My Child Magazine September 2019 Issue

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE 96 - SEPTEMBER 2019

travel issue

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Caroline Meyer CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Jonathan Borba Freepik CONTACT

My Child Magazine North Parramatta NSW Sydney Australia +614 11 572 877 editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au

Contents 6

48

96

The Benefits Of Family Travel

All Aboard!

Dating after divorce

10

Travel Tips For A

102

Smoother Journey!

54

Road Trips : Pros and Cons

16

Get The Look Interiors

64

Checklist For Travelling With Kids

What Is A Cervical Lip?

20

70

Tips For Travelling With A Toddler

26

Blogger - Pressure and Perfection

106 Fashion

116 Fashion Feature: Snuggle Hunny

Why The 2Nd Night Can Be So Bad

Kids

76

130

Bedtime battles

making a splash with Bubblebubs

80

Droplets Reusable Swim Nappies

Travelling On A Budget

32 Travelling With Your Baby Should

Toy Reviews

Be Fun And Easy

38

86

Book Reviews

Early Puberty: Why Is It Becoming More Common?

42

90

Bleeding During Pregnancy -

Dad Read - Bonding

Possible Reasons

Without A Bottle

156

136 How To Trim Your Baby’s Nails Without All The Fuss?

142 Recipies

MY CHILD DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER: It My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by My Child Magazine (ABN 79 167 787 662). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

Bianca Medina editor-in-chief Editor’s Letter Hi Peeps Hope you are all well and have had a lovely August!

I’ve received so much positive feedback on the magazine’s new look and just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone. Your support means the world to me.

So I have some super exciting news, Max got into our first choice primary school. We are out of area and the stress of getting her into a public school that meets both my husband and myself needs has been a little challenging but we got there in the end.

I can’t actually believe that she is heading off to school. I am going to be a school mum and I’m not sure if I am excited or honestly crapping myself about this new chapter. I’m so excited to see my little angel in a school uniform, making new friends and the growth that I know I’ll see in her in the years to come. However if I’m honest, I also though that it would take so much longer than it has to get here... Time flies once you have a baby and it’s like time speeds up x 10.

Anyhow, now that I know she has a place in a school that both my hubby and I love, I’m going to take a minute to stop and smell the roses and enjoy these last moments we have of Max’s preschooler years before our lives change yet again.

If I could have only one other wish in this lifetime (Max was the wish that’s already come true), I’d wish that time would slow down so I could record every moment in detail, that way I could replay over and over in my twilight years our lives together!

Until Next Time!

Bianca oxo

editor’s picks

Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum 100ml From $219.99 chemistwarehouse.com.au

Mini Heart Tag Earrings $270.00 tiffany.com.au

Julienne Honey Patent Almond Toe Mid Heel $175.00 wittner.com.au

Cora Boyfriend Blazer $89.99 forevernew.com.au

Pimp My Pale Pink Small Teapot $68.00 t2tea.com

Danastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eye Shadow Paletter $78.00 sephora.com.au

GenThe Lion King Memory Game $10.00 bigw.com.au

Moki Poppers DJ Style On-Ear Headphones $39.99 jbhifi.com.au

OUR WORLD KIDS WORLD MAP FLOOR PUZZLE 41 X 61CM $24.99 yellowoctopus.com.au

THE BENEFITS OF FAMILY TRAVEL written by: caroline meyer

Most people will argue the fact that family travel is more hassle than it’s worth. It is expensive, you have all the kids in close proximity to each other for long periods of time, escalating the usual annoyance in to full scale warfare at times.

Kids moan and groan about everything such as beds and food that are different to what they are used to. Kids are noisy and generally can’t sit still. There are benefits? Yes! Some of the benefits may well prove that the benefits outweigh the added stress of travelling with your children.

A VACATION SEEN THROUGH NEW EYES When you travel with kids, the pace is generally slowed down a lot. This actually makes for a more leisurely time and you see a lot more. Kids notice little things you may not pick up on. They also give you a fresh perspective on things that you may have become quite jaded about. Those little mint chocolates on the pillows that you are so blasé about, can be found treasure to a four year old. That bush you just walked past, your child may see a bird’s nest or interesting flower. You will find yourself becoming enthusiastic about a ladybug and pointing out the 200th sheep along the road to your B&B. You may think you have seen it all, but it is a new experience when seeing it through the eyes of your children.

FUN AND REST INCLUDED Your days tend to be very full when you travel with kids. If you are travelling with young kids, they will generally be in bed and asleep before 8am. Unless you have a late teen sibling or someone else to watch over them, it usually means an early night for you and some couples time as well. This means you get plenty of rest and relaxation as well. This also helps you get an early start in the morning to go do all the activities and sightseeing before the crowds arrive. You can also do some of the silly things you can no longer do as an adult on your own, but which are fine to do with the kids. Go on all the rides at the amusement park, enjoy the bumper cars, eat candy floss and ice cream, run around in a maze. Play in the waves and build sandcastles at the beach or roll down the dunes with the kids. Go to the animal farm or interactive zoo and play with the animals. You can get away with many things if you are travelling with children that would get you some strange looks if you did it as an adult alone. Admit it though; it is a lot more fun with the kids than it would be without them!

PRIVILEGES OF BEING WITH KIDS ON VACATION There are many places that you wouldn’t be allowed in to as an adult on your own that you get access to when you are with children. On many ships and boats, the captains will allow children access to see all the instruments and even to steer the boat. At some zoos children are allowed access in to areas where they can cuddle with animals and feed them, which adults alone don’t get to do. A kid may even be allowed access in to the cockpit of a plane, which is almost certainly not going to be allowed to an adult on their own. It also allows you faster boarding on to planes as there is usually fast lane access for parents with kids for boarding as well as departing the plane and getting through immigration. Fast lane access can cost a lot of cash or you could spend 8

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hours in line, which you can often bypass when travelling with small ones. You often end up with more space too as other passengers move in to open seats away from the parents with children once the plane is fully boarded. Bonus! Another bonus is some of the freebies you get with travelling with children. Anything from a free book to small toys and gifts, to baked goods and ice cream may be offered. This often means a little treat for the adults as well. You also get to eat at larger, more spacious tables in restaurants instead of being squeezed in to a small table for two by the kitchen door. These tables are also usually out of the main hustle and bustle, giving you more privacy and more space for the kids to spread out.

FREE TRAVEL FOR KIDS While there are a lot of extra costs when travelling with children, there are instances where you do not have to outlay cash for their travel. Many modes of transport offer free travel for kids under 12 so don’t be afraid to ask. You can also do some research online to find out which trains, boats, buses and so forth offer free trips for children. Many hotels will also allow kids to stay free if they are sharing with the adults or get more space by ordering a family room or double connecting room.

Plenty of places also offer free entrance for children. Do your research before you travel so you can see which excursions you can go on with the kids that will barely cost you a thing. You may even end up with the benefit of private tours for the cost of the adults if there are enough children along or other tourists prefer not to travel in a car full of kids.

MAKING MEMORIES One of the best parts about travelling with the whole family is that you get to spend quality time together. There is no school and work to worry about, no rush to get everything done, you don’t just get to spend time with the kids for 1 meal a day. You actually get to spend whole days together as a family. You do activities together and do things with the kids that will be talked about for years. You can take plenty pictures and videos as reminders, but some incidents will come up at every family gathering for years and years afterwards. You can actually enjoy your children without worrying about a work report that has to be completed or a function you have to attend. You don’t have to stress about your children being left with a caregiver while you are enjoying your vacation and there is no guilt at leaving them behind. It is actually mentally relaxing to have your children with you and enjoy the fun with them.

When you kids are small, this can be a perfect time to go on vacation together.

Once they hit the teenage years, they can be a bit more difficult as they don’t always want to fit in with your plans and many of the other privileges no longer apply. They might also not want to be separated from their Snapchat for long enough to actually have fun. Enjoy the benefits of travelling with children and make many treasured memories together.

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ROAD TRIPS:

PROS AND CONS

Written By: Caroline Meyer

While air travel may seem to be the most convenient form of travel when it comes to taking a vacation with the family, this doesn’t mean it is the only way. A road trip, although not suitable for overseas trips, can actually make a vacation a lot more fun for everyone. While this may not be the travel choice for everyone, it can be quite magic to spend a few hours in the car with the family and make lasting memories together.

THE PROS OF ROAD TRIPS • • • • •

A lot more bonding time as a family Freedom of choice Less Boredom Saves money You can pack extra luggage

With the advent of the internet and smart toys, most kids forget their parents exist unless they need money for something. Siblings largely ignore each other and family times may consist of one meal a day.

Road trips bring the whole family together in one place for an extended period of time. Parents and kids work together to make the trip fun and memorable for everyone, which can be a great bonding experience.

Learning new things and overcoming challenges along the way could be the perfect vacation experience for the whole family.

When you go on a road trip, you are not bound by airplane schedules and check-ins. You can change your mind along the way without much inconvenience. You don’t have to stress about the kids annoying other passengers. You have the freedom to decide where you go and where you stay without the rigidity of planned long distance travel. This means you can also stay longer in some places if the mood strikes or leave sooner if the place is just too boring. You also don’t have to plan long in advance or set a rigid schedule when you travel. You can just pack up the car, phone ahead to book rooms and off you go.

The changing scenery and things to see along the way helps to reduce boredom. You are not hampered by going to one place and having to stay there for your whole vacation. If the place you stay out doesn’t have as much to offer as you thought it would, you can move on to the next one.

You can plan your own sightseeing and change your mind depending on how you feel or the mood the kids are in that day. Less boredom for the kids means a happier vacation for everyone.

Depending on the size of your car, you should be able to pack a lot more 12

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luggage that what would usually be allowed on a plane. You also don’t have to worry about how much shampoo is in your carry on or that you packed a scissors in your handbag. You can stash as much as you can pack in to your vehicle and take all your sporting gear, toys and books along too. What is even better is that there is no extra cost!

“Road trips save you money. There is no denying the expense of air travel and then having to hire transportation wherever you might go.”.

Road trips save you money. There is no denying the expense of air travel and then having to hire transportation wherever you might go.

You are usually also limited by where you stay as you need to be close to the airport for arrival and departure. Road trips allow for staying at lower cost hotels and motels and your other main travel expense will probably be food and not the cost of your flight. This allows you to go on vacation more often if you want or even take longer vacations since you will be spending less. Or you can use the extra for spending money or to do some extra sightseeing.

CONS OF ROAD TRIPS • It takes longer • Everyone is stuck in a car together for hours A road trip will take a lot longer to reach a similar destination than if you flew. Road trips are better designed for shorter journeys.

This may restrict you to where you go if you travel based on how long it will take to get to a destination. A road trip is better for when you want to enjoy the journey. Most road trips can see you spending 2 to 5 hours on the road, repeated daily if you don’t stay in the same place for long. This also means a lot of driving for one or two people. This could mean daily driving for up to 10 days or more depending on how long you planned the road trip to last.

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You can chose to do most of the driving during the evening so that the kids sleep, allowing for one partner to sleep while the other one drives as well and switching halfway. This can result in one partner or both needing to recharge a bit the next day.

If you choose to travel in the daylight to allow for sightseeing, you can expect whining and frustration and complaints of boredom. You will all be trapped together in the car for extended periods of time. This can be difficult with small children and babies. It isn’t always possible to stop to let everyone stretch their legs safely as well. Make sure you plan well to allow for stops in safe places along the journey to make it more pleasant for everyone. You will also want to make sure you bring along distractions such as books and games for when there is nothing to see along the road.

Road trips are not as common now as they once were, but it is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to spend some quality time together.

Even if you only do it once, this is something you should try with your family, simply for the experience. You may decide it isn’t for you and you prefer something faster moving and more structured and that’s okay too, but you might really enjoy it and make it a common vacation plan.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK? • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Warm socks, cuddle toys and a small blanket for nap time Window curtains for naps during the drive Power Inverter for charging phones and tablets in the car Kettle that can be operated from the car’s lighter Small snack boxes per person Cooler box to keep drinks cold and food fresh Travelling toilet seat / potty if needed Nappies and wipes for little ones if needed 5L of water at a minimum if you are not stopping regularly Garbage bags to put all the debris of travel in to First aid kit, medications, motion sickness tablets Good condition spare wheel and full tool kit Travel pillow and blanky for non-driving adult if needed

Change things up during the drive. Point out interesting scenery, play a variety of car games and stop often along the way. This will help reduce boredom and diffuse quarrels. Prepare adequately for potential motion sickness and make sure everyone stays well hydrated. With minimal planning and a little forethought, you can be ready to hop in the car and take the family on a road trip at any time!

