Vincent David is the first 2024 baby born in the Cook Islands.

He arrived at Aitutaki Hospital on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 2:50am, weighing 2.260 kilograms.

Later that day, he and his parents, Mary Clementis and Davida David, were flown to Rarotonga for a medical checkup.

Clementis, in awe of becoming a first-time mother, shared, “He arrived early, so we came to Rarotonga for a check-up, and he’s doing well.”

As of yesterday, both mother and baby were doing well. Both parents said they were still deciding on their baby boy’s middle name.

Yesterday, Rarotonga Hospital welcomed its first and the country’s second baby of 2024.

Tai Rukuaro from Pukapuka gave birth to Rarotonga’s first 2024 baby – a bonnie baby girl weighing 4.82 kilograms. MELINA ETCHES/24010404

A beautiful 4.82-kilogram baby girl, the island’s first 2024 native, was born at 10:04am.

Her mother, Tai Rukuaro from Pukapuka, had travelled to Rarotonga late last year to prepare for the birth. The maternity ward was also expecting another new arrival yesterday.

In 2022, 225 babies were born in the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands News congratulates the parents on the gift of their precious babies and wishes them good health and a life full of vitality. May your children always be happy and strong.