Articles

Safety Around Water

It is not just swimming pools and dams that children drown in.  A child can drown in 5 cm of water.  This means anything that may hold water that a child can get their head into such as bathtubs, toilets, hot tubs, spars, pools and ponds, sinks, washing machines, buckets, eskies or pets drinking water. 

NEVER leave a child unattended around water this includes a child on bath support or with inflatable vests or ‘floaties’.  When a child is near or in water watch with attention, a child can down in the sight of an adult whose attention has been distracted or in the time it takes to step out of the bathroom to answer the phone or get a towel.  When bathing your child use a non-slip bath mat and hold your baby or young child with a firm grip rather than using a bath support where a possible distraction for a short time could lead to a potential accident. 

Keep doors closed and children out of potential dangerous areas where there may be water including bathrooms, toilets and laundries.  Close toilet lids and fasten with clip to stop young children from opening the lid. 

Pool and pond areas should be behind child proof gates and barriers to prevent children accessing these areas unattended. 

Take a course in CPR.
Teach your child to swim.

Safety From Falling

Never leave a child unattended on a raised surface no matter how low it may be or how young or immobile you may think your child is.  It is advisable to start good habits right from the start when it comes to children and heights. 

When putting a baby into a cot raise the side.  Drop the height of the cot base once a baby begins to roll.  Never sleep a baby on a bed as babies have rolled off the bed or suffocated in the pillows or bedding.  If you are away from home and baby needs a sleep it is safer to strap baby into the pram where you know he/she will be safe and secure.  Use a bed rail when moving a child from cot to bed.  Show your child how to climb safely in and out of the bed and discontinue using a sleeping bag as these can cause the baby to trip and fall off the bed. 

Remove baby from the change table if you need to move away to collect something or to wash your hands.  It is safer to put baby on the floor for a few minutes.  Have all your nappy changing items on or beside the change table and always have a hand on baby when you don’t have your eyes on baby.  Make sure all small or dangerous objects including lotions are our of baby’s reach.  Buying a change table with raised sides to prevent roll-off may also help. If you have a collapsible table, make sure the locks are secure before placing baby on the table.  

Don’t prop baby between pillows or cushions on the lounge baby should spend play time on a mat on the floor to encourage tummy play.

Where there are straps or a safety harness to secure you child, use them.  This will help prevent problems and tantrums that may occur later.  For example when a child first sits in a highchair they are not very mobile so straps are not often used but when a child becoming more active they may attempt to climb out and when you try to strap them in they may protest and struggle against you.  The same may occur with the pram.  Strapping a child in from the beginning will help them to become accustomed to it and learn to expect using straps.  It becomes lifestyle.  Highchair should have shoulder, waist, and a crotch strap.  Make sure a child can’t push the chair over while sitting in the chair.
When using a seats that attach to the table make sure the table is able to support the seat without tipping over.  Never allow a child to climb on or stand in a highchair.

Again never leave a child unattended in a highchair.

It would be wise that all parents and child careres keep up to date with First Aid including CPR.
St John Ambulance Aust has a 'Caring for Kids' programme, as well as CPR and first aid programme.  www.stjohn.org.au

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Defining Fatherhood

There was a time – oh how all men miss those good old days! – when men were men, women were women and babies were - well, men were blissfully unaware what babies were. Not so anymore. We are expected to take on roles evolution has equipped us very poorly to deal with. Even the very definition of fatherhood is a moving target, frustrating everyone involved – apart from sociologists of course who are wetting their pants in anticipation of all the inane studies they can make.

It became obvious to me as I took part in what has become the activity of choice for all us struggling dads - the baby swimming class. Freya was about 18 months when I attended the first session.
 