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BREASTFEEDING ESSENTIALS for mums

LIKE HEAVEN ON A PAD! I cannot rate these discs high enough. They have been my saviour since starting my breastfeeding journey. At first, breastfeeding was agonising and my nipples were raw, sore, cracked and bleeding. These discs provided instant relief and aid to heal sore, cracked nipples. They made all the difference for me and allowed me to continue breastfeeding when I almost gave up.

- Bridgette review from Amazon

Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs has won gold in this category for the 3rd straight year!

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CHECKLIST FOR TRAVELLING WITH KIDS

Some people dread going down to the supermarket with kids, never mind going on holiday. It might seem that it could be more of a chore than a pleasure, but with some planning, you can have a great time away with the whole family.

written by: CAROLINE MEYER

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THE PLANNING BEFORE THE TRIP Make sure you have double checked your flight schedule at least a full day in advance to make sure the departure times have not changed (do the same on the way back). Some airlines allow you to sign up for notifications in case there are changes nearer to departure time. Make sure you have printed the boarding passes to avoid the long lines at check-in. Explain to the kids how the security works at the airport to avoid stressing when they get there. They need to expect to lose what they are carrying for a short while as it goes through the machine. Also explain precautions such as saying “bomb� etc. to the older children to avoid incidents. Only take what you can safely carry while juggling children. You need to be able to remain in control of the luggage and the children on your own.

WHAT TO PACK IN THE CARRY ON For older children, pack wipes for cleaning hands and faces etc., bag for garbage or a sudden regurgitation. Pack 1 set of spare clothes, books and toys, hand sanitizer, snacks and drinks in refillable bottles as well as any medication they might need. For children with special medical needs, pack a 2nd set of medication in to your luggage in case you need it due to some mishap. Babies and toddlers will need all of these items plus spare underwear if they are in the potty-training phase, nappies or pull-ups and a blanky as well as a favourite soft toy. If you are travelling out of the country, take your prescription note from your doctor to present if questioned at customs.

HOW TO ENTERTAIN THEM ON THE TRIP For the smaller kids, you can pack some wipe clean books and special toys for the trip. You can also look at downloading favourite music to listen to or audio books for them to concentrate on.

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Older children might like books and toys but can also get involved with games such as twenty questions and I spy. You can also take along a tablet or similar device that is easy to carry along for music and movies. You can also pack games to play at your destination or ones that work with magnets that can be played anywhere. Stimulate their imaginations with books they can draw and write in, colouring books or books they can stick stickers in to.

Remember some coloured pencils to colour and write with. Make sure you have enough for everyone so there are no fights over the toys and games.

SPECIAL ITEMS NEEDED If you need to bring or use special equipment such as a wheelchair, you need to let the airline know ahead of time. They can advise on any restrictions and also advise you on the assistance you can expect. If your child needs a special diet, the airline may be able to assist with a special meal, but you may need to bring your own.

CARRY ON CHECKS Remember to check what is allowed and what isn’t in your carryon bag. Some airlines even restrict how much breast milk or formula you can carry on. Do not take wrapped gifts as they will be unwrapped for inspection. Check on sharp items such as nail scissors as well as limits on liquids etc. Depending on where you are going, return inspections may be even more stringent, so avoid having anything in your carry on that might cause an issue or delay, leading to frustrated, unhappy children as well.

Do your research and plan ahead so that your vehicle and rooms are booked so you can settle in wherever you are staying. Plan outings in advance and prepare for spills, hunger, thirst and boredom. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to have a great time on your vacation with the kids.

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Tips For Travelling With A Toddler WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

Travelling with a little one can be very challenging. The little hands seem to get in to everything and they also seem to like exercising their voices a lot more outside of the house!

Keep the wipes close and your checklist closer!

Don’t plan your vacation shortly after your little ones have been vaccinated.

Vaccinations can bring on unexpected side-effects such as diarrhoea, fever and rashes. This can result in an unpleasant time for the whole family instead of a fun holiday.

Make sure you pack twice as much clothing for your toddler as what you think you might need. If you thought they made a lot of messes at home, wait until they discover a whole new way to ruin their clothing. Extra clothing is a good way to prevent having to find a laundromat while on holiday and spending a day doing the wash instead of having a good time.

Use the benefits available for parents travelling with small children. You know the flight might already be painful if the 22

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little one has to stay on your lap for a few hours. Make sure you get the early boarding and if there is a seat open, beg the flight crew to shuffle people so you have one next to you to slip the toddler in to and give your lap a break during the flight. If possible, book a night flight so you have a good chance of your toddler sleeping for at least some of the journey. Make sure you book early so you can pick your place close to the front for easy entrance and exit.

Some airlines actually add in a bassinet in the front row after take-off for your convenience.

Don’t be afraid to ask.

It’s also imperative that you pack snacks and toys for the trip. Little ones that are hungry and thirsty are a lot grumpier than ones that are happily munching and colouring in.

Add in your child’s favourite snacks and hope it is enough to keep them happy for the entire flight. Don’t forget to pack your first aid kit especially painkillers, BandAids and other essentials for treating boo-boos. It’s also important to treat potential

ear ache from the pressure change during take-off. Give a snack that keeps your toddlers jaw moving or sing songs and chat. A moving jaw helps release the discomfort from the inner ear pressure.

Instead of the usual carryon bag, you might want to consider a back pack so that you have hands free to deal with the toddler when getting on and off the plane.

If you have one with zips and pockets you can pack well and know exactly where everything is, reducing the time needed to get out what you need and lowering the risk of a screaming toddler especially when the lights are dimmed...

Some airlines don’t allow fluids over a certain amount through security while others do allow for milk in excess of the usual allowable. Most will also allow snack pouches.

Make sure you are aware of the regulations before you prepared for the flight. You might have to buy your juice and water near the gate though. Put all of the snacks and milk etc. into a Ziploc bag and have it on the top or in a

side pouch to show security and have it hand inspected.

Once you are through, you can repack your bag to have everything at hand that you might need on the flight.

Keep Calm! That may sound redundant, but flying can be stressful and adding a toddler in to the mix can make it even more so. Plan ahead and do you best to stay calm. Don’t worry about the possibilities of a horrendous flight and a screaming toddler ahead of time or you will just increase your own tension and make the whole experience more stressful for everyone. IF something happens on the flight, deal with it then.

Chances are things will work out way better than you expected.

While you can’t plan for every eventuality, you can do your best to make the flight as pleasant as possible for your family and the rest of the passengers on board the flight. If you get through the plane ride, the rest of your trip is likely to be a breeze!

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WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

TRAVELLING ON A BUDGET

Travelling with the family can be quite expensive. Family holidays can be a lot of fun and make memories that last a lifetime. There are some ways to make travelling a bit cheaper so that you have more vacations or spend a little longer on a vacation than you would be able to otherwise.

TRAVEL IN OFF PEAK TIMES This is probably something you can do a little easier when the kids are younger and before they start school, but it is also an idea to take them out of school for a week or so to manage an off peak vacation. Most schools will support travel, even in the middle of a school term. This allows you to travel when things are quieter and you can get substantial discounts off flights and accommodations. If you travel to countries in their off season you will often get discounts on tours and merchandise as well. You often don’t even have to book accommodation or tours in advance, but it is advisable if you are travelling with your children.

AVOID RENTAL VEHICLES While rental vehicles and taxis and other transportation that caters to visitors may be a lot more convenient, it can cost a lot more than using the local transportation. Do your research and look at using buses, trains, boats and other local transportation which are a lot cheaper and also give you a better feel for the country and the people you are visiting. You get to be a bit more immersed in their culture and way of life and can have a more authentic experience than looking out of a rental car window.

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NO NEED TO PAY FOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Most places that have a high quantity of tourists visiting will charge you entrance fees. You can enjoy many sights such as architecture etc. from a distance without having to be up close. You can explore the cities by bike or on foot and go for hikes through the local countryside as long as it is safe. This doesn’t cost you more than a bike hire fee or for a taxi to pick you up after your hike. This allows you to see a lot more than you would rushing from one tourist spot to another and will save you a ton on the budget.

VISIT CHEAPER COUNTRIES Countries that have a lower cost of living such as those in Asia and Africa can offer amazing experiences that won’t break the bank. Travel to these places is cheaper, the accommodation usually costs less and there are so many different things to learn and discover in places that are no different to Australia. Make sure you do your research before you leave to avoid dangerous areas and also mark places of interest you would like to see when you are there.

DON’T RUSH You don’t need to see 5 countries in one week! Plane fare can be extremely costly, especially when you travel with a few kids. Take it slow and spend time in a country getting to know the people and the places and how everyone lives. Enjoy some local cuisine and visit places frequented by locals. You can explore the country a lot more and you don’t feel stressed from all the rushing around. This also gives you a lot more flexibility than when you have to move along to the next place based on your plane tickets. You can stay longer in one place before hopping on the train or bus to the next stop on your list.

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AVOID THE TOURIST TRAPS Don’t try and cram a ton of experiences in to one trip. Try and avoid the places where tourists usually congregate as everything tends to be more expensive in these areas.

There are usually a lot more ways that you are tempted to spend over your budget in these destinations as well.

Yes, go see a few of them, but take a limited amount of spending money with and stick to the budget. You don’t need to see every castle or every temple! Try and avoid buying souvenirs as these usually end up in the back of a cupboard or on a shelf gathering dust after your trip. Rather spend your hard earned money on doing something interesting or trying something new as those memories you can take with you everywhere!

Where possible, try and eat in the places the locals eat and not in the fancy restaurants that cost an arm and a leg, or better yet, get a self-catering accommodation and go shopping at the local supermarket to cook your own meals. Drinks at restaurants can also be exorbitant and whatever you do, avoid the mini-bar. Carry water bottles that you can refill to avoid spending a lot on purchasing bottled water unless you are in a place where the water is not safe to drink. You can also look at purchasing your plane tickets with cheaper airlines and taking advantage of early booking and discounts that might be on offer.

There are many ways to save costs when you travel and still have a wonderful, if not better, time than you would staying in expensive hotels and visiting tourist hot spots. Cost saving will allow for more frequent or longer holidays in the future as well. So avoiding the expensive restaurants and taking a train now and then can really be worth it in the end!

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motion

music

volume

speed

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Travelling with Your Baby Should Be Fun And Easy Written by: Noelle Sadinsky

Having children, especially super young babies and toddlers, shouldn’t prevent you from traveling as you may have done in your pre-baby days. What really? That’s crazy!

No really, it’s true! With a bit of planning and prep work you can have magical family holidays and at the same time build some beautiful memories.

I found travelling overseas with my boys separately as babies when they were under 12 months old an ideal age as they weren’t walking yet (as crawlers I could still outrun them!!) I took my oldest to Canada solo for a 3 month holiday to see family and friends. It was great to know where we would be so there were no surprises of where we were staying and what equipment we needed. I had people on the ground gather cots and high chairs ahead of time when possible so I didn’t need to pack as much with me and I always had a plan. I asked around in my mother’s group and friends with older kids what they suggested as the best products for travelling with babies and found a treasure trove of items. Here are my top 5 products that made life sooOOOoo much easier when hitting the road with your little one! This list is based on my experience and includes items that I found irreplaceable in terms of function and ease. A friend gave me her Sit’n Stroll (sorry it isn’t available in Australia unfortunately) which is a stroller/carseat in one and this was a prized possession! You can get one sent over from the US if you’re super keen.

1. My b box nappy change wallet and dispenser was a great all-inone nappy solution whether I was crammed into the airplane toilet or had a bit more space in a restaurant to change my baby.

