and some maternity units do it at 20 to 22 weeks.
Can I find out the sex at the anatomy scan? Sometimes.
Are pregnancy scans free in Ireland? Yes, in public care.
What happens if the scan finds a problem? If the anatomy scan shows a possible problem, the HSE says you will be offered an appointment with a fetal medicine specialist, who may suggest more tests such as amniocentesis or CVS.
When should I call my GP or maternity unit? Contact your GP if you have light bleeding in early pregnancy with no other symptoms.
How can I keep track of my scan dates? Write down the dates on your hospital letter, and if you have not been given a dating scan by around 12 weeks, ring your maternity unit.

Pregnancy trimesters by weeks: what happens in each one

What weeks are the first, second and third trimester? Using the HSE's week boundaries, the first trimester runs to the end of week 12, the second trimester is weeks 13 to 27 and the third trimester runs from week 28 until your baby is born.
When does the second trimester start? The second trimester starts at week 13 of pregnancy.
When will I feel my baby move? You should start to notice movements at some point in the second trimester.
What scans do you get in pregnancy in Ireland? You will usually be offered a dating scan at the booking visit, usually between 8 and 12 weeks, and a fetal anatomy scan at around 20 weeks.
When is a baby full term? At 37 weeks your pregnancy is considered full term.
What are the three trimesters of pregnancy?
How are pregnancy weeks counted?
What happens in the first trimester (weeks 1 to 12)?
What happens in the second trimester (weeks 13 to 27)?
What happens in the third trimester (week 28 to birth)?
What if I go past 40 weeks?
When should I call my maternity unit, whatever the trimester?

Public, semi-private or private maternity care in Ireland?

Is public maternity care free in Ireland? Yes.
Is semi-private maternity care available outside Dublin? No.
Does health insurance cover private maternity care? Partly.
Is there a waiting period for maternity cover on health insurance? There can be.
Do I still register for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme if I go private? Yes.
How do I choose a consultant obstetrician? Start with your GP, who can refer you to your nearest maternity hospital.
What is the difference between public, semi-private and private maternity care?
What does the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme cover?
What is public maternity care actually like?
What is semi-private maternity care?
What does private maternity care include?
Does health insurance cover maternity care in Ireland?
How do I find a consultant obstetrician?
What should I ask before choosing?

Signs of labour: how do you know it has started, and when should you go to hospital?

Signs of labour: how do you know it has started, and when should you go to hospital? Labour usually starts by itself between 38 and 42 weeks.
What are the first signs of labour? The HSE lists several signs that labour might be starting: contractions or tightenings, a show, when the mucus plug comes out of the vagina, backache, an urge to go to the toilet caused by your baby's head pressing...
How do I know if it is Braxton Hicks or real labour? Braxton Hicks are practice contractions.
How do I time contractions? Start timing your contractions when they get stronger or closer together.
When should I go to hospital in labour? Call your midwife or maternity unit when your contractions are regular, last at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes.
What should I do if my waters break? Call your midwife if your waters break or release before labour starts, because there is an increased risk of infection for your baby.
What is a show, and does it mean labour is starting? A show is the mucus plug at the neck of your womb coming away.
What are the signs of premature labour? Premature labour is labour that starts before 37 weeks.
Is it normal for my baby to move less before labour? No.
How long does labour last? Every labour is different.
What happens if labour does not start by itself? Your doctor and midwife may talk to you about inducing labour if your baby is overdue, if your waters have broken but labour has not started, or if your health or your baby's is at risk.

What vaccines do you get in pregnancy in Ireland?

What vaccines do you get in pregnancy in Ireland? The HSE says there are two vaccines you should get during pregnancy: the flu vaccine, free from a GP or pharmacy at any stage of pregnancy once it is available from October, and the whooping cough vaccine between...
Which vaccines does the HSE recommend in pregnancy? Two.
When should I get the flu vaccine in pregnancy? At any stage of pregnancy, and the HSE says to get it as early in your pregnancy as you can, because the sooner you get it the sooner you are protected.
Is the flu vaccine free in pregnancy, and where do I get it? Yes.
Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy? Yes.
When do I get the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy? Between week 16 and 36 of your pregnancy, in each pregnancy.
Is the whooping cough vaccine free in Ireland? It is free of charge at your GP practice if the practice takes part in the Maternity and Infant Care scheme.
Can I get the flu and whooping cough vaccines at the same time? Yes.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy? Talk to your GP or healthcare team, as the HSE says your GP may recommend a COVID-19 vaccine in some cases.
What side effects can the flu vaccine cause? Mild ones, usually.
Are there vaccines to avoid in pregnancy? Yes.
How do the vaccines protect my baby after birth? The HSE says vaccines in pregnancy protect your child while they are in your womb and for the first few months of their life.
How can I keep track of the vaccine weeks? Note the dates on your maternity notes and book the whooping cough vaccine as soon as you reach week 16, since it is less effective after 36 weeks.

Newborn

Evening colic, wind or reflux: why is my baby crying?

Why does my baby cry so much in the evening? Evening crying, often called the witching hour, is very common in healthy babies in the first 3 months.
What is colic and how long does it last? Colic is usually defined as crying for 3 or more hours a day, on 3 or more days a week, in an otherwise healthy well-fed baby.
How do I know if my baby has wind? A windy baby squirms, grimaces, pulls their knees up, goes red and cries during or after a feed, then often settles once a burp or wind passes.
How do I get wind up from a baby? Burp during and after feeds, hold your baby upright over your shoulder or sitting on your lap with the head supported, rub or pat the back gently, and try bicycle legs.
Is it normal for a baby to bring up milk after a feed? Yes.
How do I know if my baby has reflux? Simple reflux is the small posset after feeds and needs nothing more than a bib.
When should I take a crying baby to the GP? See the GP or ring the PHN if the crying comes with poor weight gain, refusing feeds, arching and crying with feeds, projectile vomiting, green or bloody vomit, blood in the poo, a fever, a cry that sounds different...
Why won't my baby stop crying?
How do I work out what is setting my baby off?

What age is a baby still a newborn? When the newborn stage ends

What age is a newborn? A newborn, or neonate, is a baby in the first 28 days of life.
When does the newborn stage end? Officially at 28 days.
Is a 3 month old still a newborn? Not officially.
What changes after the newborn stage? Sleep starts to come in longer blocks, feeds space out from the every 2 to 3 hours of the early weeks, and the 6-in-1 vaccine at 2 months is a marker many parents notice.
When are the PHN checks in Ireland? The PHN visits at home within 72 hours of discharge, then checks the baby at around 3 months (weight, hips, hearing follow-up), 9 to 11 months and 21 to 24 months.
What is corrected age for a premature baby? Corrected age counts from the due date rather than the birth date.
How do I know what stage my baby is at?

Feeding

Does a breastfed baby need water in hot weather?

Does a breastfed baby need water in hot weather? No.
Why is breast milk enough on its own in hot weather? Breast milk is mostly water.
How do I know my breastfed baby is getting enough fluid? Check the nappies.
So why not just give a little water to be safe? Because for a small baby it backfires.
Do formula-fed babies need water in hot weather? First infant formula gives a baby all the nourishment and hydration they need up to age 1, so in hot weather you offer their usual feeds more often.
When can my baby start having water? From around 6 months, when solids start, you can offer water in a cup at meal and snack times, alongside their milk.
What are the signs of dehydration in a baby? Fewer than 3 wet nappies in a day or no wet nappy for 12 hours, dark yellow wee, a dry mouth or few or no tears when crying, a sunken soft spot (fontanelle), or an unusually drowsy or floppy baby.
What's the short version?

Breastfeeding breaks at work in Ireland

Breastfeeding breaks at work in Ireland If you are breastfeeding when you go back to work in Ireland, you are entitled to 1 hour off a day with pay, as one, two or three breaks, until your child is 2.
Am I entitled to breastfeeding breaks at work in Ireland? Yes.
How long are breastfeeding breaks, and are they paid? You can take 1 hour off with pay for an 8 hour working day.
What about long shifts or part-time work? Longer shifts bring extra breastfeeding breaks.
Does my employer have to give me a room to express? Not always.
How do I tell my employer I am breastfeeding? Write to your employer to say you plan to breastfeed at work, at least 4 weeks before the date you go back from maternity leave.
When should I start getting ready to go back? The HSE suggests giving your baby an occasional feed of expressed breast milk from about 6 weeks, so you both get used to it.
How often should I express at work? Try to express as often as you would feed your baby, the HSE says, and do not go more than 8 hours without expressing or feeding.
How do I store breast milk at work? Keep it in the fridge at work or in a cooler bag with ice packs.
Can my childminder or crèche give my baby breast milk? Yes.
What if my employer says no? Breastfeeding breaks are a legal right in Ireland, not a favour, so start by showing your employer the Citizens Information page on breastfeeding and employment and asking what their policy is.

Can I start weaning my baby at 4 months? Readiness signs, first foods and the HSE guidance

Can I start weaning at 3 or 4 months? The HSE says the earliest safe age to start weaning is 17 weeks (around 4 months old).
What are the real signs my baby is ready for solids? Three signs, and they need to show up together, not just one: Able to stay sitting upright and hold their head steady.
What foods should I start with? Start with single vegetables and fruit, mashed or cut into soft sticks.
How much, and how often? Start with about 1 teaspoon of food, once a day, after your baby's usual milk feed.
Is gagging dangerous? Gagging is your baby's airway protecting itself.
What about allergens and iron? Both matter from the start, not just as something to think about later.
When should I get it checked? Call your PHN or GP if your baby shows no interest in food at all by 7 months.

How much formula does a baby need? A guide by weight and age

How much formula should a baby have per day? For healthy full-term babies from about a week old to around 6 months, the HSE rule of thumb is roughly 150 ml of formula per kilogram of body weight per day, split across feeds.
How much formula does a 3 kg, 4 kg, 5 kg or 6 kg baby need? About 450 ml a day at 3 kg, 600 ml at 4 kg, 750 ml at 5 kg and 900 ml at 6 kg.
How often should a newborn have a bottle? Newborns typically feed every 2 to 3 hours, roughly 6 to 8 bottles in 24 hours, spacing out as they grow.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough formula? Steady weight gain at PHN checks, around 6 or more wet nappies a day after the first week, and a baby who is generally content between feeds.
Why is my baby suddenly hungrier than usual? Growth spurts, commonly around 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, bring hungrier days.
How much formula should a 6 month old have? From around 6 months milk amounts gradually reduce as solids start, but formula or breastmilk stays the main drink until 12 months.
How do I make up a bottle safely?