Around me stood ten other dads and one lonesome mother in waist deep water, singing ‘Cuddly koala, cuddly koala, possums too, possums too…’ and I was struck with how stupid we must look. Next to me was a guy with tattoos that to my untrained eye made him member of a satanic cult, two rival motorcycle gangs and a torture appreciation society. He too was singing along: ‘wallaby and wombat, wallaby and wombat, kangaroo, kangaroo.’ We are so confused about our roles as fathers that even this guy, who probably spent his weekends smashing other people’s heads together for fun, desperately trying to work it out by attending these non swimming sessions. He looked like an absolute dork, not that I’d tell him to his face. We just have no role models. Who should we turn to? Our own dads with their no nonsense view on fatherhood? Or a celebrity father? Perhaps Tom Cruise could teach us a thing or two about fatherhood? He seems to know about most other things after all.

No, we are alone, desperately making it up as we go along. And this is where it all falters. How can you be good or bad at anything if the goal or the road there isn’t defined? Is it only with 20/20 hindsight and a grown child’s opinion we can find out for sure whether we were any good as fathers? Or is the constant feel of inadequateness enough as a pointer to how you are performing?

I love being a father, but sometimes I wish it came with an instruction manual from this century.

Mikael Svanström, author of "Getting pregnant the Hard way" - buy the book from http://www.mikaelsvanstrom.com or your local bookstore.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Every child is different when it comes to introducing a new baby, some children find the adjustment very difficult and may regress, others adapt quickly.  Often the older the child the easier the transition.  If your child is under two they may still be needing the attention a baby needs and may resent having to share his parents love with another baby.  An older child tends to be more independent and less needing to be babied hence more likely to adjust quicker.  All children have a desire to help which can be used in their favour and to your advantage when the baby arrives.  Getting your older child  involved will help them not only to feel needed but help them see their place in the family unit as being important.  First children who have been doted upon since an early age find it difficult to share their parents attention with anyone.

There are some things that can  ensure a smoother transition such as making changes two or three months before the baby arrives.  This may include changing bedrooms or moving from a cot to a bed.  Enrolling your toddler into activities away from mum, where they can mix with their peers and learn to be less dependant on mummy.  This will also give mum time alone with baby.  Don’t leave making these arrangements to the last minute as you may find you run out of time if baby arrives early. Talk about the new baby and where he/she will be sleeping etcetera. 

Let your toddler know when you are going to hospital and have a gift from the baby to give to their older sibling.

When baby has arrived the less changes your toddler goes through the smoother his transition.  Be prepared with activities to entertain him/her when you are feeding the baby.  Spend quality time with your toddler when baby is sleeping.  Reassure him/her with lots of cuddles and hugs during this time.  

Out side help is best utilised to enable you to spend more time with your older sibling.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy coaches can help you with a variety of topics that cover children from birth to five years old. 

Give Cradle 2 Kindy 1300 786 101 a call now to book a visit so that we can assist you with questions relating to your children.

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

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Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Over the years of helping parents many of my clients have not know what a mothercraft nurse is.  Infact when the business was called Mothercraft Home Service many were unaware that mothercraft was a profession. 

What is a Mothercraft Nurse?

These days to become a mothercraft nurse you must have completed your basic or general nursing training before you can sit for the mothercraft certificate.  In the past it was a eighteen month intensive live in course.  During this time we were trained to care for children from birth to five years old.  The topics covered included developmental milestones, breast and bottle feeding, sleep and settling, toddler management and childhood diseases.

A part of our training was to work in the maternity ward and experience labour and observe a caesarean birth.  We also worked in child care which included planning and organising activities for children up to an including kindergarden and pre school. 

Where do Mothercraft Nurses work today?

Today you are most likely to find mothercraft nurses employed by private hospitals to help mothers in the nursery, teach bathing and take settling classes, they may also help the midwives and assists with mothers with breastfeeding.

Mothercraft nurses also work at the mothercraft centres such as Karitane, Tresillian in Sydney, Tweedle in Melbourne, Ngala in Perth.

Cradle 2 Kindy also has mothercraft nurses working as parenting coaches to assist you at home.