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2. My Fridge-to-go Small Lunch Bag held my breast pump and a bottle along with water and snacks. Nothing helped calm my son down like a cool stick of daikon (Chinese radish) especially when he was teething. Having cold water close for me was also key when I was breastfeeding! Because I could express anywhere too, I was able leave bottles with my parents to babysit and get some ‘me’ time - so important!

3. My Baby Bjorn was worth its weight in gold as I could carry my baby and still have my hands free to pull my big hockey bag (my son and I shared a bag) and he was happy bouncing around next to me. Must have item!

4. My son’s plastic bib complete with spill proof curled up pouch that caught many messes saved many of his outfits and cut down on necessary he changes!

5.

The key is to have super functional products definitely that always come in handy and help make life easier - even when you’re not traveling! I was good at communicating with whoever I was going to stay with, so we always had a plan. I made sure to keep elements of my baby’s routine intact which was key to helping him settle and get familiar with the strange surroundings. Of course, there has to be some changes which also makes it fun.

We didn’t do too much each day when possible as I had the time to stretch things out plus I was on holiday and much calmer than usual, which my baby picked up on too. Your baby reflects you so if you’re stressed and anxious you may very well have a baby that is exactly the same way. If you start off calm, everyone wins now and in the future. We had quite a few plane trips and when I had strangers regularly ask if they could have a cuddle with my son - I learned to say a resounding ‘Yes, of course’!

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This gave my son a change of scenery and let me dash to the toilet or to brush my teeth without the usual chaos. I also ended up chatting with a lot of people I might not have connected with and it made things fun.

My first son wouldn’t take a dummy, so we had some hairy moments where he screamed for the entire 40-minute plan trip. But no one died. I got some unhappy looks, but I did my best and survived stronger and wiser. My favourite quote in moments like this is - ’this too will pass’. My second son loved a dummy, so plane trips were a dream. I made sure I had dummies stashed in every bag and clipped on to him and traveling with him was super easy.

Looking back now I can see how travelling to new places and shaking up the routine of my sons, really helped them become more resilient and adaptable at the time and as they get older. Having to cope and work things out on the go is good for both your and your baby as there are always going to be challenges and hiccups popping up that are beyond your control. I find letting go and trusting whatever happens is another great method that has served me well when travelling with a baby - plus it really helped keep me present in the here and now. I love to see how traveling continues to be a joy for our family and it’s still something we do together, just the 4 of us. We’re still building memories and enjoying each other, and they’ll always be my babies.

To this day, my children have a great love of travel - the further the better - and they are resilient travellers who are curious about new places and experiences. Now they’re teaching me. www.fridge-to-go.net.au

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BOOK e

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by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookworms

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YOU MIGHT FIND YOURSELF WRITTEN BY: TAI SNAITH

This visually stunning book f ol l ows a small person’s j our ne y as they navigate the wo r l d t hr ough their imagination. The l ov i ngl y handcrafted collage i l l ust r at i ons invite readers on a jo ur ne y d own the winding path that i s l i f e , f r om eating green beans with a k i ng and a queen to playing a holo gr am gui t ar from the future.

Th is is a b ea u t ifu l b ook to s h a r e wi th rea d ers a ged 2 a n d u p , an d wi l l i n v i te won d erfu l c on v ersa t ion s a b o u t l i f e’ s p ossib ilit ies, a n d ima g i n i n g wh er e y ou migh t fin d y ou rself .

T H ER E ’S ON LY DAD LIK E YOU

ON E

WRITTEN BY: JESS RACKLYEFT

Just i n ti m e fo r Fat h er ’ s D ay c o mes t his c h a r m i ng a n d d elig h t fu l ode t o t h e m a g i c o f d ad s o f a ll s h apes a nd s i z e s . T h e b r ig h t , en g aging illu s tr a ti on s d ep ic t an ima l d a d s in m a n y f a m i l i a r s c en ar io s , fr o m d oing up s h o e l a c e s an d r ea d in g ma p s to bui l d i n g a wes o m e s u r p r is es and t e ll i n g t h e b es t s t o r ies .

T his i s a l o v ely ce lebration of t h e m e r r y m a g i c of dads , w ith fu n n y rhy m i n g t e x t that will be appealing t o y o u n g r e a d e r s aged 2 -7 .

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D E AR G R AN D PA WRITTEN BY: KATE SIMPSON & RONOJOY JOSH

This is a touching picture b ook ab out the special relationshi p b e t we e n Henry and his grandf at he r , who remain close even when t he y ar e separated by distance. B y wr i t i ng each other a series o f e ngagi ng letters, the charact e r s shar e thoughts and stories to k e e p t he i r relationship alive.

Th is mov in g st ory , a n d t he i n ter es ti n g fa c t s sh a red b y Hen ry in h i s l etter s , will b e en joy ed b y rea d er s a g ed 3 -7

ARGH! THERE’S A SKELETON INSIDE YOU! WRITTEN BY: IDAN BEN-BARAK & JU LIAN FROST

Fr o m th e c r eat o r s o f t h e awardw in n i n g Do No t Lic k T h is Bo o k c omes a no t h e r n o n -fic t io n b o o k p erf ect f o r c u r i o u s yo u n g s t er s . T h is t i me, r e a d e r s a r e t a ken o n a n in t er a ctive jo u r n e y b e n eat h t h eir s kin , fo r an up-c l os e l oo k at b o n es , m u s c les and ne r v e s , a n d t h e wa ys in wh ic h they he l p u s p e r f o r m ever yd ay a c t io ns.

T he a d o r a b ly quirk y charact ers, f a s ci n a t i n g conte nt and the wa y in w hi ch th e r eader is draw n into t h e a c t i o n o f th e s tory will mak e th is a hit f o r ch i l d r en aged 4 -7 .

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Bleeding During Pregnancy

Possible Reasons written by: CAROLINE MEYER

Spotting blood while you are pregnant can be very frightening. While most causes can be quite innocuous, some vaginal bleeding can be quite dangerous. It is important to contract your care giver if you note any bleeding during your pregnancy.

During the first trimester, vaginal bleeding can occur from light spotting to extremely heavy bleeding, including large clots. Vaginal bleeding is not uncommon in the first trimester, with around 30% of women experiencing some bleeding during this period. Vaginal bleeding in the second and third trimester is usually related to different causes than that experienced in the first trimester. Any bleeding after week 28 should be treated as an emergency whether or not it includes pain and even if the bleeding appears to be quite mild.

CAUSES OF BLEEDING DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER First trimester bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors. Implantation bleeding can happen then the fertilized egg implants in to the wall of the uterus around the time you would normally have your period. This type of bleeding is usually lighter than your menstrual period and often does not last long. Bleeding can increase the risk of a miscarriage during the early stages of pregnancy as well. In around 2% of pregnancies, the bleeding is caused from an ectopic pregnancy. This is when the foetus implants outside of the uterus and seldom results in a viable pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy can also be life threatening in some cases. If you experience period like bleeding at any point in the first trimester, you should call your doctor for an evaluation.

Implantation bleeding usually consists of a small amount of spotting and can present like a very mild period. This is usually no call for concern and often leads to a date of conception being miscalculated at the start. A threatened miscarriage usually includes cramping along with the bleeding. This can often be caused by an infection such as a UTI, dehydration, certain medications and drugs and physical trauma but occasionally for no apparent reason. In this instance, the foetus 44

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has not aborted and remains in the uterus. A completed miscarriage involves cramping and bleeding but an ultrasound confirms that there is no longer a foetus within the uterine space. This is the most common cause of first trimester bleeding and the result is that there is no viable pregnancy. An incomplete miscarriage is when the cervix has opened and you are passing clots, blood and even tissue but not everything has passed out. This can result in an infection and a dilation and curettage may be recommended.

Blighted Ovum: This is also known as embryonic failure. This is when the embryo does not develop properly in the correct location even though the ultrasound may show an intrauterine pregnancy. This can result from an abnormal foetus.

Ectopic Pregnancy: This is when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes (tubal pregnancy). This can cause the fallopian tube to rupture and cause bleeding which can be life threatening. Symptoms include bleeding, pain and often dizziness.

These are usually discovered before 10 weeks due to the pain they cause.

This occurs in around 3% of pregnancies and will result in surgery to remove the foetus which is not viable in this position. Some of the risk factors include prior ectopic pregnancies, previous pelvic inflammatory disease, a history if infertility, Fallopian tube ligation or surgery, smoking, douching daily or having an intrauterine birth control device in place.

Around 50% of ectopic pregnancies are in women who do not have any risk factors.

Molar Pregnancy: This is called gestational trophoblastic disease and is when there is abnormal tissue inside the uterus and not a foetus. This is not life threatening and is generally a non-cancerous tumour that occurs due to pregnancy hormones. There are rare cases of the tissue being malignant and it can also invade the uterine wall and possibly spread further through the body. This may result in treatment by an oncologist.

Post-coital bleeding is fairly normal during pregnancy and can be seen after sexual intercourse. It is usually nothing to be concerned about.

There may be other reasons for bleeding unrelated to the pregnancy SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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such as an infection or a tear in the vaginal wall or other trauma within the vagina.

CAUSES OF BLEEDING AFTER THE FIRST TRIMESTER Bleeding later in the pregnancy can be due to an abnormal cervix or vagina or problems with the placenta.

Placenta Previa: This is a condition where the placenta, which connects your baby to your womb, covers the cervical opening, partially or completely.

Bleeding can occur when the cervix thins and dilates and blood vessels from the placenta end up being stretched and rupture. This can be quite serious and is the cause of around 20% of late pregnancy bleeding. Risk factors include previous instances of placenta Previa, multiple pregnancies and prior caesarean deliveries.

Placental Abruption: When the placenta pulls away from the wall of the uterus prematurely and results in blood collecting in the space between the uterus and the placenta, this is known as placental abruption. This happens in 0.5% of pregnancies and the cause is not known. Risk factors include cocaine and tobacco use, trauma, high blood pressure and previous abruptions.

Foetal Vessel Rupture: This is also very rare, occurring in only 1 of every 5000 pregnancies. This is when the baby’s blood vessels are attached to the membranes and not the placenta. The baby’s blood vessels can pass over the birth canal entrance. This is known as vasa Previa.

Uterine Rupture: This is a very rare occurrence and is when the uterus splits and expels the baby fully or partially into to the abdomen. This is extremely dangerous to both the baby and the mother. About 40% of women who experience this have had previous surgery on the uterus such as a Caesarean birth. Other risk factors include trauma, more than 4 previous pregnancies, baby in an abnormal position, excessive use of Oxytocin, forceps delivery, baby’s shoulder being caught on the pelvic bone during the process of labour.

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Other reasons for late pregnancy bleeding include lesions or injury to the vagina or cervix such as cancer, polyps and varicose veins. Another very rare cause is an inherited bleeding problem such as haemophilia.

If you have any bleeding conditions, you should advise your doctor at the start of your pregnancy.

BLEEDING DURING PREGNANCY If you find that you are bleeding and you suspect you may be pregnant, it is important to note the type and amount of bleeding so that you can advise your doctor. Take note of clots, tissue and how many pads were used. If you pass any tissue, it should be saved for further examination by your doctor.

If you experience any other symptoms such an intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue or fainting, this could indicate severe blood loss. Your pulse rate may increase and speed up further upon standing. You may find dizziness also increases when standing. Advise your doctor of these factors and ensure you get immediate assistance.

WHEN SHOULD THE DOCTOR BE CALLED? If you experience bleeding at any time during pregnancy you should advise your doctor or midwife. Relax as much as possible until you have been examined by your care giver and been advised on possible treatment. You cannot stop the bleeding on your own and should get in contact with your doctor as soon as possible. Stay hydrated and do not do anything strenuous until cleared by your carer. Do not use tampons or a douche. Keep an accurate count of pads used. Bleeding should not be considered normal and your healthcare professional should be consulted if you have vaginal bleeding at any time during your pregnancy. If there are added symptoms and the bleeding is fairly heavy or it is past your first trimester, go to the hospital emergency room for immediate treatment.

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ALL ABOARD! Travel Tips For A Smoother Journey!