How much should a newborn drink? Per feed and per day, in ml

How much does a newborn drink per feed? On day one a newborn's stomach holds only around 5 to 7 ml per feed, rising to roughly 22 to 27 ml by day 3 and 45 to 60 ml by the end of the first week.
How much should a newborn drink per day? From about a week old to 6 months, formula-fed babies need roughly 150 ml per kg of body weight per day split over feeds, the HSE rule of thumb.
How often should a newborn feed? Newborns feed every 2 to 3 hours, day and night.
How much should a breastfed newborn drink? Breastfed babies feed on demand, typically 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks.
How do I know my newborn is getting enough? Steady weight gain, 6 or more wet nappies a day after the first week and a baby who is settled between many feeds.
Does a newborn need water? No.

When to introduce allergens to your baby: the 3-day rule myth, and what the HSE actually says

Is it too late to introduce allergens at 7 or 8 months? No, and there's no reason to feel behind.
What is the "3-day rule," and do you actually need to follow it? You might have read that you should wait three days between each new allergen, to be safe.
Which foods should you introduce, and how much? The main allergens to introduce during weaning are: dairy egg peanut fish and shellfish sesame tree nuts (such as almond, cashew, hazelnut and walnut) wheat Two that parents often ask about specifically: Peanut: a...
Does eczema change anything? Yes.
How do you know if it's a reaction, and what do you do? Most babies try these foods with no problem at all.
When should you call 999 or 112? Call 999 or 112 straight away after any of these signs: difficulty breathing, or swelling of the tongue or throat.

Iron-rich foods for your baby: signs of low iron, and how much you actually need

Why does iron matter from 6 months? Iron helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your baby's body.
What are the signs of low iron? Without enough iron, a baby can become anaemic.
How much iron does my baby actually need? You might see specific number targets for iron online, often quoted in milligrams.
Which foods are the best sources? Good sources of iron include: red meat, poultry and fish well-cooked eggs peas, beans and lentils iron-fortified baby cereal (look for one with at least 12mg of iron per 100g) broccoli and spinach Meat is a good...
Does baby-led weaning affect iron? If you're doing baby-led weaning (BLW), your baby eats family foods and finger foods from the start.
When should I get it checked? Most babies eating a varied diet get enough iron without any trouble.

How do I know if my baby is feeding enough?

How many wet nappies should a baby have a day? Roughly 1 wet nappy on day 1, 2 on day 2, 3 on day 3, 4 on day 4, then 5 or 6 a day from day 5 onwards.
What about dirty nappies? In the first six weeks, dirty nappies are also reassuring.
How much weight should a baby gain each week? Most babies lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days and should be back to birth weight by 2 weeks.
What are the signs my baby is not feeding enough? Fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after the first week, dark strong-smelling urine, a baby who seems lethargic or hard to wake for feeds, persistent green or watery poo in a formula-fed baby, weight loss after the first...
Which feeding worries usually turn out to be nothing? Hiccups, spitting up small amounts of milk after feeds, wanting to feed again 45 minutes after a full feed (especially in the evening), sleeping through a night feed once the baby is a few weeks old and gaining...
When should I ring the PHN or GP about feeding? Any time the answer to "is this fine?" is "I'm not sure", ring the PHN or GP.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk? The signs that count

How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk? The signs are 6 or more wet nappies a day from day 5, regular soft yellow poos in the early weeks, steady weight gain, audible swallowing during feeds, breasts that feel softer after a feed and a baby who is settled...
How many wet nappies means enough milk? From day 5 onwards, 6 or more wet nappies in 24 hours with pale urine is the sign to look for.
How often should a breastfed newborn feed? Newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, often more in the evening.
Is cluster feeding a sign of low supply? No.
What does a good latch look like? A wide open mouth, chin touching the breast, more of the areola visible above the top lip than below, rounded cheeks and no pain after the first few seconds.
How much weight should a breastfed baby gain? Babies lose a little weight in the first days, are back to birth weight by 10 to 14 days and then gain about 150 to 200 g a week for the first 3 months.
Where can I get breastfeeding help in Ireland? Your public health nurse, the lactation consultants at your maternity hospital, Cuidiu and La Leche League breastfeeding groups and the HSE mychild.ie breastfeeding pages, which include a live chat with a lactation...
How do I keep count of feeds and nappies when I am this tired?

How often should a newborn feed? An Irish parent's guide

Is it normal for a newborn to feed every 2 hours? Yes.
How often should a formula-fed newborn feed? Formula-fed newborns often go every 3 to 4 hours because formula takes longer to digest, but they should still be fed on demand rather than to a timetable in the early weeks.
How often should a newborn feed? A newborn in the first weeks usually feeds 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, roughly every two to three hours, day and night, and whenever they look hungry regardless of the clock.
How do I know my baby is hungry? Early hunger cues are stirring or wriggling in their sleep, turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting), sucking on their hand and smacking lips.
What is cluster feeding and is it normal? Cluster feeding is when a baby feeds almost back to back for a few hours, often from around 6pm.
How do I know my newborn is getting enough milk? Wet nappies: at least one per day of life in the first week, working up to six or more a day from day five onwards.
What's the short version on newborn feeding? Feed on demand, especially in the early weeks.

When should I start weaning my baby in Ireland?

What are the HSE weaning guidelines in short? Start around 6 months and never before 17 weeks, once your baby can hold their head steady, sit with support and shows interest in food.
When should I start weaning my baby? The HSE advice is to start around 6 months, never before 17 weeks and no later than 26 weeks.
Does my baby still need milk once solids start? Yes.
What are the first weaning foods to give my baby? Iron-rich foods matter most, because by around 6 months a baby's iron stores are running down: well-cooked pureed or mashed meat, iron-fortified baby cereals, well-cooked eggs, beans and lentils, with pureed or soft...
What foods should a baby not have? No honey before 12 months, no added salt or sugar, no whole nuts before age 5, no cow's milk as a main drink before 12 months and no raw or runny eggs unless safely produced.
When do I move from purees to lumps and finger foods? The progression goes smooth, then mashed, then lumpy, then finger foods.
How do I keep track of what my baby has tried? Write down each new food and how it went, because introducing one food at a time only works if everyone knows what has already been tried.

Why won't my baby latch?

Why won't my baby latch? The common causes are position and timing: a baby latched too shallow, offered the breast once already frantic with hunger, or too sleepy in the early days.
Why does breastfeeding hurt? Brief tenderness in the first seconds is common in the early weeks.
How do I know if my baby has tongue tie? Possible signs are a baby who cannot stay attached, clicking sounds while feeding, very long feeds that never satisfy, poor weight gain and persistent nipple pain.
How long should a breastfeed last? Anywhere from about 10 to 40 minutes is normal in the early months, and feeds shorten as babies get more efficient.
How do I know when my baby is full? A full baby comes off the breast by themselves, has open relaxed hands, a soft body and often dozes.
Where can I get breastfeeding help in Ireland? Your PHN can visit or see you at the clinic, most maternity hospitals and many community health centres run free lactation clinics, and Cuidiu and La Leche League run free local groups with trained breastfeeding...
What can I try at the very next feed?
How is tongue tie assessed and treated in Ireland?
How long should a feed last?
How do I keep track while we fix the latch?

Sleep

What is the 4-month sleep regression and how do I cope?

Why is my 4 month old suddenly waking every hour? Around 4 months the brain reorganises sleep into adult-style cycles.
How does baby sleep change at 4 months? Newborns fall into deep sleep almost immediately, have fewer, longer sleep cycles and can sleep anywhere.
How do I cope with the 4-month sleep regression? Keep a consistent, boring wind-down routine, watch wake windows rather than the clock, try putting baby down drowsy but awake, keep night interactions dim and dull, tag-team the night where you can, and lower every...
Do the safe sleep rules change during the regression? No.
How do I know if it's the regression or my baby is sick? The regression makes babies wakeful and cranky.
How do I know if my baby's sleep is getting better? The unsettled phase typically eases within 2 to 6 weeks, and the sign it is passing is the slow return of longer stretches.

What should a newborn sleep in? Safe sleep in Ireland

Where should a newborn sleep? On their back, in their own cot, Moses basket or bedside crib with a firm flat mattress, in the same room as you, day and night, for at least the first 6 months.
What should a newborn sleep in: cot, Moses basket or bedside crib? Any of the three, with a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress and nothing soft in it, standing in your room.
Can babies sleep on their tummy? No.
Can newborns sleep on their side? No.
What if my baby rolls onto their tummy in their sleep? Once a baby can roll both ways confidently, usually somewhere around 4 to 6 months, you still put them down on their back but you do not need to keep turning them over at night.
What tog sleeping bag does my baby need? As a rough guide: 0.5 tog for a room of 24 degrees or warmer, 1.0 to 1.5 tog for 21 to 23 degrees and 2.5 tog for 16 to 20 degrees, adjusting the clothes underneath.
What temperature should a baby's room be? The HSE advice is 16 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Is co-sleeping safe? The safest place is the baby's own cot or crib in your room for at least the first 6 months.
What changes when my baby starts rolling over?
What should be in the cot?
What temperature should the baby's room be?
How do I get my baby to sleep in the cot?
Is co-sleeping ever safe?
How do I keep sleep safe when I am running on empty?

Baby wake windows by age: how long at each month?

What are the wake windows by month, at a glance? Newborn and 1 month old: 35 to 60 minutes.
What is a wake window? A wake window is the time between when your baby wakes up and when they next go to sleep.
Why do wake windows matter? Babies who go to sleep at the right point in the cycle tend to settle faster and stay asleep longer.
How long are wake windows by age? Roughly 35 to 60 minutes for a newborn (0 to 1 month), 60 to 90 minutes at 2 months, 75 minutes to 2 hours at 3 to 4 months, 2 to 2.5 hours at 5 to 6 months, 2.5 to 3.5 hours at 7 to 9 months and 3 to 4 hours at 10...
What are the tired cues to look for? Early tired cues are a vacant stare or unfocused eyes, slowing down or going quiet in play, pulling at ears or rubbing eyes, and a long yawn, which is often already late.
When do wake windows not apply? During growth spurts, when teething, after vaccines, during illness and during the 4-month sleep regression, which has nothing to do with wake windows and everything to do with brain development.

Clocks going back: how do you help your baby's sleep?

