The Ngala guide for nurturing the transition from co-sleeping to your child sleeping on their own.   Deciding on the when and how of your child’s sleep routine is a

With Father’s Day approaching this weekend, it is a timely reminder of the value and importance of fathers and partners. Australian society, and our health system, has not kept pace

Finger foods are anything edible your baby can hold. They need to be in small sizes that are easily picked up by small hands. Your baby may become interested in

Cow’s milk Cow’s milk should not be used as the main drink for infants before the age of 12 months as it doesn’t have all of the vitamins and minerals

Preparation and cooking Wash your hands with soap thoroughly under running water. Ensure the bench is clean and utensils have been washed in hot soapy water. Wash vegetables or fruit.

You may find during pregnancy that you need to change your eating and drinking habits. To meet the extra demands of pregnancy you may need to consume more nutritious foods

At birth, a full term baby’s brain weighs about 400 grams and has around 100 billion brain cells. By the time your baby turns 3 years of age, their brain

Children, like adults, are attracted to certain textures, flavours and presentation. When we are children, appetite is a personal and innately well-controlled mechanism. Remember, the preschooler years are all about:  

Being emotionally present with your baby is how connections are created.  Tips to connect Spend gentle, loving time with your baby when they are awake.   Talk softly and sing to your baby. 

Parenting a preschooler presents many new challenges and many new joys. Witnessing the change in development that comes with your child going to preschool can be heart-warming and exhausting.   You

Now is the time to create strong foundations for your child’s future health. Find out what foods to encourage and what foods to limit or avoid. Recommended food intake Carbohydrates

Between the ages of 4 and 8 years your child may behave differently. This is because their brain is growing and developing. At this stage you will also notice physical

Pregnancy brings with it many emotions. Even if you planned pregnancy for a long time it can be a bit of shock. You are likely to be excited at first,

Exciting times are ahead! Birth comes after lots of anticipation and preparation. It is normal to be a bit worried about the labour and birth, especially if it is your first

Infant formula is the safe alternative to breast milk for the first 12 months.  Things to remember when formula feeding Make up the feed correctly. Refer to instructions on the

There are many reasons why mothers may want to express their breast milk. Common reasons for expressing breast milk Their baby may be sick or premature and unable to suckle. 

New parents dedicate their time and energy to the baby who relies on them for every aspect of their survival.  But don’t forget yourselves. Many parents say that being a

Getting enough sleep is important for preschoolers. Sleep supports the brain development and learning that is happening during this stage of growth.   Sleep and learning Most children are now in an early

There are many things that your preschooler will enjoy doing. There are also many ways in which they need your encouragement and guidance to help them develop and grow. I

During the pre-teen years, a child’s social network is very important to them. However, they still need the love and support of their parents as much as they did when

Children that are mentally healthy are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and curve balls. Parents play a big role in shaping their child’s health and wellbeing by modelling behaviours

Parents have an important role in encouraging and supporting your child’s learning and engagement in education. You remain your child’s first teacher, even as they move through their primary years

Expecting another baby?  Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby can stir up many different feelings for mothers, fathers and other family members.   For mothers, it may bring up

For toddlers, nutritional intake and amount is measured over weeks rather than days, quite different to the more predictable adult eating patterns with which we are familiar. The following recommended range and quantity of

Children, like adults, are attracted to certain textures, flavours and presentation. Appetite is a personal and innately well-controlled mechanism in young children.   Remember, the toddler years are all about:   exploration and

Introducing your child to healthy food is a journey of learning together. It is not just about getting the food from spoon to tummy. Think about how you can set the environment

The teenage years (adolescence) are a time of profound change for young people emotionally, psychologically and physically. It is when they are trying to establish their independence and identity.    During

There are many changes taking place for teenagers, both physically and emotionally. New sets of expectations and demands are made from their friends, school, and the world around them.   Media,

The teenage years are an exciting time when children are becoming more independent and starting to make their own decisions.   It is a time when they are developing the courage

Before entering the teen years, children are beginning to test boundaries and are becoming more social. Peer influence starts to play a bigger role in their lives and they can be

As parents we can sometimes fall into the trap of assuming that life for a school age child is carefree and easy. As they don’t have the stress of going

Starting school can be a very exciting time for you and your child. It is a big change for the family and everyone reacts differently. It’s normal to feel worried

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time for the whole family and established routines can often go out the window. From the first days at home, toddlers

All babies are born with the desire to communicate. By three months of age your baby is babbling, cooing and generally engaged with what is going on around them. By

Playing with your baby helps them learn. And guess what? Their favourite thing to play with is you!    Play gives your baby the opportunity to use their senses to explore

Screens are all around us. From phones to the TV, tablets to computers, modern children are exposed to screens from a very young age. Although children are often entertained by

Your baby loves to play and spend time with you. The best thing about play time is that babies learn through their senses, so try to choose toys and activities

Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you can do to help your child learn to read. As you share books with your baby, they are listening

As your toddler is learning life skills, they need to explore and interact with their environment, both mentally and physically. This can result in frequent testing of boundaries.   At the same time,

