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CMYK
IMOS TVWEEK
ALISON CANAVAN
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Showing them how...
B
ecoming a parent for the first time is amazing, but also quite overwhelming. You suddenly feel a huge responsibility for this new little person. I used to check on James every two minutes and freak myself out about every tiny little thing. All the parenting books confused me even more, so I set about researching
different areas of early childhood learning and development – and a new passion was born. I have met numerous experts nationwide and soon came to realise how many incredible people we have in this country. We keep hearing about the people we’re losing and the awful things that are about to happen to us. Well, I thought to myself, no more!
classes held... with Water Babies, Ireland’s leading baby swim school
Fully qualified, world class instructors Award-winning programme
Across Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and Galway
teaches babies from birth
Teaching you to teach your baby to swim
Saving lives through water confidence and safety skills To join in the fun call
01 8249987
waterbabies.ie
My ‘0 To Toddler’ show brings together passionate parenting experts who share information rather than dictating it. My exhibitors are all mumpreneurs, women who are raising a family and working really hard to get their businesses off the ground in difficult times. The show is about teamwork and supporting each other – and in my opinion, so is parenting. We completely underestimate the power of working together. You can achieve far more working as a team than you can by going it alone. In fact, we need other people all the time whether we realise it or not. Just look at the food we eat, for example. It had to be grown, packaged and sold by different people. And, of course, when we went into labour we needed help delivering our newborns. This show offers mums the opportunity to meet the experts and ask any and all questions, no matter how silly you think they might be. Is your child not sleeping? Are you confused about routine? Well, the ‘sleep doctor’ Niamh O’Reilly is here to help. Want to get back in shape? Just ask Stephanie from BabyBodyFit. Worried about your child’s development? Ask Fiona O’Farrell. We’ll also be looking at numeracy and literacy with Aisling Ni Dhoibhilin from The Toddler Inn – she’ll talk to us as well about the importance of outdoor play in relation to fighting the obesity crisis. Parentline will also be on hand at every show to talk to concerned parents and their families about any problem, big or small. When I was struggling I often thought of other mums who didn’t have any support. I was so sad and lonely at times – and I was afraid to tell anyone for fear of being judged. I thought people would think I was a bad mum. I now know we all need help at certain times in our lives. It’s what makes us stronger. Get up every day and be the best you can be – and that’s good enough. For more information, log onto my new website www.alisoncanavan.com. If you live in Limerick, Galway or Donegal I hope to see you there!
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Standby-TVWeek Ireland
ISSUE DATE
How to prepare your baby for swimming
Giving your baby water confidence is the most important way you can help them be safe in the water for life. Having spent nine months in the womb, babies generally love the sensation of floating freely in warm water. But there are a number of things to keep in mind to ensure their first experience in the pool is an entirely happy one. ‘We all love bathing our babies, and having fun in water starts with bathtime,’ explains Carol McNally, co-founder of Ireland’s leading baby swimming company, Water Babies. ‘Most importantly, keep it fun. Sharing a bath with your baby is a great bonding experience and something everyone can do. Whether you choose to be in the bath with them or not, start by laying them on the bottom in shallow, warm water, turning them on their front as they get older. Encourage them to kick, splash and play, enjoying the freedom.’ There’s no need to have taken your baby for their vaccinations before your first trip to a pool. ‘On your first visit to a pool, check the water temperature – it should be at least 30° (32° for babies under 12 weeks or 12 lbs). Spend time on the side getting the baby used to the noises and colours. When you get into the water, smile and talk to them – show by example that it’s safe and fun.’ Babies tire easily in the water, so keep your first visit to around 20-30 minutes and keep them warm. Afterwards, they may be hungry and ready for a relaxing sleep – definitely an added bonus to a successful trip! Water Babies run classes in Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford and Cork. For further information, visit www. waterbabies.ie
Conor Campbell aged seven months. Photo by Lynda Laird for Water Babies in Galway