Clocks going back: how do you help your baby's sleep? The clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026.
When do the clocks go back in Ireland? The clocks go back one hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October, which in 2026 is Sunday 25 October.
What does the clock change mean for my baby? Your baby's body clock does not move overnight.
Should I move my baby's bedtime before the clocks change? You can, but you do not have to.
How can daylight help my baby's sleep? The HSE advises bringing your baby outdoors early in the day, because daylight helps them make melatonin, the hormone that is good for sleep.
What bedtime routine does the HSE suggest? The HSE suggests starting a bedtime routine when your baby is about 3 months old.
What about naps when the clocks change? Go by the new clock from Sunday morning.
What if my baby is a newborn? Then you do not need a plan.
Will my Lullagram reminders change when the clocks go back? No.
What about when the clocks go forward in March?

Shift sleeping: how do couples split newborn nights?

How do you split the night with a newborn? There is no official roster.
Does shift sleeping work if I'm breastfeeding? Exclusive breastfeeding makes pure shifts harder, because mum is needed for the feeds, but it does not make shifts pointless.
Is shift sleeping safe for the baby? The HSE safe sleep guidance stays the same whatever roster you land on.
What does the other parent need to know at handover? Three things: when was the last feed, which side or how many ml, and when was the last nappy.
How do I hand over at 3am without waking anyone? Some couples run a paper log taped to the kettle, which works until someone forgets the pen.
How do we make shift sleeping stick? Agree the roster before the first night, not during it.

How much sleep does a newborn need? 9 to 18 hours a day

How long do newborns sleep at a time? In the first weeks a newborn usually sleeps in stretches of 2 to 4 hours, day and night, waking to feed.
How often should a newborn sleep? Newborns rarely manage more than 45 to 90 minutes awake before they need to sleep again, so expect five or more sleeps in 24 hours in the early weeks rather than a nap schedule.
How many hours does a newborn sleep? Per the HSE, a newborn up to three months old sleeps between 9 and 18 hours a day, averaging about 14, in short bursts between feeds.
Where should a newborn sleep? The safest place for a newborn to sleep is in a cot, on their back, in the same room as you, for the first six months at minimum.
What is the HSE safe-sleep checklist? Always place your baby on their back, feet to the foot of the cot, on a firm flat mattress, in your room for at least the first six months, with the room at 16 to 20 degrees.
How do I tell my newborn is tired? Newborns rarely stay awake more than an hour to ninety minutes at a stretch in the early weeks.
Does caffeine affect my newborn's sleep if I'm breastfeeding? Caffeine passes into breastmilk and can affect newborn sleep.
When should I talk to my PHN or GP about newborn sleep? If you are worried your baby is not getting the right amount of sleep, if your newborn has jaundice and is unusually sleepy or hard to rouse, if your baby is hard to wake for feeds or is feeding very little, or if...
Can a newborn sleep on their tummy?
How do I put a newborn down to sleep?
Is it normal to feel this wrecked in the first three months?

When do babies sleep through the night?

When do babies sleep through the night? Many babies manage a 6 to 8 hour stretch somewhere between 4 and 6 months, but the spread is huge: some do it at 3 months and plenty of healthy babies still wake at night well into the first year.
What does sleeping through the night actually mean? In sleep research it usually means a stretch of about 6 to 8 hours, often midnight to 5 or 6am, not 12 unbroken hours.
When do babies sleep through without a feed? It varies hugely.
Why is my baby fighting sleep? Usually the timing is off: an overtired baby is wired on stress hormones and an undertired baby is simply not done.
Why will my baby only sleep when held? Because your chest is warm, moving and smells like safety, and the cot is none of those things.
When should I talk to the PHN or GP about night waking? Talk to them if the baby snores or has laboured breathing at night, seems in pain, is feeding poorly or dropping weight centiles, or if the broken nights are pushing you to the edge.
What does sleeping through actually mean?
When do babies sleep through the night by age?
Why won't my baby sleep unless held?
Why won't my newborn settle at night?
What actually helps a baby sleep through?
How do I know if the nights are actually getting better?

Month by month

What should an 8 month old be doing?

What should an 8 month old be doing? An 8 month old typically sleeps roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24 with 2 naps, eats 3 small meals plus finger foods alongside 500 to 600 ml of milk, sits steadily, may be starting to crawl or bum shuffle and shows...
How much should an 8 month old sleep? Roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, usually 2 naps, with wake windows of about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
What should an 8 month old eat? Three small meals a day with lumpier mashed food and plenty of finger foods, iron-rich food daily, plus 500 to 600 ml of formula or breastfeeds on demand and sips of water from a cup with meals.
Is it normal for an 8 month old to screech? Yes.
Is separation anxiety normal at 8 months? Yes, and it is a sign of healthy attachment.
When should I ask the PHN about my 8 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the baby is not sitting without support, not babbling, not taking weight on their legs when held standing, not picking things up, using one side much more than the other or not responding to...
Why has my 8 month old stopped sleeping?
What milestones should an 8 month old have?
What is a normal day with an 8 month old?
What checks or vaccines happen at 8 months in Ireland?
What is not normal at 8 months?
How do I know if my 8 month old is on track?

What should a 5 month old be doing?

What should a 5 month old be doing? A 5 month old typically sleeps roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, drinks milk only, rolls front to back, reaches and grabs accurately, laughs, squeals and blows raspberries and may sit propped up for short spells.
How much should a 5 month old sleep? Roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, usually 3 naps, with wake windows of about 2 to 2.5 hours.
How much milk should a 5 month old drink? Milk only, no solids yet for most babies.
Can I start solids at 5 months? The HSE advice is to start around 6 months and never before 17 weeks.
What vaccines does a 5 month old get in Ireland? None.
When should I ask the PHN about my 5 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the head is still wobbly when you pull them to sit, they are not reaching or grabbing, not making sounds back at you, not smiling or laughing, not tracking faces or toys, feel unusually stiff or...
How much should a 5 month old drink?
What milestones should a 5 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 5 month old?
What checks or vaccines happen at 5 months in Ireland?
What is not normal at 5 months?
How do I know if my 5 month old is on track?

What should a 4 month old be doing?

What should a 4 month old be doing? A 4 month old typically sleeps roughly 12 to 16 hours in 24, takes 6 to 8 feeds, rolls from front to back, reaches and grabs, brings hands together, chuckles and holds the head up well.
How much should a 4 month old sleep? Roughly 12 to 16 hours in 24, usually 3 to 4 naps, with wake windows of about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
How much should a 4 month old drink? Formula-fed babies need around 150 ml per kilogram per day, up to about 900 to 1000 ml a day.
How many feeds for a 4 month old? Most 4 month olds take 6 to 8 feeds in 24 hours, roughly every 3 to 4 hours by day with one or two at night.
What vaccines does a 4 month old get in Ireland? At 4 months the GP gives the second doses of the 6-in-1 and MenB vaccines and the last oral rotavirus drops.
When should I ask the PHN about my 4 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the baby is not holding their head up, not reaching for things, not making sounds, not smiling or if feeds and weight gain are dropping off over a week.
What milestones should a 4 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 4 month old?
What checks or vaccines happen around 4 months in Ireland?
What is not normal at 4 months?
How do I know if my 4 month old is on track?

What should a 9 month old be doing?

What should a 9 month old be doing? A 9 month old typically sleeps roughly 12 to 14 hours in 24 with 2 naps, eats 3 meals plus finger foods alongside around 500 to 600 ml of milk, moves by crawling or bum shuffling, pulls to stand and picks small...
How much should a 9 month old sleep? Roughly 12 to 14 hours in 24, usually a long night stretch and 2 naps, with wake windows of about 3 to 3.5 hours.
What should a 9 month old eat? Three meals a day with minced, chopped and finger foods, iron-rich food daily, plus around 500 to 600 ml of formula or breastfeeds on demand and water from a cup with meals.
What are good breakfast ideas for a 9 month old? Porridge made with their usual milk, mashed banana or soft fruit, toast fingers with butter or hummus, scrambled egg and plain full-fat yoghurt all work well at 9 months.
What happens at the 9 month check in Ireland? The 9 to 11 month PHN development check covers sitting, movement, hand use and pincer grip, babbling, hearing responses, vision and weight, plus a chat about feeding and sleep.
When should I ask the PHN about my 9 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the baby is not sitting alone, not babbling double sounds like ba-ba, not taking weight on their legs, not passing objects hand to hand, not responding to their name, keeps hands mostly fisted or...
What milestones should a 9 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 9 month old?
What happens at the 9 month check if it has not happened yet?
What is not normal at 9 months?
How do I know if my 9 month old is on track?

What should a 1 month old be doing?

What should a 1 month old be doing? At 1 month most babies sleep about 14 hours in 24 (anything from 9 to 18 is normal), feed often, day and night, and are awake for only 1 to 2 hours at a time.
How much should a 1 month old sleep? A 1 month old needs about 9 to 18 hours of sleep in 24, and the HSE says the average is about 14 hours.
How long can a 1 month old stay awake? Not long.
Where should a 1 month old sleep? On their back, in their own cot, in the same room as you.
How often should a 1 month old feed? Often, and whenever they show hunger cues.
How much formula does a 1 month old need? The HSE guide is 150 ml of formula per kilogram of your baby's weight per day, split across the feeds.
How do I know my 1 month old is getting enough milk? Check the nappies and the weight.
What milestones should a 1 month old have? By 1 month the HSE says most babies lift their head briefly while lying on their tummy, begin to loosen their tight fists, are alert to sounds, make throaty noises such as gurgling and fix on a bright object and...
How much crying is normal at 1 month? The HSE says a 1 month old cries or is upset for 2 to 3 hours a day, because crying is how they tell you what they need.
What checks happen around 1 month in Ireland? Your baby sees the GP at 2 weeks and again at 6 weeks.
When should I call the GP or PHN about my 1 month old? Contact your GP or PHN, without waiting for a check, if your baby does not startle at loud noises, does not look at faces, loses skills they had or you are worried about their development.
How do I know if my 1 month old is on track? Look at the pattern over a week, not a single day.

What should a 7 month old be doing?