Toddlers are creatures of habit. They do best in places that are familiar, on schedules that are routine, and in situations where they aren’t expected to behave well for very

Did you know that learning to use the toilet is a developmental and self-care skill? During early childhood, learning this skill gives children more independence than almost any other skill

Play really is a child’s work. Your toddler will be busy all of their waking hours exploring the world through play. Giving your child a variety of play opportunities throughout the

Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you will do to help your child learn to read. As you share books with your toddler, they are learning

Are you concerned about your child’s safety in the car, around traffic, or in driveways and car parks? School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) SDERA has a range of road safety

Play for your preschooler is all about being creative, using their imagination and learning to problem solve. Through play your child will be practicing many skills that will be important

Starting school is a big event for your child, and for you. For many children this may be the first time that they are exploring the world without you by

Literacy is the ability to read and write. There are many times during the day when we rely on good literacy skills such as when reading or writing a text

Numeracy is all about understanding and working with numbers. It is the ability to apply different maths concepts as needed throughout your everyday life. Just like with reading and writing,

The importance of sharing books  Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you will do to help your child learn to read. As you share books with

As adults, it is hard not to be upset by media coverage of unfolding disasters and tragedies. It is even harder to cope with if you are a small child. When

By six to 12 months of age, you will have noticed that your baby is more alert and able to stay awake longer between sleeps during the day. Your baby

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the introduction of solids for your baby between five and seven months of age. At this age your baby is interested in their surroundings and

For expectant dads this is a time of great excitement and change. You are an important part of the parenting team – dads can make an equal contribution to parenting babies

Pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby can stir up many different feelings for parents and other family members. It can be especially challenging for toddlers.   Sharing the news It

From the moment of conception your baby is developing rapidly. By 12 weeks, all of their body parts are formed and from this point on development focuses on growth and

From the moment of conception your body is embarking on an incredible building project that takes nine full months to complete.   By the time you have missed a period and

Being physically active during pregnancy benefits both you and your baby. Staying active throughout your pregnancy helps maintain fitness levels and improves your recovery after birth.   Benefits for you Fewer

Physical activity of moderate intensity is recommended on most days throughout pregnancy, for at least 30 minutes. An activity is moderate intensity if it increases your breathing and heart rate, but

Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to maintain good health, boost your mindset and spend time with friends. It can be difficult to find time to fit exercise into

Walking is a fantastic, free way to maintain your health. Thirty minutes of brisk walking on most days is all you need to stay in good health. There’s no need

During pregnancy it is important to be aware that all the substances you put into your body have the potential to harm your unborn baby. Tobacco Smoking or exposure to

Becoming a parent is an amazing experience in so many ways. It is an incredible time in your life. It can also be very demanding, both physically and emotionally. We

Staying physically active after your baby arrives will benefit both you and your whole family. When you are fit and healthy, your ability to parent well and cope with stressful situations

Your sleep will be interrupted for the first few months after your baby arrives, so it is important for you to look after yourself. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps

When you become a parent it is easy to focus all your energy on your little one and forget about looking after yourself. By maintaining your good health, you will

Many parents say that being a parent is the toughest job they have ever had. We know that having a new baby increases the risk for experiencing stress, anxiety and

Sleep is necessary for all of us. It helps our brains and bodies to develop, restore and repair. That’s why growing babies need so much sleep.   Sleep range 11.8 to 20.5

Sleep is complex and follows a normal developmental course similar to the way your baby develops the ability to walk and talk. The maturation of your baby’s sleeping and waking cycles are one of their most important developmental tasks. Like most of their development it occurs gradually over the first year of life. 

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room as an adult caregiver on their own sleep surface for the first six to 12 months. This helps

Your newborn baby may be tired after just one hour of being awake. Generally, babies under three months of age will be awake for only one to one and a half hours

At birth a full term baby’s brain weighs about 400 grams and has around 100 billion brain cells.   The brain develops in a particular order; the brain stem is the

The arrival of children can be a big challenge, impacting relationships as it introduces significant changes into your day-to-day emotional and physical life.   Each partner has their own expectations and

While you are adjusting to being parents (particularly for the first time), you may find yourself feeling isolated from the people and activities that have made up your social lives.  

Parenting can put a lot of pressure on your relationship, including your sex life. One of the most difficult challenges parents face is learning how to make room for their

Grandparenting is different for every family and it is important to have conversations with your adult children about what they expect from you, even before the baby arrives.  Grandparenting has

Many things have changed since you were a parent of young children. With years of scientific research and development behind us, we now know so much more about how children

Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby can stir up many different feelings for parents and other family members.    It may bring up thoughts about what their new baby

Your baby’s favourite thing to play with is you! Through play your baby’s brain and body develop and they learn new skills.    Play time is also a great opportunity for your

Babies spend the majority of their days lying on their backs, which is why time spent on their front is very important. What is tummy time? Tummy time gives your

As a parent, you work hard to protect your baby. Vaccines are a valuable tool in your efforts to keep your child healthy and safe. Vaccines offer the best known

A good way to make an informed decision about which childcare service is going to be best for you and your child is to arrange a visit. You need to