If you are about to head away on holidays, or contemplating a Christmas vacation, there are some simple things you can do to ensure a smoother journey for you and your family – no matter how young. Toddler tantrums, dirty nappies and cries of ‘I’m bored’ can be averted with a little forward planning.

An online travel survey of more than 1,000 parents conducted by BabyLove in 2018 found that around four in five parents (79 percent) would consider travelling in the future with their children despite the potential challenges.

The key deterrents cited by parents were ‘keeping bored children entertained’ and ‘changing nappies’. Those who said they would never travel with kids cited ‘hassle’ as one of their main reasons.

Leading nappy brand, BabyLove says there are some simple things parents can do to minimise stress around changing nappies when we travel.

‘Whether you are heading off in the car, or flying to your destination, packing some essential items in your nappy bag is key. So too is having your nappy bag within easy reach, so you can quickly access it when needed,’ says BabyLove Nappies CEO Bridget Spark.

Nappy Bag Essentials • • • • • •

At least 1 change of clothes Plenty of spare nappies/Nappy Pants and wipes A disposable change mat so you can change a nappy on the go Disposable bags Disinfectant hand wash or sanitiser Plenty of formula, food and snacks.

When choosing nappies, Nappy Pants are a very practical solution for travelling as they can make for a faster nappy change for babies and active toddlers. ‘Our Nappy Pants have a 360-degree stretchy waistband so they can be pulled up easily, even with a wriggly baby who just wants to get moving. They can also be efficiently removed with easy to tear side seams. You can also complete 50

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a change with your toddler standing, so there isn’t the same need to go in search of a bathroom or change table at the airport or service station.’

Other key features of BabyLove Nappy Pants are their anti-sag technology, comfort and superior absorbency. The absorbent core shape helps prevent sagging, providing a secure fit and greater ease of movement for children.

Once you have your nappy bag sorted, it then comes down to the logistics and itinerary. Choosing child friendly destinations is an obvious plus when it comes to ensuring a more relaxed holiday for you, but so too is considering the time of day you set off.

Hungry babies and tired toddlers aren’t going to make the best traveling companions, but timing trips to work in with feed times and sleep behaviour can be helpful.

Midwife Cath, a Melbourne based midwife and maternal and child health nurse recommends breast feeding or bottle feeding once you are on the plane to settle your baby. Feeding at take-off (and landing) can also help with sore ears as the suckling equalises ear pressure.

Midwife Cath also recommends trying to travel at times when your children have eaten and/or are ready for sleep.

Top 3 Travel Tips: • Pack: Get your nappy bag sorted with a change of clothes and plenty of spare Nappy Pants, wipes and disposable change mat as well as some disinfectant hand wash, disposable bags and formula.

• Timing: Breastfeed or bottle-feed once you are on the plane to settle your baby, including take-off and landing to help equalise the ear pressure.

Consider older children’s eating and sleep times where you can.

• Take-off: Take books, toys and powered up iPads and other electronic devices to entertain children. Download their favourite movies in advance, and have snacks and water on hand to tide them over to the next meal break.

BabyLove is one of Australia’s most popular nappy brands with an extensive range of nappies to suit all ages and stages of development. Comfort and SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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absorption are at the core of BabyLove’s product range which includes CosiFit™, Premmie, Nappy Pants, Sleepy Nights and Baby Wipes.

BabyLove Nappy Pants are available in 4 sizes – Wriggler (7-11kg), Toddler (9-14kg), Walker (12-17kg) and Junior (15-25kg) and feature a soft 360-degree stretchy waistband, clever anti-sag technology and superior absorbency. With no tabs to wrestle with, they can be easily pulled on and off for an effortless change – even with a wriggly baby or dancing toddler.

BabyLove Wipes are ultra-soft, gentle and safe for baby’s delicate skin.

Paediatrician approved, dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and free of fragrance and alcohol, the wipes are absorbent and strong delivering a gentle but effective clean. Available in 2 sizes – 80 pack and 240 pack.

And for further information about BabyLove please visit www.babylovenappies.com.au or www.facebook.com/BabyLoveNappies.

To learn more about Midwife Cath visit her website: https://midwifecathsvillage.com.au/

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INTERIORS

get the look

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nursery 56

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Photo: TakaTomo SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Baby Blue Cloud Pillow  $46 etsy.com

Elephant On Wheels $81 thekidcollective.co.uk

Ivy Cot - Nickel $899 incyinteriors.com.au

Sublime Cushion $19.95 pillowtalk.com.au 58

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Pale Blue Cheshire Cotton Herringbone Blanket $44.95 templeandwebster.com.au

Sebra - Activity Car Toy Panny $43 scandiborn.co.uk

Lucy Metal Table Lamp $49.95 roundaboutlighting.com.au

Peyton Armchair - Dark Grey $329 zanui.com.au

Stonewash Cotton Deep Sea Cot Quilt Cover Set $69.99 adairs.com.au

Baby Blue Round Rug $409 etsy.com SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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k i d s 60

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Photo: Mathilde Merlin SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Rock & Pebble Pear House $149.95 wildandwhimsicalthings.com.au

Rabbit Lamp $88 smallable.com

Grove Bed $1199 therattancollective.com.au

Ditsy Quilt Cover Set From $99.95 pillowtalk.com.au

Cloud Mobile “Milan� $87.50 etsy.com 62

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Pear Nursery Wall Art $7.50 etsy.com FLISAT Children’s table $99 ikea.com

Shorebird $38.00 finnishdesignshop.com

Replica Eames Kids Chair $59 mattblatt.com.au

Wooden Traditional Dollhouse $79.00 kmart.com.au SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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What Is A Cervical Lip? written by: CAROLINE MEYER

You may be in labour, everything seems to be progressing well and then you are told you have a cervical lip and must stop pushing. But what is a cervical lip? While the cervix is considered to be part of the uterus it is made from different tissue. The cervix is at the bottom part of the uterus and actually extends further down in to the top part of the vagina. During labour, the uterus contracts. This causes the cervix to pull upwards. As the labour progresses, the cervix will dilate fully. This is normally quite an even upward pull. Occasionally there may be an issue with one side of the cervix. This may be that the one side is not pulled up in to the lower uterus or is not present. This is known as a cervical lip.

While no labour is exactly the same, some patterns were noticed and this was laid out as the natural progression of labour. Labour starts with contractions far apart and the cervix starts dilating.

This process can last some time and the cervix should be completely dilated by the end of the active stage. You then move in to the second stage where the actual pushing happens. This part

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of the labour is also supposed to last for a set amount of time. When the first or second stage goes on for a lot longer than it should you may be told that your labour is failing to progress.

“You

may be in labour, everything seems to be progressing well and then you are told you have a cervical lip and must stop pushing�

At this point you will probably have an internal examination to see what is going on. When there is still some cervix in the way or even has become swollen in the area you will told not to push anymore. This goes against your natural instinct and can be quite painful. Your doctor may suggest medications, forceps or vacuum delivery, an episiotomy or even book an emergency caesarean to help progress the labour and the birth. This is not the optimal birth for most women, but at least with currently technology, interventions can be made to safely deliver your baby.

No one really knows what causes a cervical lip of this sort. Almost all women have an anterior cervical lip in the early part of labour. The cervix opens in an oval motion from the back part of the cervix to the front. At the beginning of labour, the cervix is

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pointing more to the back of the vagina.

During labour, as it starts to dilate, it opens from the back to the front.

The front is therefore the last part to dilate out of the way. This makes an anterior cervical lip harder to notice. A posterior lip does not get noticed very easily as the cervix is pulled up in the back first and it is harder to reach in a physical exam. The position of the baby’s head or how early you started to push is not likely to be the reason for the cervical lip. The position of the baby during delivery can however shape the opening of the cervix as the head pushes against it. If the baby enters the world with the spine facing the mum’s belly, the cervix is likely to be more circular. If baby enters with her back facing mom’s spine, the cervix is likely to open up in a less even shape.

Most times a cervical lip will resolve on its own. You can try moving around and changing your position often to take the pressure off your cervix. From standing, walking, going on hands and knees to leaning forwards or lying on your side in a foetal position. Try

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one or a few different ways to try and reduce the pressure and give your body time to resolve the cervical lip.

Sometimes all it takes is for your baby to change position in the channel for it to resolve naturally. You can also try a birthing pool where you can float to reduce the amount of pressure on your cervix. It will also help you relax a bit during contractions. Move how you feel comfortable. Take long strides while walking around if you feel pain above your pubis when you are having a contraction. This may also help shift the cervical lip and allow for a natural birth without intervention. If you are walking around, ensure you have someone with you to support you, especially during contractions. In some cases, your doctor or midwife may actually assist in pushing the cervical lip over the baby’s head. This may take a few contractions to resolve and can be quite painful.

If all else fails, your medical caregiver will advise interventions to help resolve the cervical lip to bring your baby in to the world safely with as little added pain to you as possible.

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Why the 2nd night can be so bad Written By: Caroline Meyer 70

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One of the more common experiences, which aren’t often discussed with new parents, is the second night syndrome. Due to this being a situation that isn’t mentioned much, new parents often think they are doing something wrong. Don’t be too upset, it isn’t you!

WHAT IS SECOND NIGHT SYNDROME? You may find your baby is sweet and angelic the first day in the world and turns in to a nightmare the next day. The theory is that after baby is born, they are rather worn out from the stress of entering the world and spend most of their first day asleep. This means they aren’t too aware of anything as yet. The second day may be a continuation of this and it is by the 2nd night that they suddenly realise that everything they have known is gone. This becomes exacerbated if your milk hasn’t come in yet. They may be surrounded by unfamiliar noises, they are hungry, they may be cold and everything that comforted them before has disappeared.

There are strangers about, the noises have changed, there are bright lights and they are being touched. This is all rather strange and possibly frightening for your new born.

They are not being constantly rocked and can no longer hear your heartbeat constantly. For many little ones, this can bring on second night syndrome. They may scream and cry and be inconsolable no matter what you do. While this doesn’t happen with all babies, it does happen with many of them.

HINTS AND TIPS TO MAKE IT BETTER Don’t Stress You have to realise that it is a process that your baby is going through and it will end. As long as you are doing everything you need to and baby is not in pain of physical distress, try not to get stressed out by the screams. Feed your baby as often as they are wanting. The more you feed the more milk your body will produce and eventually there will be enough 72

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“You may find your baby is sweet and angelic the first day in the world and turns in to a nightmare the next day.”

milk coming through to satisfy your baby’s needs. If you are planning to breastfeed, try not to be tempted to give formula to supplement the breastmilk. Just keep feeding and you will more than likely produce enough.

Employ Skin To Skin Contact New-borns crave comfort. You can help satisfy this need with closeness, adequate feeding, quick response to cries and resolving discomfort such as a damp nappy. Skin to skin contact is the best comfort for a new-born. They can hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth and hear your voice as you comfort them. When you respond to your little ones needs, they feel secure and loved. Employing quick responses when they are tiny leads to more confident, happier toddlers.

Reduce Visitors Try and avoid having too many visitors on the first couple of days to prevent your baby becoming overwhelmed. Yes, everyone is excited to meet the new addition and everyone may want to stop by on day one, but all this external stimuli may be a bit too much for the infant. The smells, sounds and touch from so many people. Being passed from one person to another so soon after entering the new surroundings can lead to excess stress for your baby. Take a day or two to settle in and also give you some time to adjust before you have a big influx of visitors.

Try A Smooth Transition The more things are similar to being in the womb, the calmer your new-born is likely to be.

If you played music or spoke to your baby a lot during your pregnancy, try and continue playing the same music and talk to your baby in the same way. Babies are able to hear within the womb from as early as 16 weeks. If you start sounds early in pregnancy, carry these over after baby is born so it keeps feeling familiar. Holding baby close and rocking often while baby can hear your heartbeat is also a good way to help keep them calm. You can also try a nice warm bath together with baby enjoying skin to skin contact. Don’t use soap as you want to try and retain the vernix on baby’s skin for as long as possible. Rub moist hands over baby’s skin in a gentle massage. This will help comfort baby and keep them calmer.