What should a 7 month old be doing? A 7 month old typically sleeps roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, eats 2 to 3 small meals plus 500 to 600 ml of milk, sits without support, passes objects hand to hand and babbles chains like ba-ba-ba.
How much should a 7 month old sleep? Roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, usually 2 naps and sometimes a catnap, with wake windows of about 2.5 to 3 hours.
What should a 7 month old eat? Two to three small meals a day, moving from smooth purees to mashed food with soft lumps plus finger foods, with iron-rich food daily.
How often should a 7 month old feed? Most 7 month olds have 3 to 5 milk feeds in 24 hours plus 2 to 3 small meals.
What happens at the 9 to 11 month check in Ireland? The PHN checks sitting, hand use, babbling, hearing responses and vision, weighs the baby and talks through weaning and sleep.
When should I ask the PHN about my 7 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the baby is not sitting even with support, not babbling, not reaching or passing objects between hands, using one hand much more than the other, not responding to their name or sounds, feels...
What milestones should a 7 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 7 month old?
What happens at the 9 to 11 month PHN check?
What is not normal at 7 months?
How do I know if my 7 month old is on track?

What should a 6 month old be doing?

What should a 6 month old be doing? A 6 month old typically sleeps roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, still has milk as the main drink, is starting solids, sits with support, rolls both ways, passes objects hand to hand, babbles and responds to their name.
How much should a 6 month old sleep? Roughly 12 to 15 hours in 24, usually 2 to 3 naps, with wake windows of about 2 to 3 hours.
How much should a 6 month old eat? Milk is still the main drink and food: around 500 to 600 ml of formula a day or breastfeeds on demand.
How often should a 6 month old feed? Most 6 month olds have 4 to 6 milk feeds in 24 hours, about every 3 to 4 hours by day, plus one or two small solid meals.
What vaccines does a 6 month old get in Ireland? At 6 months the GP gives the third dose of the 6-in-1 plus PCV on the current HSE schedule (MenC is no longer given at 6 months for babies born from October 2024).
When should I ask the PHN about my 6 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the baby is not sitting with support, not babbling, not reaching for things, has stiff or floppy limbs, is not responding to their name or sounds or is refusing milk or not gaining weight over a...
What milestones should a 6 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 6 month old?
What checks or vaccines happen around 6 months in Ireland?
What is not normal at 6 months?
How do I know if my 6 month old is on track?

What should a 3 month old be doing?

What should a 3 month old be doing? A 3 month old typically sleeps roughly 14 to 16 hours in 24, feeds every 2 to 4 hours, holds their head steady, laughs or squeals, bats at objects, pushes up on their forearms in tummy time and recognises familiar faces.
How much should a 3 month old sleep? Roughly 14 to 16 hours in 24, usually 3 to 5 naps plus the night, with wake windows of about 75 minutes to 2 hours.
How much should a 3 month old drink? Formula-fed babies need around 150 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, roughly 800 to 950 ml a day for a typical 3 month old.
How many feeds for a 3 month old? Most 3 month olds feed every 2 to 4 hours, roughly 6 to 8 bottles or 7 to 10 breastfeeds in 24 hours.
What happens at the PHN 3-month check in Ireland? The PHN measures weight, length and head circumference, checks the hips, asks about hearing and vision and looks at head control, smiling and hand use.
When should I ask the PHN about my 3 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the head is still floppy, there is no smiling, the baby is not following objects with their eyes, is not startling to sounds or is feeding poorly or gaining weight slowly.
What milestones should a 3 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 3 month old?
What checks or vaccines happen around 3 months in Ireland?
What is not normal at 3 months?
How do I know if my 3 month old is on track?

What should a 2 month old be doing?

What should a 2 month old be doing? A 2 month old typically sleeps roughly 14 to 17 hours in 24, feeds every 2 to 4 hours, smiles in response to a face or voice, coos, follows a face with their eyes and briefly lifts their head in tummy time.
How much should a 2 month old sleep? Roughly 14 to 17 hours in 24, usually across 4 to 5 naps and the night, with wake windows of about 60 to 90 minutes.
How much should a 2 month old drink? Formula-fed babies need around 150 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, which is roughly 600 to 750 ml a day for a typical 2 month old.
How many feeds for a 2 month old? Most 2 month olds feed every 2 to 4 hours, roughly 6 to 8 bottles or 8 to 12 breastfeeds in 24 hours.
What vaccines does a 2 month old get in Ireland? At 2 months the GP gives the 6-in-1, PCV, MenB and oral rotavirus vaccines.
When should I ask the PHN about my 2 month old? Ask the PHN or GP if the baby does not smile or respond to sounds by around 8 weeks, is very floppy or stiff, is not following your face or is not feeding well.
What milestones should a 2 month old have?
What is a normal day with a 2 month old?
What checks or vaccines happen around 2 months in Ireland?
What is not normal at 2 months?
How do I know if my 2 month old is on track?

Growth

How much weight should a newborn gain per week? A guide in grams

How much weight does a newborn lose after birth? Babies commonly lose up to 7 to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first days while feeding gets established.
When should a baby be back to birth weight? Most babies are back to their birth weight by 10 to 14 days.
How much should a baby gain each week? Around 150 to 200 g a week in the first 3 months (roughly 500 g to 1 kg a month), slowing to about 100 to 150 g a week from 3 to 6 months and 70 to 90 g a week from 6 to 12 months.
When do babies double their birth weight? Babies usually double their birth weight by around 4 to 6 months and triple it by around 12 months.
What are centile lines? Centile lines are the curves on the growth charts in the child health record given at birth.
When should I worry about weight gain? If weight gain stalls, the baby is not back to birth weight by around two weeks, weight crosses down two centile lines, or there are fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after the first week, ask the PHN or GP.
How do I know if my baby's weight gain is on track?

Nappies

How many wet and dirty nappies should a newborn have? What is normal

How many wet nappies should a newborn have? About 1 wet nappy on day 1, about 2 on day 2, building to 6 or more wet nappies a day from about day 5 onwards.
What colour should baby poo be? Black and sticky meconium for the first 1 to 2 days, then greenish, then by day 4 to 5 yellow and seedy in breastfed babies or tan to yellow-brown and firmer in formula-fed babies.
How often should a newborn poo? There is no single right number.
Is green poo normal? Usually, yes.
Is it normal for a breastfed baby not to poo for days? After about 6 weeks, yes.
How do I know if my baby is constipated? Constipation is hard, dry, pellet-like poo with straining and pain, not just going less often.
When should I worry about baby poo? Ring the GP or PHN urgently for white, pale or chalky poo, black poo after the first few days, red or bloody poo, fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after day 5, or diarrhoea with a fever, vomiting or blood.
How do I know if my baby has diarrhoea?
How do I keep track of nappies without losing count?

Nappy rash: how do you treat it, and when should you worry?

Nappy rash: how do you treat it, and when should you worry? Nappy rash is a red, moist or broken area on your baby's bottom, and most babies get it at some point.
What does nappy rash look like? The HSE describes nappy rash as a red, moist or broken area on your baby's bottom.
What causes nappy rash? Most often a wet or dirty nappy left on too long.
How do I treat nappy rash at home? Wash your hands, then clean your baby's bottom gently with cotton wool and water and pat it dry at every change.
Which nappy rash cream should I use? A thin layer of a protective barrier cream on clean, dry skin.
Can I use baby wipes on nappy rash? Not on a young baby.
Should I use talc or powder for nappy rash? No.
How often should I change my baby's nappy? Young babies may need changing up to 10 or 12 times a day, and older babies around 6 to 8 times, the HSE says.
Is it nappy rash or thrush? Thrush is a yeast infection, and the HSE lists it as a cause of nappy rash.
When should I see a GP about nappy rash? Talk to your GP if your baby stays distressed and the rash is not getting better with treatment.
When is a rash an emergency? Call 112 or 999, or go to the nearest emergency department, if you think your baby is seriously ill.
How can I prevent nappy rash? Keep the skin clean and dry: change the nappy often, clean with water, pat dry and give your baby some time with the nappy off every day.
How can I keep track of nappies and the rash? Note when the rash started and anything that changed, such as new wipes, a new washing powder, teething or antibiotics.

Health

The 6 week check in Ireland

The 6 week check in Ireland In Ireland your GP sees your baby at 2 weeks, then you and your baby together at about 6 weeks.
What is the 6 week check? The 6 week check is a free GP appointment for you and your baby about 6 weeks after the birth.
What happens at the 2 week GP check? Your GP or the GP practice nurse sees your baby at 2 weeks old to check how they are developing.
What does the GP check on my baby at 6 weeks? Your GP examines your baby and checks their hips, heart and eyes.
What does the GP check on me at 6 weeks? The GP checks how you are recovering from the birth, including any caesarean wound, episiotomy or tear.
Is the 6 week check free? Yes.
What if I had private or semi-private care? If you had private antenatal care, the HSE says your own postnatal check-up is done in the maternity hospital by your consultant.
What should I bring and ask at the 6 week check? Bring a short list of questions: the HSE suggests making one before the visit and using the appointment to raise any worries.
What comes after the 6 week check? Your baby's first vaccines are at 2 months, with your GP or GP practice nurse, and you are posted a letter about the vaccine schedule.

How do I keep my baby cool and safe in hot weather?

How warm should my baby's room be in hot weather? The HSE recommends keeping the room where your baby sleeps at 16 to 20 degrees.
What should my baby wear to sleep in hot weather? The HSE line is that a nappy, a vest and a babygrow are enough, and you should use less clothing in warmer weather.
How can I tell if my baby is too hot? Hands and feet are a red herring.
Can I put a muslin over the pram for shade? No.
Can I leave my baby in the car for a minute? Never, even in the shade, even with a window open.
Does my baby need water in hot weather? For a baby under 6 months, the answer to hot weather is not water, it is more frequent milk feeds.
What do I do if my baby overheats? Cool them down quickly: bring them indoors or into the shade, take off the extra clothing, and sponge their skin with cool (not cold) water.
How do I cool my baby's room down?
How do I know a hot spell is coming?
What are the essentials, in short?

How do I keep my baby safe in the sun?

Can I put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months? The HSE says babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected with shade and clothing rather than sunscreen, because their skin is too thin and delicate to be relying on cream.
What sunscreen should I use on a baby over 6 months? Shade and light clothing first, then a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen for children on the skin you cannot cover.
What are the SunSmart 5 S's? Slip on clothing that covers the skin, slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen (factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, every 2 hours), slap on a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face, ears and neck, seek shade especially...
When does my baby need sun protection in Ireland? Whenever the UV index is 3 or above.
Does my baby still need vitamin D drops in summer? Yes.
What about the sun on holiday abroad? The Mediterranean sun is in a different league to ours, and the same rules just matter more: under 6 months out of direct sun, shade and cover for older babies, SPF 50+, and avoid the middle of the day.
What are the essentials, in short?