In any weather, at any time of the year, it’s important to remember the danger of leaving your child in the car.   SDERA’s Smart Steps program has one simple rule

When you have children, there are many things to consider. One of these is making your home safe, but safety should be the priority in all your purchases.   Safe baby equipment

Try not to wait until your baby is crying for a feed.  There are early signs of hunger you can look for, including:  opening mouth   hand to mouth movements   rapid eye

The teenage years are a time of significant growth and change. These years are a time for adults to help teens grow into the unique individuals they will become.  Your

The early years of primary school are an exciting time. It’s a time full of change for many children as they move away from the home environment into the school

Sleep is essential for a healthy child. A well-rested child is an active and contented child who concentrates and learns better. This can be supported through developing healthy patterns in the

Your diet can make a huge difference to how well you cope with the demands of pregnancy. A good diet can improve the health of your unborn baby, as well

Understanding your baby’s sleep needs, patterns and reasons for being unsettled will help you cope with the first few months of parenthood. This understanding, combined with learning some settling techniques,

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby’s growth, development and immunity. Breastfeeding can be a richly rewarding experience for you and your baby, but it can sometimes be

Making the decision to move your child into a bed depends on your family’s individual needs and preferences. The new-found freedom of being in a bed can both be a

Many new mothers experience breastfeeding challenges. There are steps you can take to overcome them. Common breastfeeding challenges Engorgement Your milk will come in anytime within 24 to 72 hours after birth.

The quality of a baby’s emotional relationships directly influences brain growth and development. Babies with secure attachment relationships are more likely to show optimal development.  What is a secure attachment?

You may find during pregnancy that you need to change your eating and drinking habits. To meet the extra demands of pregnancy you may need to consume more nutritious foods

Sleep during pregnancy is essential for you to function well. You will find you need more sleep as growing a baby can be exhausting. Getting enough sleep enables you to

There are many things you can do to support breastfeeding as your baby grows and develops. 3 to 6 months   From three to four months of age, babies become more aware

You can support the health and wellbeing of your child by providing opportunities for physical activity, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and quality time with family and friends.  Good food and staying active A

Teenagers need ongoing attention and care of their parents to maintain both their physical and emotional health. Throughout the teenage years, many changes take place physically and emotionally, as well

Sometimes breastfeeding can be challenging. These challenges can change as your baby grows and develops. 3 to 6 months   At three to four months of age, babies become more aware

There are many wonderful developmental milestones during the toddler years and you will be surprised how fast they grow. Within the first three years of life, when a child’s brain

Starting solids is an exciting time for parents but can be a bit daunting. Sometimes it makes us think of our own connection with food and our childhood memories.  Ideally, introducing

Babies learn and develop when they are actively involved and having fun with you during everyday activities.   Development usually progresses from the head down, and from the centre of the body

Technology is a part of everyday life for most children these days. Managing children’s screen time effectively is important to make sure that risks associated with the overuse of electronic

We are surrounded by digital media, technology and screens. They are a big part of life for most people. Children and families often use technology for entertainment and learning. Modern technology

When children make their first trip out to a store on their own, parents are clear about the benefits of the increasing independence. Our guidelines for their safety may have

There are growing numbers of families where one parent works away regularly. Though usually working in the resource sector, other sectors that often require onsite workers include: the defence forces, transport,

Toddlers love playing and exploring the world, learning how it works and where they fit in it. It can be a challenging time for parents and carers as toddlers want to

The brain is already processing sounds, voices and language rhythm in the womb. Babies come into the world already primed for language. However, speech can only be learned if it

The brain experiences the outside world through the senses. Seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling are how human beings collect information about the world. This information is relayed to the brain,

Play is vital for developing your baby’s brain. Babies learn about themselves, the world around them, and their relationships through play. When we think of play, we often think of

Babies and young children learn about the world through their senses. Our senses allow us to taste, touch, smell, hear, see and move. Before your baby was born, they were

Parenting advice is everywhere. A lot of this advice is from either the toy industry or companies who want to sell well-meaning parents products that will give their baby an

As a mother you may also wear many other ‘hats’:  partner, wife, daughter, sister, friend or employee. These different roles also put additional demands on your time and emotions.  Pregnancy

As children approach the final years of primary school, they are undergoing a number of significant developmental changes.   Physical and emotional changes Typically, young people in this age group are beginning

Middle childhood brings many changes in a child’s life. They are becoming more independent and enjoy making small decisions for themselves. These decisions could include what food to eat and

Adolescence is a time of huge change, physically, emotionally and socially. Teenagers are developing their own sense of identity and self, which is influenced by their friends.  It is normal, and necessary,

Did you know your child is born with 100 billion brain cells – the most they will ever have – and that their brain grows faster during the first three years of life

It can be challenging for parents to support their toddlers as they struggle to manage their feelings and behaviour. It can help to know what’s happening for them developmentally so you, as

It is important for couples to openly discuss their roles within the home and outside the home. These roles can dramatically change once a baby comes along.  Three areas of

Dads and father figures play a unique and important role in children’s development. As a new dad, it’s important you are involved in getting to know your baby and contributing