How do they differ to Midwives?

Some of my clients have asked this question and my simplest answer is that a midwife assists you in hospital with all your concerns there and a mothercraft takes over where they leave off and teaches you how to avoid or over come problems that may effect you and your family once you are at home. 

Midwives are trained to look after you pre and postnataly up to the age of 6 weeks old.  Mothercraft help you with concerns from birth to five years old.  We have seen and experienced all the problems that may occur due to inexperience or misinformation and can teach you how to prevent them from happening. 

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop. 

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy parenting coaches can equip you for the future challenges that you will more than likely experience.  Prevention is better than cure.  Get in early and prevent the heartache that some problems can cause. 

Call Cradle 2 Kindy now and make a booking on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

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All articles on this website have a copyright.  The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Booking your flight:

When booking, inform the airline that you are taking a baby/child and tell them your child’s age.   Some domestic flight allows babies to travel free if nursed.  International flights usually charge around 10% of an adult fare.

Hunt around and see which airline provides what you need.

Ask for a bassinet, even if your baby doesn’t use it there is more room on the floor for your child to play or rest.

Check that the airline you are travelling on has nappy changing facilities in the toilets.

Check that your airline provide disposable nappies, bibs, milk and baby foods and if not remember to pack plenty of your own.  Take disposable items which can be thrown away after use.

Preparations at home:

The key to travelling with children is planning, it is suggested to pre plan your baby’s schedule before flying to try and help your infant to adjust to time changes and jet-lag.  Keeping an eye on both your home time and the time of your destination will help you and your baby to adjust when you arrive.  As much as possible try not to disrupt your usual routine.

Flight attendants will heat bottles and food some will also offer to help you look after your baby.  But if you don't like to leave baby with other people, and you are traveling without your partner, then I suggest you take a sling/pouch to carry baby when you need to go to the toilet. 

When taking bottles it is suggested not to pre-make formula as airlines are not allowed to store pre-made formulas or food in their fridge.  Take bottles with cooled boiled water and ask the stewards to warm the water when needed. You can then add the formula which can be carried in portion size containers ready for use.

Check with the airline before the flight date, that your bassinet and anything else you may have booked will be available for you.  Nowadays you may need to inquire about what you can and can't take on board with you including pre made formula, lotions etc.  Some light weight collapsible pram can fit into the over head lockers and may be more convenient for immediate access when landing.

Normally babies travel quite well but it is the parents that end up exhausted.  It is not suggested to drug your child to get him/her to sleep while on the flight.  Some drugs may back fire and cause hyperactivity.

Travel bag check list:

• Take a change of cloths for yourself as well as a few for baby especially if it is a long flight.
• Stock your nappy bag with essentials including – nappies, wipes, bibs.
• Take a familiar object or favourite toy, a bag of toys to entertain during the flight.
• Prepare bottles of water for feeds and snacks, formula, baby food and finger food depending on the age of your child.
• Provide something to suck on for take off and landings.
• Take a pouch/sling if you are traveling on your own to assist when traveling through the airport system or when you need to go to the toilet.
• Light weight pram that can fit into the overhead locker.

Before leaving home:

Make sure you infant is wearing layers of clothes to allow for temperature changes.  The cabins can get quite cold especially if you are inactive.

Check you carry bag has all the essentials.

At check in:

• When checking in, ask if the flight is full and if they will give you a spare seats next to you.
• If you are not taking your pram on as hand luggage ask if it can be tagged differently so it will meet you at the cabin door rather than at the baggage collection.  If you need help to carry all your hand luggage the stewards usually offer to help if you wait until everyone has disembarked.

On the flight:

Sucking on take off and landing will help your infant’s ears to clear.  If you don’t use a dummy try offering a clean finger to suck on or a bottle of cooled boiled water if it is not feed time.  Your infant may be nursed depending on his/her age.  Seat belts are also provided.   It is amazing how many children travel by air these days and how little thought is put into making it easier on the parents.