What temperature is a fever in a baby? What to do and when to ring the GP

What temperature is a fever in a baby? A normal baby temperature is around 36.4°C.
How do I take my baby's temperature? Use a digital thermometer under the arm for babies under 5.
What temperature should I take my baby to the doctor? A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a baby under 6 months with 39°C or higher, needs to be seen by a doctor the same day.
When should I call 999 for a baby? Ring 999 or 112 if your baby is struggling to breathe, has blue lips, is floppy or hard to wake, has a fit, has a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed on it or has a high-pitched or weak cry.
How do I bring a baby's temperature down? Keep the baby cool with light clothing and a normal room temperature.
Is it normal for a baby to have a temperature after vaccines? Yes.
Can teething cause a fever? No.
How do I keep track of a temperature overnight?

The heel prick test in Ireland

The heel prick test in Ireland Every baby in Ireland is offered the heel prick test (newborn bloodspot screening) at 3 to 5 days old.
What is the heel prick test? The heel prick test, also called newborn bloodspot screening, is offered to every baby in Ireland.
When is the heel prick test done? The heel prick is usually done when your baby is 3 to 5 days old, and the HSE advises not leaving it past 5 days old.
How is the heel prick done? A midwife or PHN takes a few drops of blood from your baby's heel with a lancet and collects them on a newborn bloodspot screening card.
What conditions does the heel prick screen for? The heel prick screens for 11 rare but serious conditions.
Do I have to consent, and can I say no? Your midwife or PHN gives you information and a leaflet, then asks you to consent on your baby's behalf.
When and how do I get the heel prick results? Babies with a normal result are not contacted, so you can ask your PHN for the result.
What does a positive heel prick result mean? A positive result means your baby may be at risk of one of the conditions.
Why might my baby need a second heel prick? Sometimes a second heel prick is needed.
What happens to the blood spot card afterwards? The card goes to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory, which tests for the 11 conditions.

What is the HSE baby vaccine schedule in Ireland for 2026?

When are baby vaccines given in Ireland? The HSE childhood schedule runs from birth to 13 months, with vaccines at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 13 months, given free at your GP surgery.
What injections do babies have in Ireland? Babies in Ireland get their injections, or jabs, from the GP or GP practice nurse at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 13 months.
What does each baby vaccine cover? 6-in-1 covers diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib and Hepatitis B in one injection.
What is normal after a baby's vaccines? Slight redness or hardness where the needle went in, mild fever in the first 24 to 48 hours (especially after MenB), being a bit grumpier than usual for a day, and sleeping more or less.
Why does my baby app show the wrong vaccine schedule? Most baby tracker apps were built for the US, where the vaccine schedule is different in the number of doses, the timing and the included jabs.
How do I keep track of my baby's vaccines? Your GP will usually call you for each appointment.
What injections does my baby get, and when?

Newborn jaundice in Ireland

Newborn jaundice in Ireland Jaundice is common in newborns and usually harmless.
What is newborn jaundice? Newborn (neonatal) jaundice is common and usually harmless.
What does jaundice look like in a newborn? Jaundice shows up as yellow-looking whites of the eyes and slightly yellow-looking skin.
When does newborn jaundice start and how long does it last? The HSE says signs of jaundice usually appear when a baby is 2 to 3 days old, and they last from 10 to 14 days.
When should I call the GP, midwife or PHN about jaundice? If you think your baby may have jaundice, have them checked by your GP, midwife or public health nurse, who will tell you whether any tests or treatment are needed.
How should I feed a baby with jaundice? A baby with jaundice needs lots of fluids.
Is jaundice more common in breastfed babies? Yes.
How is newborn jaundice checked? Your GP, PHN or midwife will usually undress your baby and look at their eyes, gums and skin in bright, natural light.
What is phototherapy for jaundice? Treatment is only needed when the bilirubin level is high.
How can I keep track of feeds and wet nappies? The midwife or PHN will ask how feeding is going and about wet nappies, and for mild jaundice you watch for a wet nappy before every feed.

RSV immunisation for babies in Ireland: who gets it, and where?

RSV immunisation for babies in Ireland: who gets it, and where? Babies born in Ireland between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027 are offered free RSV immunisation in the maternity hospital, soon after birth.
Which babies get the RSV immunisation this winter? From 1 September the HSE is offering free RSV immunisation to three groups: babies born between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027, babies born between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026, and some high-risk babies...
Where does my baby get the RSV immunisation? It depends on when your baby was born.
Is the RSV immunisation free? Yes.
How long does the RSV immunisation protect my baby? The HSE says it protects your baby from severe RSV infection for 5 months during autumn and winter, when RSV levels are highest.
Is the RSV immunisation a vaccine? No.
What are the side effects of the RSV immunisation? Most babies have no side effects, the HSE says.
What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies and young children, usually caused by a virus such as RSV.
When should I get urgent help for my baby? Call 112 or 999 or go to an emergency department if your baby is struggling to breathe, has gone blue on the lips or tongue, will not stay awake, has gaps in breathing of more than 10 seconds, is breathing more than...
How do I care for my baby with bronchiolitis at home? The HSE says there is no specific treatment and antibiotics will not help.

How much vitamin D does my baby need in Ireland?

Which vitamin D3 drops should I use for my baby? Any infant drops labelled vitamin D3 that give 5 micrograms (200 IU) a day.
How much vitamin D should I give my baby? The HSE recommendation The HSE recommends 5 micrograms of vitamin D3 daily from birth to 12 months for breastfed babies and for bottle-fed babies getting less than 300ml of formula a day.
Why do babies in Ireland need vitamin D drops? Ireland sits between 51 and 55 degrees north, so skin can only make vitamin D from sunlight roughly between April and September, and babies' skin shouldn't be in direct sunlight under six months anyway.
How many drops of vitamin D is 5 micrograms? Most baby vitamin D drops sold in Ireland are dosed at 5 micrograms per drop, so one drop a day.
Does my formula-fed baby need vitamin D drops? Bottle-fed babies on more than 300ml of formula a day don't need the drops because the formula is already fortified.
How do I remember whether I gave the vitamin D today? Give it at roughly the same time each day so it's easy to remember.
When should I ask the PHN about vitamin D? Most parents don't need to, because one 5 microgram dose a day is simple to follow.

Healthcare

What helps a baby's first cold and when should I see the GP?

Why does a blocked nose bother a baby so much? Babies are nose-breathers.
What can I do at home for my baby's cold? Saline drops or spray before feeds, a nasal aspirator to clear the nose before feeds and sleep, smaller and more frequent feeds, keeping baby upright for feeds, a normal-temperature room that is not overheated, and...
Can I give my baby cold medicine? Do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children.
What temperature is a fever in a baby? A fever is 38 degrees or above.
When should I ring the GP about my baby's cold? Get medical advice if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38 degrees or above (same day), if they are feeding much less than half the normal amount, if there are fewer wet nappies than usual, if the...
When is a baby's cold an emergency? Call 112 or 999, or go straight to the emergency department, for difficulty breathing (grunting, ribs sucking in, nostrils flaring or pauses in breathing), blue or grey lips or skin, a rash that does not fade when...

How do I know if my baby is teething?

When do babies start teething? The first tooth usually appears around 6 months, but anywhere from about 3 months to after the first birthday is normal.
What are the signs of teething? Heavy drooling, chewing on everything within reach, one red flushed cheek, red sore gums where the tooth is coming, being more irritable and clingy than usual, slightly disturbed sleep and sometimes a slightly raised...
Does teething cause a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting? No.
What helps a teething baby? A teething ring cooled in the fridge, never frozen, chewing on a clean cool damp facecloth, gently rubbing the gum with a clean finger, cool soft foods if your baby is already weaned, extra comfort and patience, and...
Can I give my baby teething gel, granules or pain relief? Talk to your pharmacist before using any teething gel or granules, as some of what is sold for teething is not recommended for babies.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth? Once the first tooth appears, start brushing it twice a day.

Public health nurse (PHN) visits and baby checks in Ireland: what happens at each one?

When are the public health nurse checks and developmental checks in Ireland? The first PHN home visit is within 72 hours of coming home from hospital, the 2-week and 6-week checks are with your GP under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, the PHN developmental checks are at 3 months and at...
When does the PHN visit a new baby in Ireland? Your PHN visits at home, usually during your first 3 days at home with your baby, sees you and the baby again at 3 months at the health centre, and again at 9 to 11 months, with weight checks and developmental...
What happens at the first PHN visit? It is the longest visit, usually 60 to 90 minutes.
What happens at the 3-month PHN check? This check takes place at the health centre.
What happens at the 9 to 11 month PHN check? Weighing and measuring, a developmental check covering sitting, babbling and finger food handling, a hearing check, and a talk about toddler feeding, sleep changes and the transition to family food.
What should I have ready for a PHN visit? A nappy bag and a clean change, bottle or breast access in case baby gets hungry, a list of any questions or concerns, and your baby's red folder if it is a clinic visit.
What questions should I ask the PHN? None of them are silly and PHNs have heard all of them: is what I'm seeing normal, how do I know if reflux is bad enough to do something, when should I start weaning, why is my baby waking more than three weeks ago,...
How do I remember what to tell the PHN? Write concerns down when they happen rather than trying to recall them at the appointment.
What developmental checks does my baby have in Ireland? Your public health nurse (PHN) does your baby's developmental checks at 3 months, 9 to 11 months, 21 to 24 months and 46 to 48 months.

Money

Budget 2027 Ireland: what does it mean for parents and families?

How much will I save in tax and USC in Budget 2027? The personal, employee and earned income tax credits each rise by 125 euro, from 2,000 to 2,125 euro, so an employee paying income tax saves up to 250 euro a year.
What happens to Child Benefit in Budget 2027? Child Benefit does not change in Budget 2027.
Is there a double Child Benefit or once-off payment in Budget 2027? No double Child Benefit payment was announced.
What changes for Maternity, Paternity and Parent's Benefit in Budget 2027? Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit and Parent's Benefit all rise by 10 euro, from 299 to 309 euro a week, from January 2027.
What changes for childcare in Budget 2027? The maximum childcare fee falls from 735 to 550 euro a month for children up to and including senior infants, which the Government says saves families up to 2,220 euro a year.
What else changes for families on lower incomes in Budget 2027? From January 2027 the Child Support Payment rises by 6 euro a week to 64 euro for each child under 12 and 84 euro for each child aged 12 and over, and most weekly social welfare payments rise by 10 euro, with the...
Does Budget 2027 change anything for pregnancy, contraception or IVF? The Free Contraception Scheme is extended to age 37.
What changes for renting and buying a home in Budget 2027? The Rent Tax Credit rises by 150 euro to 1,150 euro for a single person and by 300 euro to 2,300 euro for a jointly assessed couple, for the 2027 and 2028 tax years.
Do I need to do anything to get the Budget 2027 increases? The new weekly rates apply from January 2027 to people already getting those payments, and the new tax credits, cut-off points and USC bands apply from 1 January 2027.
How much will I save in tax and USC?
Is there a double Child Benefit or once-off payment?
What changes for Maternity, Paternity and Parent's Benefit?
What changes for childcare and the National Childcare Scheme?
What else changes for families on lower incomes?
What changes for renting and buying a home?
Do I need to do anything to get the increases?

