KEY POINTS:
A critically injured Papakura baby who was rushed to hospital after suffering non-accidental injuries is expected to require medical attention for the rest of his life.
The 4-month-old boy was at home with his 18-year-old mother, 19-year-old father and maternal grandmother when he suffered a life-threatening head injury on August 2.
He was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery for what is believed to have been major swelling of the brain and now remains in Starship hospital's high dependency unit in a serious condition.
Counties Manukau police spokeswoman Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey said the baby was still unable to feed on his own and was expected to need medical treatment and rehabilitation for the rest of his life.
She said it wouldn't be until the boy was old enough to crawl that doctors would know if he would be able to walk.
The investigation by the child abuse team into how he suffered his injuries continues. A scene examination was initially carried out at his state home and family were said to be co-operating with police.
The baby's 18-month-old brother has been taken into Child, Youth and Family custody and is being looked after by another relative.
Meanwhile, 3-year-old Benjamin Mikaio, who suffered life-threatening injuries in June, also remains in Starship with brain damage.
The Avondale toddler suffered internal bleeding, head trauma and several pelvic fractures at his home. His mother, Itupa Julie Mikaio, 39, is facing a charge of failing to provide the necessaries of life, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent to injure.