It Doesn’t Last Forever While the 2nd night syndrome can be frightening and stressful for new parents, you must remember that it will get better. At the beginning, the colostrum to feed your baby only comes through in small amounts. As baby feeds, the quantity you produce will increase and your milk will usually come in on the 3rd day, giving you more than enough to satisfy your little ones hunger. You will need to feed often the first 3 days as baby has a tiny stomach and it can only hold a small amount at a time. It also empties fairly quickly, making them hungry again soon after. Once your milk comes in, they will be taking larger quantities at a time and should stay fuller for longer. You should be producing enough to satisfy their needs and they should sleep better and for longer on full tummies.

Persevere with feeding often, quick responsiveness to baby’s cries and as much skin to skin contact as possible and you should get through the 2nd night without too much of an issue.

By day 5 you will be wondering what all the fuss was about and be feeling a lot more secure as a parent of a new-born.

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Written by Caroline Meyer

BEDTIME BATTLES

Sleep time struggles are a big issue for many parents of toddlers. There are so many sleep disruptors that can affect adults and kids alike.

This includes ambient light from street lights, neighbours and other buildings as well as electromagnetic fields from anything plugged in to an electrical socket. Blue light is also gaining recognition as a sleep disruptor in the modern generation. This is noticeable in an increase in insomnia, poor sleep and sleep deprivation in people of all ages. This is seen even more in toddlers as they are just starting to regulate their emotions. They may also suffer from separation anxiety at bedtime. There are a few things you can do to try and improve sleep time for your toddler.

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STICK TO THE ROUTINE

NIGHT TIME ESCAPADES

As far as possible stick to a bedtime routine.

Bath time, then perhaps a bedtime story and a little bit of cuddling, then the lights go out and your little one should be off to dreamland. To make the process easier, you can allow your toddlers to have a little control as they can be a little stubborn at this age. Let them choose a bath toy or the story to be read. Let them choose which pyjamas to wear and which teddy to cuddle. The battle of wills can be won easier if you let them make some decisions along the way.

Should your little one decide to hop out of bed and come climb in to yours in the middle of the night, as tired and sleep deprived as you might be, you need to get up and take them back to their own bed.

You might have to do this a few times as well until the message gets through that they have to sleep in their own beds. If you allow them to sleep with you, expect the trend to continue and you will be sleeping restlessly with a kicking, wiggling toddler in your bed for some time to come. A neat trick is to put bells or chimes on his door or yours so you can escort him back to bed even before he climbs in to yours. Some people install baby gates to try and avoid this issue, but many toddlers find a way to climb over it. You have to be persistent and know that it is hard at the start but there are long term benefits.

BE PERSISTENT If your toddler starts crying when you leave the room, you can explain that it is time for bed and that you are nearby. Tell your little one that you will check in on him again once he has calmed down. If your toddler suffers from severe separation anxiety, you can try setting a timer and sitting in a chair in his room for 5 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, then he has to go to sleep by himself. You can also try sitting on the floor next to the bed the first night, with no eye contact or stimulation, so that they know you are there but do not think it is play time. Move further and further away from the bed each night until you end up outside the door. This allows them to transition easier and prevents excessive anxiety, stressing them out and leading to further sleep problems. Should they get out of bed after you have completed the ritual, tuck them back in without talking or kisses and cuddles. Just put them back to bed. You may have to do this a few times for a few nights, but they eventually stay in their beds.

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SCARE AWAY THE MONSTERS This is also an age when your little one starts to have an imagination. They may see all sorts of things in the dark that cause fear and anxiety. They may also have a fear of the dark. You can find ways to help them deal with these fears, rather than ignoring their anxieties. He needs to know you are nearby and that monsters do not exist but you do need to respect his genuine fear.

Play in his room with him in the day and at night. Allow him to put up a tent and camp in the room. Place a friendly stuffed toy on his bed or on a shelf to watch over him at night so he can feel safer. If your child has intense anxiety about being left alone in the dark, leave the door open and a light on outside the room, rather than a nightlight in the room which encourages play.

Don’t let your toddler get overtired as this can actually lead to them struggling to sleep more than usual. When your toddler starts getting grumpy, seems fatigued, is rubbing his eyes a lot and showing all the basic symptoms of being tired, get through the nightly routine and get them to sleep. Even if you are away from home, try and stick to the night time rituals as much as possible and don’t leave it too late to get your little one to bed. It may be a stressful and tiring time for you as a parent, but it won’t last too long. Persevere and stay strong and you will soon be enjoying a lot better sleep yourself.

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T O Y r e v i e w s

by: SHEREE HODDINETT SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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SPIRAL STUDIO $19.99

4/5

Le a rn to c r e a t e a m a zin g a n d in t ricate spiral artwork and patterns with t hi s S p i r al S t udio k i t ! T h i s kit h a s a ll yo u n eed to create amazing spiral artwork and pat t e r ns and co nsi s ts of 3 p en s , 19 p a t t er n c o gs, 2 pattern rings, 4 shaped wheels, 1 r ac k , a p ac k o f A 4 p a p e r s a n d an in s t r u c t io n b ooklet - you and your little ones will be we l l on y our w a y t o h a v i n g h ea p s o f a r t is t ic fu n!

Our V e r d i ct – W he n you have a chil d wh o lov es d ra win g, t oy s like t h is a re a ma z i n g ! M y d a ug h t e r i s q u i te cre ative w hen it c omes t o p ic t u res a n d h a n d in g h er some th i n g el s e to add t o h e r d r a w ing is almos t lik e ha n d in g ov er liq u id gold ! Sh e c a n sp en d a l o n g ti m e f o c usi n g o n t h e piece of pape r in fron t of h er a n d b efore y ou kn ow it , y ou ha v e a n o th er addit i o n ta k i n g over the art w all! F or a n y on e wh o h a s c h ild ren in t o d ra win g o r th o s e wi th a lo v e o f cr e a ti n g diffe rent s hape s a n d p a t t ern s on p a p er, t h ese a re a d efin i te m u s t f o r t he d r a w i n g ta b le or art corner!

Ava i l abl e fro m: Mr Toys Toyw orld, Buy M y T hing s, Send A T oy 82

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LAGOON PAPER PLANES $19.95

4/5

Ta k e t o th e s k i es wit h t h es e fan t astic paper planes. Contains 6 0 sheets wi t h r e t r o de sig n s to f o l d an d ma ke in t o fa b ulous flyers. Challenge yourself and you r f r i e nd s t o flying c o m p e ti tio n s ad d in g ext r a fun by completing each plane in less than a m i nut e !

P a ck f e a tu r e s 20 a s s o r t ed d es ig n s with f ull instructions included.

Our ve r d i ct – I t ’s almos t lik e a rite of p a ssa ge a s a kid , t o a t t emp t ma kin g y ou r o wn p a p er p lane cr e a ti o n , dre aming of it s ailing t h rou gh t h e a ir wh en y ou ma ke t h a t b ig th r o w. O n l y re alit y i s th e co mple te oppos ite as i t f lies a b ou t on e foot in fron t of y ou b ef o r e c r a s h i n g to t he g r o u n d . W e ll, the s e pape r plan es a re d ef in it ely somet h in g else a n d w i l l l ea v e y o u wo nde r i n g h o w you got it s o wrong b efore. Th e in st ru c t ion s d efin it ely h elp th o u g h a n d a c ha lle n g e i s a mus t, it tak e s on a new mea n in g wh en y ou r p a p er p la n e is c on s tr u c ted i n a wa y th a t i t ca n actually fly! H appy f ly in g!

Ava i l abl e fro m: D ym ocks

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VTECH MAGICAL LIGHTS UNICORN $39.95

5/5

Go o n a b i -l i n gu al a d ven t u r e wit h Magical Lights Unicorn. Place the sev e n c har m s on a n y o f th e th r ee m a g ic h ear t s to see her horn light up and hear colo ur s, ob j e c t s a nd p h r a s e s i n En g lis h o r Fr en c h . Use the charms to answer quiz quest i ons or ad d s o und e f f e c ts t o c r eat e yo u r o w n special song. Squeeze the unicorn’s tai l t o se e he r b e a uti f u l w i n g s fla p a n d h ear w h imsical phrases and sound ef f ects tha t e nc our age i ma g i n a t i v e p l ay. H er m a jes t ic h ooves f eature wheels so you can push he r as y ou h e a d o f f o n y ou r n ext ad ven t u r e.

Ou r V e r d i ct – Once again anothe r u n ic orn join s t h e ra n ks of ou r h ou seh o l d to ma n y g ig g le s a n d s m iles of de light. I must a d mit , ev en a s a n a d u lt I’m d ra wn into th e c h a r m a n d b e a u t i f u l colours that unicorns rep resen t . An y t h in g c olou rfu l, ma kes p l en ty o f n o i s e a n d of co u r s e h as the adde d bonus of b ein g a u n ic orn is a lrea d y a win n er wi th my g i r l s .

Wit h a l o v e o f mus ic and s inging thrown in , t h ey a re b u sy workin g ou t t h e “ i n ter es ti n g ” l yric s t o th e i r n ex t tune! The re has a lrea d y b een lot s of f igh t s ov er wh o get s to p l a y wi th i t n e x t. G o o d l u ck to all the othe r u n ic orn ma d f a milies ou t t h ere!

Ava il a bl e fro m: Ta rget, good to y stor es and online r etailer s, v tech.c o m . au

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VTECH PAW PATROL LEARNING WATCH MARSHALL,CHASE OR SKYE

$24.95

5/5

The P AW P a tr o l Lear n in g W a t c h i s a great wearable gadget f or childre n f e at ur i ng co o l s o u n d e f f ec t s an d p o p u lar p hrases from the show. Like all good wa t c he s, al ong w it h s h ow i n g y ou t h e t im e, it a ls o has an alarm, timer and stopwatch func t i ons. J oi n the P A W P a tr o l a n d p r o t ec t Ad venture Bay with the four built- in games t hat he l p k ids r e c og n i s e p a t t er n s , id en t ify animal tracks and pick the right tool f or t he j ob , in t r o d u c i n g a n d r ein fo r c in g ma t c hing, problem solving, animals, basic ad d i t i on and subt ra c t i on . T he wa t c h in c lu d es 12 interchangeable digital clock f aces an d a gl owi ng li ght . Wi th t h e PAW P a t r o l, n o jo b is too big, no pup is too small. It’s time t o j oi n t he re scue t e a m !

Our v e r d i ct – “ I t ’ s a magical watch M u mmy ”. I lov e t h e ima gin a t ion of kid s wh en i t c o m es to c h a r a ct e r s f r om s ome of their favou rit e t v sh ows, wh ere t h ey feel like t h ey c a n b ec o m e tha t c h a r a ct e r , with or w ithout a toy! As soon a s t h e wa t c h goes on my y ou n ges t d a u g h ter ’ s wrist , h e r e y e s l ight up and s he s ta rt s p u sh in g t h e b u t t on s wit h a b ig grin . I t’ s a g r ea t to y f o r te a ch i n g k ids the time , althou gh we’re st ill a lit t le wa y of f on t h a t one, i t d o es n ’ t st o p m y l i ttl e o ne from trying…I’ m su re it ’s 20 million p a st 400 somewh ere ! O n e s l i g h t lit t le d o w n s i d e is the w atch doe s n’t a lwa y s st a y d on e u p , wh ic h c a u ses c on s ta n t c r i es b e c au s e i t n e e d s to be fix ed s traight a wa y . Ot h er t h a n t h a t , it ’s d ef in it ely a wi n n er . I f y o u h a v e a l i t tl e P a w Patrol fan in your h ou se, y ou c a n ’t go p a st t h is wa t c h , it ’ l l k eep th em e n t e rt a i n e d f o r hours !

Ava i l abl e fro m: B i g W , good to y stor es and online r etailer s. v tech.co m . au SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Early Puberty: Why Is It Becoming More Common?

WRITTEN BY: LANCE GREEN

PUBERTY USUALLY STARTS ANYTHING FROM 8 YEARS OLD IN GIRLS AND 9 YEARS OLD IN BOYS WITH THE AVERAGE BEING AROUND 10 FOR GIRLS AND 11 FOR BOYS Puberty is the when kids start developing and maturing towards becoming adults both emotionally and physically.