Child Benefit in Ireland: how much is it and how do you get it?

Child Benefit in Ireland: how much is it and how do you get it? Child Benefit is €140 a month for each child under 16, paid on the first Tuesday of every month whatever your income.
How much is Child Benefit in Ireland? Child Benefit is €140 a month for each child.
How much Child Benefit do you get for twins? Twins are paid one and a half times the normal monthly rate for each child, so €210 each, or €420 a month for the pair.
What is the New Baby Grant? A once-off €280 for each child born or adopted on or after 1 December 2024, paid on top of the first month of Child Benefit.
How do I apply for Child Benefit for a new baby? Register your baby's birth within 3 months.
How long do I have to apply for Child Benefit? Apply within 12 months of your baby being born, of a child joining your family, or of your family coming to live in Ireland.
When is Child Benefit paid? On the first Tuesday of every month.
Who gets Child Benefit, the mother or the father? It is paid to the child's mother or stepmother.
Can I get Child Benefit if I am not Irish? Yes, if you live in Ireland and meet the habitual residence condition; your child does not have to be an Irish citizen.
How long is Child Benefit paid for? Until your child turns 16.
Do I need to tell them if something changes? Yes, in writing, using form CB56.
How do I contact the Child Benefit Section? Phone (074) 916 4496 or 0818 300600, Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 4pm, or email Child.benefit@welfare.ie.
What other payments can I get when my baby arrives? Most working parents can also claim Maternity Benefit and Paternity Benefit, and later Parent's Benefit; our maternity leave guide explains each.

Where can I get free baby stuff in Ireland?

What free baby offers are running in Ireland right now? Checked on each retailer's own website on 30 October 2026: the free everymum gift bag, collected in SuperValu with the voucher from your everymum welcome email; Boots Parenting Club, free for Advantage Card holders...
Where can I get free baby stuff in Ireland, at a glance? Aldi and Lidl baby events for deep discounts on nappies, wipes and gear; supermarket baby clubs for coupons, points and occasional boxes; pharmacy clubs like Boots for points and samples; brand clubs and registration...
Is there a free baby tracker app for Irish parents? Lullagram, a baby tracker built for Irish parents, is free for the first 7 days with everything unlocked, on Android, iPhone and web.
Are there free pregnancy packs or a free baby box in Ireland? There is no State baby box in Ireland.
Which supermarkets run baby events in Ireland? Aldi and Lidl run baby and toddler events several times a year, with deep discounts on nappies, wipes and gear.
Which baby clubs are worth joining in Ireland? Supermarket and pharmacy baby clubs are usually worth the two minutes it takes to sign up.
Where do I get free baby sample bags and welcome packs? Maternity hospitals and some pharmacies hand out sample bags with nappy, wipe and cream samples, usually somewhere between the booking visit and going home with the baby.
What's the catch with free baby stuff? Almost every freebie is a trade: you get samples, they get your email address and a marketing profile of your household.
What do I get free from the State when I have a baby? Maternity care in the public system is free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.
What baby gear is safe to buy second-hand? Nearly everything, because most baby gear gets used for about four months.

Free GP visits for children under 8 in Ireland

Free GP visits for children under 8 in Ireland Every child under 8 living in Ireland can get a GP visit card.
Who can get the under 8s GP visit card? All children under 8 living in Ireland can get one.
What does the GP visit card cover? It covers free GP visits, including out of hours urgent GP care.
What is not covered by the GP visit card? Medication costs and hospital charges are not covered, the HSE says.
What do I need to register my baby? You need your PPS number, your child's PPS number and your GP's name.
Can I register before my baby's PPS number arrives? Yes, if your baby is under 4 months old.
How do I register online? Use the HSE online registration page for under 8s GP visit cards.
Can I apply by post or email instead? Yes.
How long does the card last, and what about a lost card or a new GP? Your child is covered until the end of the month of their 8th birthday, and the card shows its expiry date.
Who do I contact with questions? Call HSE Live on Freephone 1800 700 700, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.

How do maternity leave and Maternity Benefit work in Ireland?

How long is maternity leave in Ireland? You are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, plus up to 16 weeks of additional unpaid leave if you want it.
How much is Maternity Benefit in Ireland in 2026 and who pays it? Maternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection, not your employer.
Does my employer have to pay me on maternity leave? No.
What are the key maternity leave numbers in Ireland? 26 weeks of paid benefit plus a 16 week unpaid option, Maternity Benefit of 299 euro a week at the 2026 rate, apply at least 6 weeks before leave, give your employer at least 4 weeks notice in writing, paternity...
What other supports can new parents get in Ireland? Paternity Benefit gives 2 weeks for the other parent at the same weekly rate.
What about pregnancy sick leave, telling work and mortgages? Employers cannot treat pregnancy-related sick leave like ordinary sick leave.
How do I keep on top of it all once the baby arrives?

Parent's Benefit in Ireland: how much is it and how do you apply?

Parent's Benefit in Ireland: how much is it and how do you apply? Each parent can take 9 weeks of parent's leave in the first 2 years after a birth or adoption, all at once or in separate weeks.
How much is Parent's Benefit in Ireland? Parent's Benefit is €299 a week in 2026, for up to 9 weeks for each parent, so up to €2,691 each.
Who can take parent's leave in Ireland? Each relevant parent can take 9 weeks: a parent of the child, the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of a parent, the parent of a donor-conceived child or an adopting parent.
Do I have enough PRSI for Parent's Benefit? As an employee, the simplest test is 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before your Parent's Benefit starts.
How can I take my 9 weeks of parent's leave? You can take parent's leave as one block of 9 weeks or in separate periods of at least one week, at any time before your child turns 2, or within 2 years of an adoption placement.
How do I apply for Parent's Benefit? First tell your employer in writing, at least 6 weeks before your leave, with your dates and your child's birth certificate.
Does my employer have to pay me on parent's leave? No.
What if I already get a social welfare payment? You may get half-rate Parent's Benefit if you already get One-Parent Family Payment, a Bereaved Partner's Pension or Death Benefit by way of a Bereaved Partner's or Dependent Parents' Pension.
How does parent's leave fit with maternity and paternity leave? Parent's leave comes on top of the others.
Who do I contact about Parent's Benefit? Contact the Parent's Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection by email at parentsben@welfare.ie, or call 0818 300600 or 074 9164496.

Paternity Benefit in Ireland: how much is it and how do you apply?

Paternity Benefit in Ireland: how much is it and how do you apply? Paternity leave is 2 weeks off work for the father or the mother's partner, taken together at any time in the 26 weeks after the birth or adoption.
How much is Paternity Benefit in Ireland? Paternity Benefit is €299 a week in 2026, paid for the 2 weeks of paternity leave, so €598 in all.
Who can take paternity leave in Ireland? Paternity leave is for the relevant parent: the father of the child, the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the mother, or the parent of a donor-conceived child.
Do I have enough PRSI for Paternity Benefit? As an employee, the simplest test is at least 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before your paternity leave starts.
When can I take paternity leave? You can start your 2 weeks of paternity leave at any time in the 26 weeks after the birth or adoption placement.
How do I apply for Paternity Benefit? Apply online at MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 weeks before if you are self-employed.
Does my employer have to pay me on paternity leave? No.
What if I already get a social welfare payment? You may get half-rate Paternity Benefit if you already get One-Parent Family Payment, a Bereaved Partner's Pension, or Death Benefit by way of a Bereaved Partner's or Dependent Parents' Pension.
What happens after a stillbirth or a premature birth? If your baby is stillborn any time after the 23rd week of pregnancy, or weighs at least 400 grams, you are still entitled to paternity leave, and to 2 weeks of Paternity Benefit if you have the PRSI.
How does paternity leave fit with maternity leave and parent's leave? Paternity leave is 2 weeks for the second parent in the first 6 months.
Who do I contact about Paternity Benefit? Contact the Paternity Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection by email at paternityben@welfare.ie, or call 0818 300600 or 074 9164496.

How do I register a birth in Ireland?

How do I register a birth in Ireland? Register your baby's birth with the HSE Civil Registration Service within 3 months.
When do I have to register a birth in Ireland? You must register your baby's birth within 3 months, although you have up to 12 months in some circumstances.
How do I book an appointment to register a birth? Book with any HSE Civil Registration Service, wherever the birth took place; most people choose their local office.
What do I bring to register a birth? Bring the completed birth registration form, one for each baby if you had twins or more, and your government-issued photo ID with a photocopy of its photo page.
Who can register the birth? Usually the parents register the birth.
What does a birth certificate cost? Registering the birth is free, but certificates cost money.
How does registering the birth start Child Benefit? When you register within 3 months, the details go to the Department of Social Protection, which gives your baby a PPS number and sends the Child Benefit forms to you.
Can I change my baby's name after registering? You can add or change a forename for a €5 fee, with form CRA 16 signed by both parents and original documents showing the name your child uses.
Who do I contact about registering a birth? Contact your local HSE Civil Registration Service, which you can find on the HSE website, or the General Register Office in Roscommon on 090 663 2900 or gro@welfare.ie.

What tax credits can new parents claim in Ireland?