Be aware that babies are more likely to vomit on descent so try no to feed too close to landing.  Don’t hesitate to ask the stewardess for support and a break if you need it.

Make sure baby has plenty of fluids as due to the air-conditioning we all tend to become quite dehydrated.   Stick to the usual breast or bottle feeds but offer cooled boiled water between feeds.

Above all try to relax and enjoy your flight.  Have a good trip. 

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy coaches can help you and your family design a routine spacifically for your trip to assist your baby through the different time zones.  We also cover a variety of other topics for children from birth to five years old. 

Give us a call now to book a visit so that we can assist you with questions relating to your children.  Cradle 2 Kindy 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Miscellaneous topics

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Spring and Autumn is a time of changing temperatures both inside and outside.  We as parents need to be aware of the clothing our children are waring. It is easy to over dress or under dress children at this time of year. 

Children are less able than adults to regulate their body temperature and need you to regulate how much or little they should wear.  It is generally thought that babies should wear one layer more that you when going out, as they are mostly inactive. Older children and more active children can get overheated quickly.  When sleeping their room should be the same temperature as yours and to having the same amount of bed linen as you is a safe bet. If you are concerned about the temperature of their room, check it with a thermometer*.  Night-waking may occur when your child gets cold or to hot. For children still in a cot you may like to sleep them in a sleeping bag or an all-in-ones to ensure their bed linen is not kicked off.  Sleeping bags are dangerous for children sleeping in a bed.  Whether your child in a cot uses a sleeping bag or not it is advisable to keep tucking a child in with a top sheet even if they don’t remain under it all night.  A top sheet can be tucked in with the length across the bed which gives you more tuck and helps keep it in place.  Don’t leave it loose over the child.  Using a top sheet will help your child adjust when moved to a bed and can even eliminate some problems.  Alternatively, with older children, you may like to keep one blanket free to be put on later once they are asleep.

During the day a good indication of your child’s temperature is to check with you hand behind their neck.  Check their body temperature under normal conditions first before trying to check if they are too hot or too cold.  Never over heat a child as this is a SIDS risk. 

Tips: A good rule to follow when dressing a child is to put layers on. This way if they are getting hot or cold you can either take off a layer or two or put more on to keep them warm.
View our Clothing Guide 

* Note:  In Australia a comfortable room temperature should be around 22-25˚c. Be aware that some nursery thermometers are made for cooler climates are may state 18 -20 as just right.  This may be just right if you are from the UK but not if you live in Australia.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy coaches can help you with a variety of topics that cover children from birth to five years old. 

Call Cradle 2 Kindy on 1300 786 101 now to book a visit so that we can assist you with questions relating to your children.

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Miscellaneous topics

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Many parents have asked me what is my opinion on child care? I often ask them what is their reason for putting a child into child care? There are many as you can imagine.  Some parents have no alternative as mum needs to return to work.  In this case some babies attend child care as young as three months.  I believe that if a child begins child care even for half a day a week at an early age they adapt quickly.  The older the child the more challenges and tear you may face. 

I personally believe child care can be very helpful for both parent and child.   Mum gets a break to catch up and have time for herself and baby/child learns to be away from mum.  Other benefits may include developing social skills with peers including sharing and extra activities that may not be played at home such as messy play, painting, water play.  If you are expecting another child it is wise to enroll your older child before the next one arrives so that he/she is settled in and happy.  There will be less of a trauma leaving mum with a new baby if your older child has formed new friends. 

Tips: It is best to shop around ask friends and neighbors about centers you.  There are a variety of places including family-child-care, government run centres and Montessori centres. 

Remember:  The major down falls with child’s facilities like these is that they are known to spread sickness.  So if your child is unwell please be considerate to other children and keep  your child at home.   

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy can provide assist for your child’s development and behavioural issues including age appropriate play.

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Play and Learning

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.