For some children, puberty can start really early, from 4 to 5 years old. This is known as precocious puberty and is used to describe puberty that starts before 8 years in girls and before 9 in boys.

Precocious puberty can be a sign of a health problem in some children. It can also be quite difficult physically and emotionally for younger children to deal with.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY? In girls, precocious puberty can include breast development, growth of underarm and pubic hair, start of menstruation (period), acne, rapid growth in height, and change in body odour. In boys, early puberty may present with acne, enlargement of the penis and testicles, growth of underarm, pubic and facial hair, rapid growth in height, deepening of the voice and a change in body odour.

Some children may show some or all of the signs.

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partial puberty at an early age such as developing breasts which then stop growing until actual puberty or only 1 change without any other signs of the onset of puberty.

Some girls and boys may only develop hair under the arms and in the pubic region, with no other changes until later in life. Most children who only undergo only a partial precocious puberty, should still be checked by their doctor to ensure there are no underlying issues causing the change, but generally do not require further treatment.

They will usually go on to a normal puberty at the usual ages.

THE EFFECTS OF PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY For most people, once puberty end, the horizontal growth does too. Children who start puberty early usually end early as well and their skeletal growth matures faster. This means they stop growing at a younger age and are unlikely to be as tall as they would have been had their puberty happened at the usual age.

They will generally be taller than other children their age

while undergoing precocious puberty, but they stop growing much earlier and will often be much shorter than expected.

One of the biggest effects on these children is socially and emotionally. The growth of breasts, hair and genitals can be embarrassing and confusing to them. It can also see them being bullied or teased for being different. On top of this, take the puberty hormones in to account and you end up with irritability, mood swings and aggression.

Boys may also develop an inappropriate sex drive for their age.

WHAT CAUSES PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY? Puberty is governed by the hypothalamus. This is the part of the brain involved in sending signals to the pituitary gland. This is the gland that releases the hormones in to the blood steam which stimulates the testicles in boys and the ovaries in girls to start producing hormones which kick start puberty. This can be caused through problems in the brain such as an injury, infection or tumour. It can also be caused from issues with the

thyroid gland or ovaries such as tumours or cysts. In boys, the cells that manufacture sperm or testosterone may have a tumour, causing the early release of hormones in to the child’s body.

For most children who undergo early puberty, there does not seem to be any particular medical cause. In boys it appears to possibly be an inherited issue in around 5% of the cases while less than 1% of girls may be due to hereditary.

Other causes can include radiation to the spinal cord or brain. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hypothyroidism as well as a defect in the brain at birth, such as hydrocephalus which is a fluid build-up in the brain cavity are a potential cause in some children. Tumours in the pituitary and adrenal glands causing a release of testosterone or oestrogen can also bring on early puberty.

Exposure to ointments or creams containing testosterone or oestrogen may be a factor as well. Rare genetic disorders such as McCune-Albright syndrome causes hormonal problems but includes symptoms such as bone issues and skin colour problems. A very rare disorder known as gonadotropin-independent familial sexual precocity

results in extremely early testosterone production in boys, often between 1 and 4 years old, due to a gene defect.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? The first step is to discuss the issue with your doctor if you feel your child may be experiencing precocious puberty. Most of the physical changes should be easy for a doctor to note. He will, however, more than likely require urine and blood tests to make a clear diagnosis.

High levels of sex hormones in the blood is a clear indication of early puberty. Your doctor may also x-ray the hand and wrist to determine whether or not the skeletal structure is maturing more rapidly than it should. Your doctor may also order MRI’s, Ultrasounds and CT scans to rule out tumours as a cause for the early onset of puberty in your child. He may also refer you to an endocrinologist to assess and evaluate whether there may be a hormonal disorder which can then be treated.

The main aim in treating precocious puberty is to stall it to allow the bones and skeletal structure to grow normally and allow the child to reach their full height potential eventually.

Underlying conditions, if any, will be treated first to see if this resolves the problem.

The next step is to reduce the

levels of sex hormones to stop further sexual development until a later time. This is done via hormone therapy.

In most cases, this resolves the issue and allows the child to develop at a normal rate.

You need to explain to your child what their body is experiencing in an age appropriate way. You can let them know that it is something that usually happens later when they start getting closer to their teens. You can also help them understand the interventions that are done and that it is to help them develop normally.

Stay alert for signs of teasing and bullying that can be detrimental to your child’s emotional development. Look for signs such as depression, bad grades, and problems at school, fighting with others or a general loss of interest in activities. Avoid comments on your child’s appearance as you also don’t want selfimage or self-esteem issues, especially at such a young age. Encourage normal participation in activities and at school. Support them as much as possible without dwelling on the physical changes. Precocious puberty can be treated in almost all cases. The sooner it is diagnosed, the better for your child and the sooner the hormones can be brought under control.

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written by: Lance Green

B O N D I N G without a bottle

More and more Dads are realizing how important it is bond with their little ones way before they can walk and kick around a ball. It is possible to start bonding with your little one from day one.

For mums the bonding may be quite a bit easier, especially if they are breastfeeding as they get the skin to skin contact while nurturing baby from their own bodies. Some mums express to allow Dad to feed baby using a bottle, but some mums would prefer that no bottles are involved at all. So how do you bond without a bottle?

Get a baby carrier! There is no reason you can’t carry baby after mum has finished the feed or at any other time. Baby is kept close to your body. They get to know your smell, the sound of your voice and simply just hang out with you. You can still walk around, watch TV or do a myriad of other activities that are safe to do with a baby strapped to your front. The bonus is that this allows you to be hands free while still spending quality time with your little one.

Bath with baby. Run just enough water to allow you to lay baby in very shallow water on your legs. This lets you talk to baby, wash them gently and just spend time together. You can do this right from the 92

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start until baby is much older. Toddlers also enjoy playing in the bath with an adult and it is a quick and easy way to get them clean while spending time together. This time also gives mum a much needed rest. If you prefer not to put baby in the bath with you, you can still do the bathing ritual with baby every night, giving you some quality time together.

Play together. Baby will need floor time to learn how to move and to strengthen their little bodies.

Get down on the floor with them. Play with your little one. Peek-a-boo, talking, singing, tickling or even reading to baby is a great way to spend time together. As they start moving around, they will enjoy climbing on you, rolling around on the floor, playing with you and simply spending some happy times together. Try and limit the play time to at least an hour before nap or bedtime to avoid getting baby too wound up to sleep.

Change the nappies. Yes you can! You do not have to treat nappy changes as a chore and something to be feared. This is part of raising a little one. Spend the time you are changing baby in making eye contact, talking to baby while making your little one a lot more comfortable. Mum will also appreciate your help in this department! No, your nose is not SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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more sensitive. You can do the wet nappies and the poopy nappies and see it as a bonding opportunity.

Take baby for a walk. If the weather is good, give mum a break and take baby for a walk. Make sure you have the basics with you for 30mins outside of the house, but make sure baby has been fed and changed and is comfortable before you set off.

You can choose to put baby in a carrier or sling for the walk, but a pram or stroller is also a good idea especially as baby gets a little older and wants to look around and learn. It may seem a little daunting at first if you haven’t been completely on your own with baby before, but you will grow to cherish the time alone together. Baby is also a really good listener and will enjoy listening to your voice as you tell stories or just talk about your day. You can be the one who shows your little one their first bird, first butterfly, first rainbow. There are many firsts, so get involved and share them with someone who will be looking at the world with brand new eyes.

Point out things and name them to help your baby’s cognitive development. You might even get to hear the first word!

Learn baby massage. Babies love skin on skin contact.

Giving them a rub down with lotion after the bath is a wonderful way to spend some time bonding. A 94

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light massage before bed can also help babies and infants relax before sleep. Find the time to spend at least 10 minutes a day in light infant massage to soothe your baby and encourage further bonding with you.

Talk, read and sing: You don’t have to have a fantastic voice! You don’t have to be able to carry a tune! Baby will love hearing your voice. It is familiar and comforting. You can incorporate the singing into learning and playing later on when baby is a bit older as well. Keep your voice low and soothing and simply just spend the time focusing on your baby.

Get some baby books and read to baby if you don’t know what to talk about or don’t want to sing. Just hearing the sound of your voice will help baby feel safe and comforted.

You don’t need a bottle to bond. Your baby simply just needs your time and attention. There are many ways you can get involved with caring for your baby. Give your partner a little bit of rest while you spend quality time with your little one. Bonding early will bear bigger dividends along the way as your little one becomes an integral part of your family. Be an involved Dad and reap the love and appreciation from your children while enjoying the privilege of watching them grow!

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Dating After Divorce written by: CAROLINE MEYER

They say once you’ve fallen off a horse, you should get back on so that you don’t end up afraid to ride in the future.

Dating after divorce is similar. You may feel bereaved at the death of your marriage, there may be angst and upset if the divorce was less than pleasant and you will probably have some issues to deal with first. Once you have dusted yourself off and you are ready to try again, don’t let the past cause insecurities or fear.

You can look back at what went wrong and where you can improve, but past that, leave the past where it belongs, behind you!

Divorce can feel very lonely. While for some people, it is a relief, for others it is hard letting go of the person you have spent years of your life with. You may 98

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also find that people who were friends with both of you decide to be friends with you or your spouse and no longer with both of you. They may also pull away from both of you all together.

You might also find that you have let past friendships from when you weren’t part of a couple fall away and you are unable to regain these friendships.

So not only do you have to start over with friendships in many aspects, you now want to try and be social in order to meet a prospective love interest or even just someone to hang out with to start with. Work out how much time you have available with work, taking care of

kids and running a household on your own and then you can start figuring out how to start getting to meet people again.

Go to gym, talk to the cute person at the store or join dating sites. You can choose your pony!

Don’t start dating until the divorce is final.

You also need to take a little time to recoup before you jump back in with both feet. How much time you take is completely up to you. Some people recover quickly while others are emotionally drained by the process and take longer to feel up to socializing.

Knowing you are over and there is no going back leaves you open to a future. If you are

still concentrating on the past, you can only do harm in a potential new relationship.

When you decide to start socializing, you have to also be able to assess your own reasons for wanting to start dating. Are you looking for someone to take your mind off your anger and hurt?

Are you actually open to emotions that may come in time from a new relationship? Are you just lonely and want someone to talk to or are you open to something more. You need to know what you are looking for and be ready to be open with your dates on that score.

No, you don’t have to be ready for a long term commitment right at the start. When you start dating again, you may be open to the possibility but you don’t need to assume that you will want to get married again at this point in time. Open yourself to new experiences, do things you haven’t before, meet interesting people and move forward with a life “after divorce”.

There is often a concern over “rebound” relationships. People always assume that the first relationship after a divorce is bound to fail.

While the first relationship will be challenging, there is no reason why the person can’t be a perfect match and may even end up as a life partner in future. Toss the misconceptions out the window and be prepared to be happy. This could be with the first person you date or the 10th person you date. There is no guarantee on finding another partner, but you have to at least be open to the possibility.

After a divorce, you should realize that no one is perfect. You cannot set a long list of “must haves” for your dates otherwise you may find your dating pool to be extremely shallow. You may lose out on the next love of your life because they have a different hair colour than what you imagined in the “perfect” partner. Don’t expect first dates to go wonderfully well either, because usually they don’t.

Unless the date was horrendously awful, don’t be afraid to go on a second date and at least give yourself and the other person, time to relax and start to get to know each other.

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You can generate a “must haves” list if you feel the need, but instead of focusing on looks, you might want to look at character traits. Is blonde hair more important than being a good parent?

Do they have to have blue eyes or rather be loyal and loving? Even when it comes to hobbies, you don’t need to be compatible as it is interesting to have something to talk about that you aren’t doing together. Must haves should really be based on the emotional and mental and not on the physical aspects of your potential relationship partner. The same goes for the “must not haves”. These may be harder to determine on a first date though. If you want someone who is never dishonest, you can’t ask this questions on a date as a dishonest person would probably lie to you anyway. However, if you want someone who loves animals, you would probably be incompatible with someone who is deathly afraid of them or loathes animals. If you love travelling, you might not want to get involved with someone who is tied to home base and never prepared to leave their city, no matter the country. You are the only one that can really decide what your deal breakers are when it comes to the type of person you want to date.