What tax credits can new parents claim in Ireland? Having a baby can bring three tax breaks in Ireland.
What tax credits can I claim when I have a baby? Revenue has no tax credit simply for having a baby.
Who can claim the Home Carer Tax Credit? You can claim it if you are married or in a civil partnership and jointly assessed for income tax, with one of you caring for a dependent person.
How much is the Home Carer Tax Credit? The Home Carer Tax Credit is €1,950 for 2026, rising by €100 to €2,050 from January 2027 under Budget 2027.
Who can claim the Single Person Child Carer Credit? You may claim it if you care for a child on your own: your own child, an adopted child or a child you support at your own expense.
Can I claim tax back on maternity care? Yes.
What does Budget 2027 change for parents' tax? From 1 January 2027 the Personal Tax Credit and the Employee Tax Credit each rise by €125, to €2,125.
How do I claim a tax credit? If you pay tax through PAYE, sign in to myAccount on revenue.ie, choose Manage your tax for the current year under PAYE Services, then Add new credits and pick the credit.

Baby items

What does a newborn need? Baby clothes and essentials

What does a newborn need before the birth? Before the birth you need a rear-facing baby car seat fitted in the car, somewhere safe to sleep (a cot, crib or Moses basket with a firm flat mattress), baby clothes in newborn and 0-3 month sizes, nappies, muslins...
What baby items are useful in the first weeks? A baby carrier or sling that supports the baby's hips in an M position and keeps the airway visible and clear, a baby bath or simple bath support, a pram or travel system, and a baby bouncer.
When does a baby need a monitor and a high chair? Both wait until about six months.
What baby items should I not buy? Skip cot bumpers, pillows, duvets and loose bedding (against safe sleep guidance), a changing table if a mat on the floor works for you, shoes for a baby who cannot walk, and most newborn-size clothing beyond a...
What should I buy new and what can be second-hand? Second-hand covers most of the list: clothes, the cot frame, the bouncer, the high chair and half the pram market.
What does a newborn need, at a glance?

Baby shower gifts parents in Ireland will actually use

What is a good baby shower gift? Something the parents will use every day in the first months: nappies and wipes, muslins, babygros in bigger sizes, a baby sleeping bag in the right tog or something for the parent-to-be such as meals for the freezer...
What are good baby shower gifts under €20? Our pick is a big pack of nappies in size 2 or 3 with a card promising a dinner drop-off.
What are good baby shower gifts from €20 to €50? Our pick is a baby sleeping bag in the size and tog the parents ask for.
What are good baby shower gifts over €50? Our pick is a voucher towards the buggy, cot or a new car seat, so the parents choose the model themselves.
Where can I buy baby shower gifts in Ireland? Shops we like for baby gifts in Ireland are Bella Baby, an Irish family-run retailer, Smyths Toys, Mamas & Papas, BabyBoo and Little Ru for Irish-designed gifts and keepsakes, Mums and Babies Ireland and Boots.
What can I give the mum-to-be instead of something for the baby? Batch-cooked meals for the freezer, a food delivery or supermarket voucher, comfortable things for her hospital bag, feeding comfort such as nursing bras and breast pads, a voucher for something just for her or a...
What baby shower gifts should I avoid? Cot bumpers, pillows, duvets and sleep positioners, a second-hand car seat, a second-hand mattress, amber teething necklaces, headbands and clothes with cords, and baby walkers.
What is a good group baby shower gift? A voucher towards the buggy, cot or a new car seat, a meal rota for the first month, a nappy fund with everyone bringing a pack in a different size, a cleaner for a few visits after the birth or a memory book with a...
Is there a useful gift that is not a thing at all? Yes.
How much should I spend on a baby shower gift? There is no set amount.
Can I give a second-hand car seat as a gift? It is best not to.
Are cot bumpers and baby pillows good gifts? No.
Should I buy a gift for the mum-to-be as well as the baby? If you can, yes.

What newborn gifts do Irish parents actually use?

What newborn gifts get used every day? Nappies and wipes in quantity, since a newborn goes through 10 to 12 nappies a day.
What can I give the new parents instead? A cooked meal left on the doorstep, a voucher for a takeaway, an offer to walk the buggy while someone showers, or simply arriving with coffee and leaving within the hour.
What newborn gifts should I skip? Newborn-size outfits, the single most duplicated gift in Ireland.
Where can I buy baby gifts in Ireland? Smyths Toys for big-ticket practical items like monitors, sterilisers, playmats and car seats.
Is there a useful newborn gift that costs nothing? In the early weeks every parent is quietly worrying about whether the baby is feeding enough and sleeping enough.

Baby names

CSO baby names 2025: the most popular baby names in Ireland

What are the most popular baby names in Ireland? In the latest CSO figures, for babies born in 2025, the top boys' names in Ireland were Rían, Jack, Noah, James and Oisín, and the top girls' names were Lily, Éabha, Fiadh, Grace and Sadie.
What are the most popular boys' names in Ireland? For 2025 births the top 5 boys' names were Rían, Jack, Noah, James and Oisín.
What are the most popular girls' names in Ireland? For 2025 births the top 5 girls' names were Lily, Éabha, Fiadh, Grace and Sadie.
Which baby names are rising and falling in Ireland? Naoise rose fastest for boys, from 162nd in 2024 to 88th, and Raya for girls, from 213th to 99th.
How do I check the most popular baby names in my county? The Central Statistics Office publishes an interactive baby names tool at visual.cso.ie where you can type in any name, see how many babies received it each year, how its ranking has moved over decades and which...
What should I think about when choosing an Irish baby name? Decide early whether you will keep the fada in names like Rían, Éabha and Fiadh, because forms and some school systems still occasionally mangle it.
What do I need to sort out once the name is chosen?

Apps

Which baby tracker app can both parents use?

Which baby tracker app lets both parents log feeds at the same time? Lullagram does: you each log on your own phone, at the same time if you need to, and both entries land on both phones.
What is the best baby tracker app for both parents? Our pick is Lullagram, because in our view it gets right the parts of sharing that matter at 3am: your own logins in one household, live sync both ways, logging offline, handovers without waking anyone and one price...
How do I share Lullagram with my partner? Invite your partner with a code from the Menu.
How quickly does my partner see what I log? Straight away, as long as both phones are online.
How do we hand over without waking each other? Check the phone, not your partner.
Is there a free baby tracker app I can share with my partner? Lullagram's baby tracker is free for 7 days with every feature unlocked, sharing included, and no card needed.
Does my partner have to pay separately? No, one subscription covers the whole household, so both of you, and all your babies, are covered by one €4.99 a month.
What is a good baby tracker app for twins? Our pick is Lullagram, because twins are usually a two-parent job and Lullagram is built for two phones.
What other apps do couples use to share baby tracking? Most baby trackers sync between phones in some way.
Does Lullagram work if one of us has an iPhone and the other has Android? Yes: on Android Lullagram is on Google Play, and on iPhone it runs from Safari at lullagram.ie/app, added to your Home Screen.
Who can see our baby's data? Only the people in your household.

Is there an Irish alternative to Huckleberry? 5 baby trackers compared

Is there an Irish alternative to Huckleberry? Yes.
What does Huckleberry do best and what's the catch? Expert-designed sleep programmes.
Is Baby Tracker by Nighp good for simple logging? Yes.
Is Baby Daybook good for detailed routines? Yes.
Is Napper only for sleep? Napper is a sleep-first app with AI-driven nap predictions, sleep sounds and an educational sleep school, plus space for tracking how you are doing yourself.
How do I choose a baby tracker app? Check the units and language first, because you will use the app at 3am.
1. Lullagram: is there an Irish alternative to Huckleberry?
2. Huckleberry: what does it do best and what's the catch?
3. Baby Tracker by Nighp: is it good for simple logging?
4. Baby Daybook: is it good for detailed routines?
5. Napper: is it only for sleep?

Is there an IVF app in Ireland?

Is there an IVF app in Ireland? Yes.
Why is Lullagram our pick for an IVF app in Ireland? In our view, because it is free, it is made in Ireland and it puts the practical side of treatment in one place: your treatment dates, your injections with reminders, your appointments and how free IVF works in Ireland.
What do the Lullagram IVF tools do? You add your treatment dates, from Day 1 through stimulation, trigger, egg collection, transfer and test day.
Can the app remind me about my injections? Yes.
Can my partner see my IVF treatment in the app? Only if you choose to share.
Is the Lullagram IVF app free? Yes.
How does free IVF work in Ireland? According to the HSE, your GP or a consultant refers you to a regional fertility hub.
What other apps do people use during IVF? Besides Lullagram, people trying for a baby in Ireland often use Flo for cycle tracking, Natural Cycles for temperature-based cycle tracking and Peanut for community.
Does Lullagram give medical advice about IVF? No.
Is my IVF data private in Lullagram? Yes.
Does Lullagram work on iPhone? Yes.

Lullagram vs Huckleberry: which baby tracker suits Irish parents?

What is Huckleberry? Huckleberry is a baby tracking app made by a US company, Huckleberry Labs.
What is Lullagram? Lullagram is a baby tracker built in Cork, for parents in Ireland, by an Irish parent.
How do Lullagram and Huckleberry compare? Lullagram is built for parents in Ireland specifically, in Irish English, metric by default, with reminders matched to the Irish system and printable summaries for nurse and GP visits, data hosted in Ireland, and a...
Does Lullagram work on iPhone? Lullagram is on Google Play for Android and runs on iPhone as a web app in Safari.
Why do Irish parents pick Lullagram over Huckleberry? The reminders, the language, the printable visit summary for nurse appointments and the weaning content are all Irish, so none of it needs translating in your head at 4am.
Which is better for Irish parents, Lullagram or Huckleberry? Any decent tracker will log a feed.
Does Lullagram work on iPhone, and what about sleep guidance and tiers?

Is there one app for pregnancy and the baby?

Is there one app for pregnancy and the baby? Yes.
Is there one app for pregnancy and the baby? Yes.
Do pregnancy apps charge a subscription? Many do not.
Can my partner share the pregnancy app? Yes.
What happens to my pregnancy in the app after the birth? When your baby arrives, one tap sets up the baby tracker for feeds, sleep, nappies, weight and the HSE vaccine schedule, shared between both parents.
Does it help before the pregnancy too? Yes.
Is there a pregnancy app for dads? Lullagram is built for both parents rather than one.
Does it work on iPhone and Android? Yes.

