Your trusted source of parenting information

Despite the joys and happiness, the early days after birth can also be confusing, overwhelming and downright scary: Reaching out for support can be difficult, however it shows great strength….

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 they will learn during the early years. 

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…

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…

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…

Being physically active during pregnancy benefits both you and your baby.

Exciting times are ahead! Birth comes after lots of anticipation and preparation.

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…

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,…

Breastfeeding can be a richly rewarding experience for you and your baby, but it can sometimes be a challenge.

Many new mothers experience breastfeeding challenges. There are steps you can take to overcome them.

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…

The first few months of your baby’s life may seem like a bit of a blur of feeding, burping, nappies and sleeping. Generally newborns will sleep very lightly, spending half of their sleep time in active sleep and can be wriggly and noisy!

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…

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…

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…

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…

Your teen will want privacy and personal space. They may start to spend less time with family and more time with their friends.

Becoming a Dad will probably be one of the biggest events of your life. Your new role might be a steep learning curve and one that can bring intense emotions as well as an incredible lack of sleep.

Congratulations on becoming a Dad! The birthing experience and bringing your baby home for the first time are major events in any father’s life.

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…

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.

Did you know that the first 3 years of your baby’s life are the most important for brain development? At birth your baby’s brain weighs 400g, but by the time they have reached 3 years it’s 1.1kg.

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…

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

During their first few weeks of life most babies gradually develop a pattern of feeding eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period. Frequent feeds are important as babies have very small stomachs (only about the size of their fist!) so milk passes through quickly.

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…

Despite the amount of support available in books and resources, nothing can quite prepare you for looking after yourself, your partner and your relationship when you first become a Dad.

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 deeply…

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…

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…

Your baby’s favourite thing to play with is you! Through play your baby’s brain and body develop and they learn new skills.

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…

Throughout the teenage years, many changes take place physically and emotionally.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 early…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Even if you planned pregnancy for a long time it can be a bit of shock.

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:…

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…

There are many wonderful developmental milestones during the toddler years and you will be surprised how fast they grow.

As you share books with your baby, they are listening to your voice and learning new words. They are also enjoying a cosy cuddle with you and learning that reading…

Sleep is important for healthy brain development, a healthy immune system and it improves our problem solving skills. Babies who sleep and eat well are often happier, more content and…

Vaccines are a valuable tool in your efforts to keep your child healthy and safe.

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…

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…

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…

Your new baby doesn’t really move too much in the beginning, but that changes quickly, and it is important to know your baby’s stage of development to help keep them safe.

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…

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…

Anxiety and depression can affect new mothers, but did you know that fathers are also at risk?

Understanding feelings and sharing them with your partner is crucial for the health of relationships. The arrival of children can be a big challenge, impacting relationships as it introduces significant…

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…

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…

Teens need parental guidance as they take their first independent steps out onto the Internet. When children make their first trip out to a store on their own, parents are…

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…

The new-found freedom of being in a bed can both be a blessing and a hindrance to sleep for some children.

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…

Dads need support too and, thankfully, there are some amazing resources available for almost any situation. Below are some tips, resources and information for Dads you might find helpful. Ngala…

The first thing to remember is if you, or your child, is struggling, there is nothing ‘wrong’ with you. “Becoming a parent is both a joyful and overwhelming experience. The…

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

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…

A healthy diet is essential for normal growth and brain development and protects against chronic diseases.

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 will…

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….

Your baby can progress from soft smooth textured food to foods of different textures quite quickly. Gradually include coarse mash, grated, minced and finely chopped foods. At around nine months…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

You can continue to perform moderate intensity exercise throughout the last three months of pregnancy.

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…

A toddler‘s growth at this stage is characterised by a lengthening of limbs, torso and increase in head circumference. For toddlers, nutritional intake and amount is measured over weeks rather…

This can also can be a challenging time when issues can arise at school. The teenage years are an exciting time when children are becoming more independent and starting to…

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…

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…

When you have children, there are many things to consider.

Responsive settling is recognising that your baby needs help and sensitively responding.  Sleep is complex and follows a normal developmental course similar to the way your baby develops the ability…

Crying is your Little One’s way of communicating – they cry because they don’t yet have words to tell you what they need. Learning to understand the cries and signs your baby gives you takes time.

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…

This understanding, combined with learning some settling techniques, will help your baby become a good sleeper.

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…

Download our helpful guides that outline how much sleep, feeding and activity is within regular ranges.

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…

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…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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, for teenagers to…

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, numeracy…

Parents have an important role in encouraging and supporting your child’s learning and engagement in education.

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…

The most important adults in a young child’s life are their parents or carers.

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…

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…

More children are cared for by grandparents than in child care centres.

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?…

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…

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…

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…

Starting solids is an exciting time for parents but can be a bit daunting.

Infant formula is the safe alternative to breast milk for the first 12 months.

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,…

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…

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…

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 or…

Babies spend the majority of their days lying on their backs, which is why time spent on their front is very important.

Your little one’s brain starts growing and learning as soon as 3 weeks after conception. By just 5-6 weeks their heart is the size of an apple seed and already…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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, advertising…

While we have come a long way in our understanding of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health there unfortunately still exists stigma in society, and lack of understanding about the importance of 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…

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…

Becoming a parent is an amazing experience in so many ways.

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…

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