Don’t mislead your potential dates. Things like age, employment status, whether or not you have kids, your interests and so forth should be an open book to potential dates. If you are going the online dating route, try avoid profile picture from more than 2 years back (the more recent the better) and don’t embellish details as the truth eventually comes out. Faking it wastes your time and that of the person you go on the date with. Rather be honest and you are more likely to find someone who actually matches up with you! Be yourself!

You have to remember that this is not a race. There is no need to get too intense too fast. Spend time dating casually, talking on the phone, taking part in activities together and generally getting to know each other. Once you have seen the person in a variety of settings and you have learned a lot more about them, you might then want to introduce them to the family. There is no need to rush the physical or the emotional aspects of a new relationship.

You both need time to establish if there is a genuine connection or not before you get in to a deeper relationship.

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Remember your priorities. Dating is great and quite important for your personal growth in the future but it is important not to lose sight of your priorities. Your children should still be one of your top concerns and anyone new you bring in to their lives should be vetted well. You also need to prepare them for the possibility of a relationship with someone other than their other parent. Allow them to vent their concerns and emotions so that you can help them adjust. Your new partner will also have to learn to fit in with your household over time. Discuss all the important things before they become an issue or end up as break up. Don’t get overly focused in trying to find a partner to the point that your family, work or other responsibilities have to take a back seat. The person that is right for you will understand your situation and be prepared to fit in and cause rifts in your current life.

If it doesn’t feel right, walk away. You need to trust yourself and how you feel. Go with your gut instinct as it tends to be right more often than not. Don’t push for a relationship purely because you are feeling lonely, even when you are uncomfortable in the partnership. Most of all just have fun! Get to meet some new people, learn new things, try new experiences and just start living your life again!

Have some laughs and if you are lucky, fall in love again!

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PRESS URE AND PERFECTION

WRITTEN BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

Why is there so much pressure placed on mums to have everything perfect?! You might shrug and awkwardly laugh it off but it’s serious business out there. Without even realising (well, most of them anyway) mums are silently competing against each other and for what? There’s no gold medal at the end of this race. Although in a way it never really ends. It’s like the song that never ends, it just goes on and on my friend. And now that you have that stuck in your head (don’t worry so do I!) I’ll get on with it. Now where was I? Some days I’m brilliant and always on track, other days I may as well stay in bed, or at least hidden from the rest of the world, for more reasons than one, haha! I swear I can walk the length of the house to talk to someone about something and forget by the time I get there, having kids has fried my brain! Anyway back to the “perfection” of being a mum.

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I’m not a perfect mum, not even close. I wouldn’t even use the word perfect anywhere near describing me, but you get the point. My kids eat chocolate and other junk food (but yes they do eat healthy stuff too!). I yell at them and yes I have both sworn in front of them and at them…shock horror..I must be a terrible mum <insert dramatic eye roll here>! I used to care too much about what other people thought of me as a mother. I have no idea why because the only people who should care about that is my two beautiful girls. They probably don’t even give a hoot anyway, they just want Mummy!

But it begs the question, why is there this invisible pressure?

Who started it in the first place? And I say invisible because you don’t even realise you’re doing it to yourself until you come out the other side. Being a mum (or dad, or both parents at once) is a tough gig on its own, let alone throwing anything extra into the mix. But there’s so much that people pass judgement on: what you feed your kids; what you dress them in; how you relieve teething pain; where they go to daycare or school; how you discipline; even at what age they start to crawl, walk and move around and finally whether they are a good sleeper or not.

When you’re an adult no one asks whether you were bottle-fed or breast-fed; when you stopped wearing a nappy; if you ate all your fruit and vegetables or if you slept in your own bed or shared with your parents. So, why does everyone have an opinion on these things when you’re raising your children?

Because everyone becomes an “expert” and I use that term very loosely. Hey I’ll happily admit I’ve had my moments of passing judgment, we all do, but there’s some things that we just need to let go.

house is clean, deep down no one really cares!

That being said, I’ve put a bit of thought into it and here is some things you really shouldn’t have to worry about as a mum (or dad too if you want to be recognised!):

If you don’t like your kids at times: you will always love them, there’s no doubt about that! But if they are driving you up the wall, you can dislike them for a bit, it doesn’t make you a terrible parent!

Anyone else’s opinion: this pretty much covers everything really!

How you raise your children: as long as they are safe, happy and growing, just keep doing what you’re doing!

How you treat them for being naughty: a smack never hurt anyone (speaking from experience) if that’s what you prefer but definitely each to their own on this one!

When you have a newborn baby try to just enjoy everything because it won’t last forever: forget about whether your

Advice from well-meaning family members/visitors/ friends: by all means if the advice is useful and applies to you and your situation, go for it otherwise just simply ignore it because otherwise you’ll just worry!

What they eat – well to a point you kind of have to care but don’t let it rule your life.

If they play in the dirt/mud – let them get dirty, they are kids after all, plus it’ll help build their immune system!

Of course this is all just my thoughts and a few observations thrown in, I’m no expert, always do what works for you first and foremost, which is parent your way!

Parenting isn’t easy and I’ll be happy just to survive and come out the other side! You can read more of my “interesting” bits and pieces over at my blog www.shereekim.com

Just remember, you’re not in this alone.

Until next time….xx SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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fashion SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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girls FASHION 108

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UNDER $10 bestandless.com.au BABY Baby Tee $5.00 Baby Leggings $5.00 Baby Girl Shoe $10.00

UNDER $12

bestandless.com.au GIRLS Girls Sweat $10.00 Girls Tulle Skirt $12.00 Girls Fashion Tights $6.00 Girl Embellished T-Bar Ballet $10.00

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UNDER $50 seedheritage.com

BABY Ribbed Sweater $44.95 Print Chambray Dungaree $49.95 Metallic Espadrilles $39.95

UNDER $60 seedheritage.com GIRL Star Tutu Dress $49.95 Mini Spot Party Cape $29.95 Party Jewel Ballet $59.95

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SPLURGE melijoe.com

BABY Chloé Mini Me Sweatshirt And Tracksuit Pants $280.00

SPLURGE melijoe.com

GIRLS Sonia Rykiel Paris Jacquard Knit Sweater Dress $281.00 Kenzo Kids Logo Print Tights Japanese Flower $73.00 Pom D’api Leather Boots - City Guetre $225.00

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boys FASHION 112

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UNDER $10 bestandless.com.au

BABY Baby Tee $8.00 Baby Leggings $5.00 Baby Boy Soft Sole High Top $10.00

UNDER $15

bestandless.com.au BOY Boys Knitted Pullover With Hood $15.00 Boys Denim Jean $10.00 Boys Runner Shoe $12.00

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UNDER $40 seedheritage.com BABY Dog Yardage Tee $24.95 Classic Stripe Overalls $39.95 Baby Jogger $39.95

UNDER $60 seedheritage.com

BOYS Rugby Tee $24.95 Railroad Stripe Dungarees $59.95 Knit Trainer $39.95

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SPLURGE melijoe.com

BABY Kenzo Kids Printed Sweatshirt And Tracksuit Pants - Crazy Jungle $160.00

SPLURGE melijoe.com

BOYS Zadig & Voltaire Battledress Pants $160.00 Ralph Lauren Rugby Polo $149.00 Paul Smith Junior Leather Scratch Trainers $230.00

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Ballerina Snuggle Bib Waterproof $16.95 This sweet innovative Snuggle Bib is a simple yet beautiful way to wear a bib on your baby. Keep mealtime mess to a minimum while making it fun and beautiful.

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Ivory Merino Wool Bonnet & Booties $59.95 Fall in love with our handknit soft and snuggly Ivory Merino Wool Bonnet & Bootie Set. Handknit heirloom quality made from 100% Merino Wool.

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Clay Baby Jersey Wrap & Beanie Set $49.95 Our clay baby jersey wrap and beanie is soft and stretchy

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Jewel Baby Jersey Wrap & Topknot Set $49.95 Our jewel baby jersey wrap and topknot is soft and magical with an enchanted fern design that comes to life.

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Enchanted Fitted Cot Sheet $49.95 Our Enchanted fitted cot sheet is made from snuggly soft stretch cotton jersey. Comes with a matching drawstring bag which can be used for other multi-purposes.

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Wild Fern Bassinet Sheet $39.95 Our Wild Fern Fitted Bassinet Sheet can also be used as a Change Pad Cover and is made from snuggly soft stretch cotton jersey. Comes with a matching drawstring bag which can be used for other multi-purposes.

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Enchanted Baby Jersey Wrap & Beanie Set $49.95 Our enchanted baby jersey wrap and beanie is soft and magical with an enchanted fern design that comes to life.

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Poppy Organic Muslin Wrap $36.95 Our soft multi use Poppy baby wrap is made from the finest quality Organic Cotton Muslin.

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Vintage Blossom Baby Jersey Wrap & Topknot Set $49.95 Our vintage blossom baby jersey wrap and topknot is soft, breathable and for the most stylish babes. Our vintage blossom is powder blue filled with peach and orange blossom flowers..

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Alpha Organic Muslin Wrap $36.95 Our soft multi use Alpha baby wrap is made from the finest quality Organic Cotton Muslin.

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Umber Diamond Knit Baby Blanket $79.95 Our beautiful umber diamond knit baby blanket is made from super soft 100% cotton and keeps your child snug and warm. This would make the perfect gift for a new baby or the expecting mum

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www.snugglehunnykids.com.au

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making a splash with

BUBBLEBUBS DROPLETS REUSABLE SWIM NAPPIES written by: Katherine Edwards

Ok, so I’ll be the first to put up my hand and say that I have washed and reused disposable swim nappies in an effort to be a bit more sustainable. My swim school didn’t allow reusable swim pants at the time so it really was my only option, apart from finding a new swim centre even further away from where we live. When the centre finally came around to the idea of modern swim nappies (albeit under a swim suit!) we were so excited to research different brands and see what would be the best for us.

At the beach and in our friends’ pools we had been using a second-hand reusable nappy shell over the summer, because I was too afraid to use my good reusable nappies in the chlorine. When I heard that Bubblebubs had released a swim nappy, I was keen to compare it to other swim nappies on the market and dip my toe into the world of eco-swimming. Now spring is on our doorstep, there’s no better time for you and your babe to take the reusable swim nappy plunge.

NOT ALL NAPPIES ARE CREATED EQUAL Side snaps: Just like my Bubblebubs Candies, the Droplets are a side snapping nappy. For anyone who has tried to drag an elasticated swim pant full of what appears to be breakfast, lunch, dinner and half the back garden down bub’s wet legs, you will know that it is near on impossible to do so without a healthy dose of chaos and cursing. Fortunately, my little one doesn’t generally let lunch loose when we’re out for a 132

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swim, but I know that on the days it does happen, whipping off the Droplet is as easy as unsnapping and lifting bub straight out of the danger zone. This is especially useful when there’s no one else around to assist- I can even do it one handed if need be!

Firm elastics: It’s everyone’s worst nightmare even just entertaining the idea of baby’s breakfast floating to the surface mid-swim.

Another exceptional feature of the Droplet is the firmness of the elastics around both the waist and legs. It was certainly a nice surprise that the Droplet managed to save my girl’s breastfed poo from the surrounding water, which can be a tough task for any nappy, swim style or otherwise.

The elastics are nice and stretchy but so not too tight that they leave deep marks. Having said that, they do run small in order to achieve that firmness so, you can refer to the website or email the Bubblebubs team to see what would best suit your bub if you’re not sure about sizing.

Sized for snugness: Droplets swim nappies are not a One Size Fits Most style, rather they are a sized nappy to ensure a snug and comfortable fit for all that energetic doggy-paddling. The nappies come in newborn through to large size. We chose the “small” for my three month 5.5kg girl, and it still fits three months later at 7kgs with room to spare. Even though the elastics are firm, there is still plenty of stretch, so there’s peace of mind that they will fit for a good amount of time on a growing babe.