What is the best pregnancy app in Ireland? Free, with IVF tools

What is the best pregnancy and IVF app in Ireland? Our pick for the best pregnancy and IVF app in Ireland is Lullagram.
Why is Lullagram our pick for the best pregnancy app in Ireland? In our view, because it is built around the Irish system rather than adapted to it, and the parts you need before the birth are free, with no trial and no card.
Is there a free pregnancy app in Ireland? Yes.
Is there an IVF and fertility app in Ireland? Yes.
What app do I use once the baby is born? If you used Lullagram through your pregnancy, you keep using Lullagram: the baby tracker is already in the same app.
How does Lullagram compare with other pregnancy apps? Lullagram is built for Ireland: free pregnancy tracking and free trying for a baby and IVF support, with HSE guidance, your Irish dates and a baby tracker in the same app.
What other pregnancy apps do Irish parents use? Besides Lullagram, the names that come up again and again are Flo, Pregnancy+, BabyCenter, What to Expect, Emma's Diary, Peanut and Natural Cycles.
Are free pregnancy apps good enough? Yes.
Is there a pregnancy app for dads and partners? Yes.
Does Lullagram work on iPhone? Yes.
Is my pregnancy and fertility data private in Lullagram? Yes.
How can I get ready before the birth? Lullagram runs a free 5-week email course for expecting parents in Ireland at lullagram.ie/prepare.

Guides

What will the public health nurse ask at my baby's visit?

What questions does the PHN ask at every visit? At every visit your public health nurse will weigh your baby, check their development against the milestones for their age, and ask about feeding, sleep and nappies: how often the baby is feeding and how much,...
How many wet nappies a day should my baby have? At least 6 heavy wet nappies in 24 hours is the general guideline for a baby over 5 days old.
Does my baby need vitamin D drops? The HSE recommends 5 micrograms daily from birth to 12 months for all breastfed babies and formula-fed babies taking less than 300ml a day.
How do I prepare for a PHN visit? Give specific answers.
When are the PHN and GP checks for a baby in Ireland? A PHN home visit within 72 hours of discharge from hospital, GP checks at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, a PHN developmental assessment at 3 months, a PHN check at 9 to 11 months, another at 21 to 24 months, and a pre-school...

Childcare

How much does a crèche cost in Ireland?

What is the most a crèche can charge in Ireland? If the crèche is in the State's Core Funding scheme, which over 93% of eligible services are, the most it can charge for 40 to 49 hours a week is €280 before subsidies, as of September 2026.
Is the National Childcare Scheme means tested? Only one part of it.
From what age can I get the NCS subsidy? From 24 weeks, which is roughly 6 months.
Can I get NCS and free preschool (ECCE) at the same time? Yes.
How do I see what a crèche near me charges? The Childcare Service Search on the NCS website lists services that have an NCS contract, and it shows their fees for NCS and ECCE.
How much does a full-time crèche place cost in Ireland?
What is the Core Funding fee freeze?
What is the National Childcare Scheme and how much does it pay?
Who can get the income-assessed subsidy?
How do I apply for the NCS?
When does free preschool (ECCE) start?
What changes in September 2027?
How do I budget for crèche fees?

When should I keep my child home from crèche?

How long should my child stay off crèche after a vomiting bug? The HSE says children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from childcare until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 48 hours.
Can my child go to crèche with a runny nose? Usually, yes.
When can my child go back to crèche after a high temperature? When their temperature has gone back to normal and stays that way without paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Does hand, foot and mouth disease mean staying home from crèche? Only while your child is feeling unwell.
Can I get paid leave when my child is sick? Force majeure leave is paid leave for an urgent family reason, such as the unexpected illness of your child.
When should I keep my child home from crèche?
How long after vomiting or diarrhoea can my child go back to crèche?
Can my child go to crèche with a cold or a runny nose?
What about hand, foot and mouth, conjunctivitis and other crèche bugs?
Why does my crèche have its own sickness policy?
Why is my baby sick all the time since starting crèche?
What leave can I take when my child is sick?

How do I find and choose a crèche in Ireland?

How do I check if a crèche is registered with Tusla? Tusla publishes a register of early years services on its website, which you can search by county.
How many babies can one adult mind in a crèche? In full or part-time day care, the regulations require at least one adult for every 3 babies under 1, one for every 5 children aged 1 to 2, one for every 6 aged 2 to 3 and one for every 8 aged 3 to 6.
Does a childminder have to be registered with Tusla? A childminder minding more than 3 preschool children or more than 6 children in total must register now, and registration becomes mandatory for all childminders from September 2027.
Who can give me a list of crèches near me? Your local City or County Childcare Committee keeps a directory of services in your area, and there are 30 of them around the country.
What should I get in writing if my child goes on a waiting list? Ask for written confirmation that your child is on the list and for the service's procedure for managing it.
Where do I find a crèche near me?
How do I check a crèche's Tusla inspection report?
Crèche, childminder or preschool: what is the difference?
What adult to child ratios must a crèche have?
What should I ask when I visit a crèche?
When should I start looking for a crèche?
What happens once I have chosen a crèche?

Development

How does a baby learn to communicate in the first year?

When do babies start cooing, babbling and talking? Roughly: 0 to 2 months, cries and throaty gurgles; 2 to 3 months, cooing and laughing out loud by three months; 4 to 5 months, ah-goo sounds and copying your voice; 6 to 9 months, babbling like baba, gagaga, dada and...
How can I help my baby learn to talk? Get face-to-face about an arm's length apart, talk to them even when they can't talk back, leave pauses so they can take a turn, copy their sounds back, turn the TV off, read picture books together and sing.
What if we speak more than one language at home? The HSE's position is to talk to your baby in whichever language you are most comfortable with.
Does screen time help a baby learn to talk? No.
When should I worry about my baby's communication? The HSE red flags in the first six months are: doesn't startle to loud noises (newborn), doesn't engage in eye contact (2 to 4 months), doesn't smile in response to you (3 months), doesn't coo or make sounds (4...
What helps a baby learn to communicate most? Paying attention to them: looking at them, pausing to let them respond, talking about whatever's in front of you.

What milestones should my baby reach by 6 months?

What should a baby do by 1 month? Lifts their head up briefly during tummy time, is alert to sounds, gurgles, recognises your voice, cries to communicate, fixes on a bright object and follows it with their eyes, and is more interested in faces than...
What should a baby do by 2 months? Lifts their chest during tummy time, holds their head upright when held, tracks moving objects with their eyes, briefly holds a rattle, looks at people who are talking, may start cooing and smiles back at you.
What should a baby do by 3 months? Good head control when seated, rests on forearms during tummy time, bats at objects, chuckles, echoes back sounds you make, gives warm smiles and laughs in response to you and holds long eye contact.
What should a baby do by 4 months? Holds their head steady in line with their body, may roll front-to-back, sits with back support, clutches at objects, laughs out loud, makes ah-goo sounds and vocalises when a person stops talking.
What should a baby do by 5 months? Lifts their head when sitting, smiles and vocalises at themselves in a mirror, copies your voice, makes raspberry spitting sounds, smiles spontaneously, reacts to different tones of voice and reaches out and grasps...
What should a baby do by 6 months? Sits with support, rolls back-to-front, passes objects from one hand to the other, babbles sounds like baba and gagaga, turns toward new sounds and people entering the room, shows a preference for a particular...
What if my baby is behind on a milestone? The HSE list is a guide, not a test, and the ages given are averages.

Baby milestones by month: what the HSE says to expect from 0 to 12 months

Should my baby be walking at 12 months? Not necessarily.
When do babies start to crawl? The HSE says babies may crawl on their hands and knees by 9 months.
When do babies say their first word? The HSE says babies may say 'mama' or 'dada' at 8 months, though they might not know what these mean yet.
What if my baby was born premature? Use their corrected age, which the HSE says is worked out from your due date.
What are the newborn milestones up to 1 month?
What are the 2 month milestones?
What are the 3 month milestones?
What are the 4 month milestones?
What are the 5 month milestones?
What are the 6 month developmental milestones?
What are the 7 to 8 month milestones?
What are the 9 to 10 month milestones?
What are the 11 to 12 month milestones?
When should I worry about a missed milestone?
What developmental checks does my baby have in Ireland?
How can I keep track of my baby's milestones?

What is corrected age for a premature baby?

What is corrected age for a premature baby? Corrected age is your baby's age counted from your pregnancy due date instead of the day they were born.
What is corrected age? Corrected age is your baby's age worked out from your pregnancy due date, not the day they were born.
How do I work out my baby's corrected age? Take your baby's age and subtract the number of weeks or months they were born early.
Should I check milestones against corrected age? Yes.
When can a premature baby start solid foods? The HSE says your baby's stage of development is more important than their age.
What if my baby is 7 months corrected and not ready for solids? Speak to your GP or public health nurse if your baby has a corrected age of 7 months and is not showing signs that they are ready to start solid foods.
What solid foods suit a premature baby? Premature babies usually have smaller tummies, so the HSE says they need to eat small amounts of nutritious foods often.
Are premature babies more likely to have allergies? No.
How can I help my premature baby develop? You can help your baby's development by being present and taking part in their care.
What are the benefits of skin to skin contact? Holding your baby directly against your skin can help them regulate their sleep, temperature and heart rate, says the HSE.

Safety

How to baby-proof your home: a room-by-room checklist

When should I start baby-proofing? Start before your baby is mobile, ideally while you are still pregnant or in the early weeks.
What is the number for the Poisons Information Centre in Ireland? The National Poisons Information Centre public line is 01 809 2166, open 8am to 10pm every day, as of September 2026.
What should I do if my child swallows a button battery? Go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Do I really need to anchor furniture and the TV to the wall? Yes.
Are baby walkers safe? The HSE advises against baby walkers.
Where can I check if a baby product has been recalled? The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) lists product recalls on its website, and you can report an unsafe product to it there too.
What should I do before the baby arrives?
What changes when my baby starts rolling?
What should I baby-proof once my baby is crawling?
What about when my baby starts pulling up and walking?
How do I baby-proof the kitchen?
How do I baby-proof the bathroom?
How do I baby-proof the living room and bedrooms?
What should I do if my child swallows something?
How do I know if a baby product is safe?

Travel

What do I need for my baby's first holiday abroad?

Does my baby need a passport? Yes.
Does my baby need an EHIC? If you are heading anywhere in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, yes.
Does my baby need travel vaccines? For most European beach holidays, no.
How do I fly with a baby? Feed on the way up and the way down, because sucking helps a baby's ears cope with the pressure changes.
What should I pack in my hand luggage for a baby? More nappies and wipes than you think you need, a spare outfit or two, enough feeds for the journey plus extra in case of delays, infant paracetamol, a digital thermometer and a small first aid kit, a muslin, a...
Will my baby's routine survive the holiday? A new room, a time difference and a hot climate will throw naps and feeds off for a few days.
Do I need to bring a car seat abroad?
How do I keep my baby safe in the sun and heat abroad?
What are the essentials, in short?