Critically-ill baby known to CYF

The critically-ill baby was rushed to hospital on Tuesday. File photo / NZ Herald

A 6-month-old girl fighting for her life after suffering severe head injuries at a Ngaruawahia house was known to Child, Youth and Family.

The critically-ill baby was rushed to Waikato Hospital on Tuesday afternoon and transferred to Auckland's Starship soon after.

She remains in the hospital's intensive care unit.

CYF confirmed yesterday that the baby and her family were known to staff, but would not be drawn on their involvement.

The baby's sibling is now in CYF's care but has not been in the past.

"When police told us of her injuries her sibling was taken into emergency care and is safe and well with a CYF caregiver," said CYF head of operations Jo Ann Field.

"The injuries suffered by this baby girl are tragic and our thoughts are with her and those who love her."

It is understood there were signs the baby may have been strangled and abused.

Police cordoned off the Havelock Rd house where she lived with her mother, and carried out a scene examination.

Officers and CYF staff also spoke to the baby's family yesterday.

"It is expected that this will take some time to complete," said Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene.

"We are at the very early stages of this investigation, and as with any situation of this kind, it is absolutely vital that we take the time that is required to complete every element of the investigation thoroughly."

Mr Greene said police, CYF and medical specialists were working closely together to establish what happened to the baby.

"The police investigators are keeping an open mind as they work through the investigative process."

The girl was one of three babies admitted to Waikato Hospital with non-accidental injuries on Tuesday. A 15-month old boy and an 8-month-old girl were also treated after unconnected incidents.

Anthea Simcock, chief executive of the Child Matters advocacy group, said the babies' injuries were "distressing".

"In the case of the 6-month-old girl, neighbours were reported to have heard arguments from the house up to four times a week and the baby girl crying all the time," she said.

"I cannot emphasise strongly enough how important it is for family members, friends and neighbours to seek help at an early stage if they can see an adult or family is under stress or not coping with a child."

She said the majority of child abuse cases could be prevented by acting on concerns.

"More often than not there are many signs that a family is having trouble coping with a child, or is under levels of stress that could lead to them 'losing it'.

"Stress is a cumulative thing, it builds up. So the sooner someone can intervene and provide support to help the family deal with the stress, the less likely that it will go beyond normal stress reactions and potentially end in tragedy."