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Packaging: In an effort to reduce my waste it’s refreshing to see that the retail packaging of the Droplets is just as environmentally conscious as their other products. Rather than coming in plastic, Droplets arrive in their own mini-wetbag to match your chosen print. But don’t let their mini-size fool you!

I’ve managed to squeeze the swim nappy, a rash-suit, and bub’s hat into one to keep all her swimming gear in one place. Just grab and go! The mini-wetbag is a life-saver when the things nightmares are made of turn into reality and you need to get your wet and/or soiled nappy home.

The nappy contains everything, of course, but, if you’re not in the place to be dealing with soiled swimmers at that moment, you can pop them in the mini and sort it out when you get home.

Some things to remember about swim nappies are that they aren’t absorbent at all. The aim of them is not to keep in wee so when travelling to the beach or pool, whatever nappy you usually use is best for your car seat. Also, treat them like any other swim suit by giving a thorough rinse after using them in a chlorine pool.

Not only do they have really cute prints, the Bubblebubs Droplets are also super functional. Combining so many great features, it is clear that they have been designed with ease of use for parents and carers in mind. So, if you’re keen to reduce your footprint over the long summer months, Droplets are an easy way to enjoy endless trips to the beach or pool without the nasty waste.

For more information or to purchase visit: bubblebubs.com.au SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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HOW TO TRIM YOUR BABYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NAILS WITHOUT ALL THE FUSS? written by: OLIVIA ARROW

Nail care is an essential part of personal hygiene for everyone, even your little bundle of joy. The thought of having to cut your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nails is not only intimidating, but it can be an extremely tricky task for parents and even more so for new parents.

Babies tiny nails, combined with their tiny fingers and toes and add in that they never seem to be able to stay still, makes the fear of accidently drawing blood so real that you can end up feeling like the job is near impossible

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SO, WHEN DO YOU HAVE TO START TRIMMING YOUR BABY’S NAILS? From the first month, yep that’s right the first month! Baby’s nails grow so fast in the first few weeks and believe it or not it is not uncommon to have to trim your baby’s nails up to twice a week.

WHAT THIS BEST WAY TO TRIM YOUR BABY’S NAILS? Thankfully, Rite Aid has come to the rescue with the release of their new Baby Nail Trimmer. The Baby Nail Trimmer has been designed for your baby’s soft nails and moves away from the use of traditional nail clippers or scissors.

The Baby Nail Trimmer is an electric nail file especially designed for baby’s and has a rotary filing function which prevents harm to your baby’s skin and nails. With dual speed settings, the trimmer can also be adjusted to suit the sensitivity of baby’s nails, it makes this daunting task now as simple as it is to cut your own nails. The Baby Nail Trimmer Gentle and painless and the trimmer come with a set of ultra-fine filing heads that adjust to your baby’s age.

We had a mum and a dad try out the new Rite Aid Baby Nail Trimmer and here’s what they said:

“As a busy mother of 2 girls, I love this little device. It has totally changed the way I feel about cutting baby/ toddler nails. With my eldest daughter, I use to cut her nail with these little sharp scissors because the baby nail clippers I had didn’t seem to take off enough of the nail then I had to file the edges so she wouldn’t scratch herself. I would be clipping again within 4-5 days or before if another trim was required. Having a 13mth old that is into everything, the Rite Aid Baby Nail Trimmer is a must have. It takes just a min or two each week file down my baby’s nails and I don’t have to even worry is she is moving around like a hurricane” - Jess SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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“I love this device!! Where was this when I needed it 4 years ago? When my daughter was under a year, I accidently cut one of her nails so short, right down to her quick, it made her bleed. It was traumatising, more for me than for her. It was so horrible and something I don’t wish on any parent to have to experience. There is nothing worse than knowing you hurt your child, even when it’s accidental the guilt is still overwhelming. After that, I was so paranoid my wife took over nail cutting. My Daughter is now 4 ½ years and I have gone back to cutting her nails myself and was a little sceptical of the Baby Nail Trimmer when I first got it, but it works a treat. I use the 12+ mths dark blue pad and I haven’t had one complaint, actually I get asked if I can trim her nails even when there is nothing to trim. What a great device and the peace of mind is excellent.

I would definitely recommend to other dad’s” - Kris Rite Aid’s Baby Nail Trimmer is a grooming game changer, making the job as easy, painless and tear-free as possible for both you and your little bundle of joy.

You can purchase from: chemistwarehouse.com.au or bigw.com.au For more information visit: riteaid.com.au 140

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recipes sourced from: epicurious.com SEPTEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Quick & Easy Quick Breakfast Quinoa INSTRUCTIONS 1

2

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place quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is done and all the water is absorbed. fluff with a fork. add remaining ingredients and stir for 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 minutes.

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prep time: 10 mins cook time: 15 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 cup dry quinoa 2 cup water apple, cored and 1 med diced raw almonds, 1/2 cup chopped fresh or thawed 1 cup frozen blueberries raisins or 1/2 cup chopped, pitted dates 1 tsp cinnamon unsweetened soy, 1/2 cup hemp, or almond milk

Quick & Easy Vanilla-Date Breakfast Smoothie INSTRUCTIONS 1

prep time: 5 mins cook time: 5 mins serves: 2

purĂŠe yogurt, milk, dates, and vanilla in blender until smooth.

INGREDIENTS add ice cubes; puree until mixture is thick and smooth.

1 cup nonfat yogurt divide between 2 glasses and serve.

1 cup nonfat milk 1 cup pitted dates 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cup ice cubes

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Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Corn prep time: 20 mins cook time: 10 mins serves: 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS 1

whisk 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, basil and garlic in large bowl.

2

heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. add corn; sautĂŠ 3 minutes.

3

add corn to dressing in bowl. add tomatoes, pasta and cheese to bowl and toss.

4

season salad with salt and pepper.

INGREDIENTS 5 tbsp olive oil 5 tbsp red wine vinegar 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 2 large garlic cloves, chopped fresh or frozen and 1.5 cup thawed corn kernels fresh or frozen, thawed 1.25 cup corn kernels 1.25 cup tomatoes chopped penne pasta, freshly 6 cups cooked grated parmesan 1/2 cup cheese

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Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry prep time: 15 mins cook time: 15 mins serves: 2

INSTRUCTIONS 1

combine peas, onion, and cider vinegar in a small bowl. let stand 3 minutes to pickle and then drain.

2

combine half of the pea-onion mixture with the cream cheese in another small bowl, mashing with a fork to combine.

3

for quesadilla, spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto each soft wrap. spoon the salmon and the remaining pea-onion mixture over the cream cheese mixture on one of the wraps. top with the remaining soft wrap, with the cream cheese mixture side down.

4

coat a large cast-iron skillet or nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat the skillet over medium heat.

5

Add the quesadilla; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once halfway through cooking time. Cut the quesadilla into six wedges.

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/2 tsp sesame oil 1 tbsp honey 1 clove 1 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 450grm

garlic finely chopped or grated fresh ginger finely chopped or grated cornstarch water sirloin, flank or skirt steak sliced into strips fresh broccoli florets vegetable oil

If desired, serve with tomatoes and corriander.

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Roasted Red Capiscum Frittata INSTRUCTIONS 1

preheat oven to 200°c. place capiscum on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and turn to coat. season with salt. roast capiscum, turning every 5 minutes, until softened and skins look wrinkly and lightly blistered, 20–25 minutes. let cool slightly. peel and remove seeds from capiscum, then cut flesh into thick slices (you should have about 1 cup).

2

meanwhile, toss together onion and potatoes in an cast-iron skillet; season with salt. cover with 1 1/4 cups oil and set over medium heat. bring to a gentle simmer, about 3 minutes, and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon and scraping the bottom of the pan to minimise sticking, reducing heat if needed, until there is no crunch left to the onion (do not let it take on any color) and the potatoes are tender, 25–30 minutes. transfer to a medium bowl; let cool until warm, 8–10 minutes. stir in roasted capiscum.

3

clean skillet and place in oven to heat. whisk eggs in a medium bowl and season with salt. using lift vegetables out of the oil and add to eggs (this is best done while they are still warm). set onion-potato oil aside.

4

transfer skillet to stovetop and continue to heat over high until ripping hot, about 5 minutes. add 3 tbsp. reserved onion-potato oil to pan, then pour in egg mixture. cook, using a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon to pull egg mixture from the outer edges into the center, allowing uncooked egg to flow underneath and dragging the hotter, more-set egg from the edges into the center. this will help frittata cook evenly. transfer skillet back to the oven and bake the frittata until browned and set, 10–14 minutes. let frittata cool, then cut into wedges to serve.

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prep time: 40 mins cook time: 70 mins serves: 6 INGREDIENTS 2 med red capiscum extra-virgin olive 1 1/4 cup oil 1/2 tsp salt onion, thinly 1 med sliced potatoes, peeled, 6 med sliced onion finely 1 med chopped 8 eggs

Cauliflower Risotto INSTRUCTIONS 1

in a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets 8 to 10 times, until it resembles small grains of rice.

2

heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. add the garlic and sweat until translucent, about 4 minutes.

3

add the cauliflower and vegetable stock and cook until the cauliflower is softened and enough liquid has evaporated to make the mixture creamy, about 10 minutes.

4

stir in the parmesan and let sit 5 minutes to thicken. finish by stirring in the chives.

prep time: 20 mins cook time: 15 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS cauliflower, broken into 2 heads florets 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 1/2 cup vegetable stock 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 2 tsp chopped chives

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Maple Blueberry Parfait prep time: 20 mins cook time: 20 mins serves: 6

INSTRUCTIONS 1

cook 2 1/4 cups blueberries with 1/2 cup maple syrup in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until blueberries have burst, 3 to 8 minutes. cool in an ice bath, stirring occasionally.

2

while blueberry mixture cools, beat cream with remaining 1/4 cup maple syrup in a bowl using an electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks.

3

stir lemon juice and remaining 1 1/4 cups blueberries into cooled blueberry-maple mixture.

4

spoon about 2 tablespoons blueberry mixture into each of 6 glasses and top with half of crumbled cookies and half of whipped cream. repeat layering of remaining blueberry mixture, crumbled cookies, and whipped cream.

INGREDIENTS fresh or frozen 3.5 cups blueberries, 3/4 cup pure maple syrup chilled heavy 1 cup cream 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice thin ginger 1 cup cookies, coarsely crumbled

serve parfaits immediately

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Toasted Coconut Chia Pudding prep time: 45 mins cook time: 120 mins serves: 18

INSTRUCTIONS

1

preheat oven to 180°c. coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2

whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. beat oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until starting to lighten in color, about 2 minutes. slowly add eggs, one at a time, beating until well combined before adding the next. add the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. add carrots and mix until just combined. scrape the batter into the prepared pan.

3

bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.

4

meanwhile, prepare orange-saffron cream: heat ¾ cup cream in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until just steaming. place zest and saffron in a small bowl. pour the hot cream over them and let steep for 10 minutes. strain (discard zest and saffron). refrigerate the saffron cream until cold, about 30 minutes.

5

combine chocolate chips and the remaining ¼ cup cream in a small microwave-safe bowl. microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until just melted, about 30 seconds. cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.

6

transfer the saffron cream to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. add mascarpone and beat just until medium peaks form. fold ¼ cup of the mixture into the chocolate mixture until combined, then scrape the chocolate mixture back into the remaining saffron cream. beat just until lightly whipped, 5 to 10 seconds; do not overmix.

7

serve the cake topped with the saffron-orange cream and more orange zest, if desired.

INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup cup chia seeds toasted-coconut 1 cup almond milk pinch salt berries of your choice unsweetened 1 tsp toasted coconut flakes 2 tsp

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Sides snaps for fast and easy changes Handy mini wetbag to store the nappy in after use Soft fold-over leg elastics for the perfect fit Save money and the environment Award-winning customer service

Get ready for summer at www.bubblebubs.com.au

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite modern cloth nappy brand offering award-winning products for busy, enviro-conscious parents.

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t x e n e h t l i t n U ! e u o x iss m a e T d l i h C My VISIT OUR SITE www.mychildmagazine.com.au LETS BE FRIENDS - FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/mychildmagazine SHOW US SOME LOVE - INSTAGRAM @mychildmag 162

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