Help and advice for parents
There are trustworthy places you can phone or go online to find answers. Get help or advice for children from newborns to teenagers.
Help by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
You can contact the Maternal and Child Health Hotline to speak to someone from Maternal and Child Health services. This phone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Victorian families with children from birth to school age.
Call 13 2229 (remember it as 13 BABY)
The service is free and confidential.
MCH app - reliable, trusted information on your phone
The free MCH app gives you reliable information that you can use every day. The app can help track your child’s growth and remind you about upcoming MCH appointments and immunisations.
Get the app from the Better Health channel website.
First aid for new parents
We recommend that new parents go to a first aid course. Knowing what to do in an emergency could save your child’s life.
Helpful websites and books
Understanding your baby’s needs
The Australian Childhood Foundation has a booklet I need you A-Z: understanding your baby’s needs to help parents.
Raising Children’s Network
The Raising Children's Network is a complete resource for parenting, from newborns to teenagers.
Cope
Cope - providing support for the emotional challenges of becoming a parent.