Meals are also given to parents of child cancer patients.
Charge nurse managers have discretion to offer meals to other caregivers on a case-by-case basis, such as if a mother cannot leave a child because the child is distressed.
Counties Manukau DHB
"Kidz First Children's Hospital provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to the caregiver - breastfeeding or otherwise - who stays with their child during the child's hospital stay," said Nettie Knetsch, the DHB's general manager of Kidz First and women's health.
"For some out-of-area children during the first day or so, we may provide meals to more than one caregiver - ie, both parents or a grandparent - so the family can get settled and organise the rest of their stay."
Auckland DHB
"All caregivers who stay in the [Starship children's] hospital overnight receive breakfast," said the DHB's director of provider services, Fionnagh Dougan.
"Breastfeeding mothers and all mothers providing care to children aged under 6 months are also offered lunch and dinner.
"Outside these criteria, our policy does allow some flexibility on a case-by-case basis depending on need. This includes long-stay parents and those who cannot leave the ward," she said.
Waitemata DHB
"Waitemata DHB provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for parents of child patients up to 6 months of age,"said Linda Harun, the general manager for child, women and family services.
"They are entitled to receive meals regardless of whether their child is breast-fed or bottle-fed," Ms Harun said.
"Ward staff also have the discretion to provide meals for caregivers who are not the child's parents, and for parents or caregivers of child patients older than 6 months."