Newsletter

Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Seasons Greetings.  I hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday season.  Some of you with children about to enter their first year of school or child care. I would like to cover some preparation steps in this month's article. 

Tips for Summer:

To those who have toddlers this is a good time of the year to start toilet training.  Take a look at our previous article How to toilet train your toddler. 

Just a reminder that you need to keep your child's water consumption up during the summer months to keep them well hydrated.

Also please remember to use a dark wrap over the pram when your out and about not a light one as the glair is bad for their eyes. 

For those going away for the holidays we have an article on preparing for a flight: Flying with children .  We also have two great destinations with family friendly holiday homes for those looking to go somewhere new.  Read more under our 'What's Happening?' heading.  

A Note from the Editor

Now that we have covered all our main services I'd like to cover in a little more detail some of the things we cover during our visits. In our August newsletter I highlighted the service we provided through our nursery preparations.  This month I would like to cover in more details some of the things that we would discuss.

Nursery Preparations

Both parents will benefit from this visit.  As previous mentioned this two hour visit is especially designed to assist parents from a professional's point of view covering a variety of topics such as the safety standards for baby products and what products are and are not necessarily needed for baby, mother and the nursery. We also provide hand outs including a nursery check list and a handy list of items, for both parents, of things they may need for the birth and during mum's stay in hospital.

The topic I would like to touch on today is: The Cot.

When choosing a cot don't only look for the safety features also remember your baby will be using the cot for several months before you lower the base.  You may at times also need to settle your baby while in the cot so it is advisable to have a cot that you don't have to bend down to.  The higher the base of the cot the better for your back.  Try lowering the side of the cot several times so that you are happy with how it works.  Choose one that you are comfortable with.

Many parents over buy for the first child.  Try to think practically.  You do not need several types of sleeping apparatus.  A cot and a pram with a bassinette will suffice as you can your the bassinette from the pram instead of a bassinette - you will probably need one on wheels anyway and you can only use one at a time so why buy two which have the same function?

Suggestions for buying a cot is only one topic that is covered during our Nursery Preparation visit. Before your Cradle 2 Kindy parenting coach arrives we suggest both parents prepare a list of questions.  This list as well as other topics we thing may be appropriate for your particular family situation will be covered to help enhance your parenting skills to help you prepare for your new baby. 

If you know anyone who may benefit from our service please feel free to forward our Cradle 2 Kindy contact details or order a Gift Voucher for our Nursery Preparations visit to help them parpare for their baby.

Cradle 2 Kindy also provides an opportunity for parents to have time off by providing Respite for Parents a Night Nurses or a Professional Babysitter.

Click here to read more about What happens at a coaching session?  

Franchisees

We still have some openings for the right women to join Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions franchise in Orange or Bathurst area, Newcastle and Wollongong. {tag_recipientfirstname} if you, or anyone you know, are interested in helping parents with children from pre-birth to five years old, here is a fantastic opportunity to do so.  Read more at Franchises Available or on the News page.

Parenting e-books

Our e-books available online through our Publications are: 'The Cradle Will Rock' 0-3 months (86 pages), 'Rock a Bye Baby' 3-9 months (103 pages), 'When the Wind Blows' 9-18 months (88 pages), and 'When the Bough Breaks' toddler and child (74 pages).

We would love to hear from others who have found our e-books or any of our products helpful.Please email me via our Contact Us page

Thank you to all those who have given me feedback on the content of our newsletters.  Please keep your comments and suggestions coming. 

If you have anything you would like others to know about please let me know.  This includes preloved baby/children’s products that you would like to pass on to others.

If you have been or are a client or a customer we would appreciate if you fill out the Evaluation Form. We would like to share your testimonials, comments or stories to help encourage other parents who may be in a similar situation.

Thank you.

Enjoy your holidays, stay cool and safe and I hope to be with you all again in the new year. 

Warm regards,

Sally Hall

What's Happening?

Holidays are upon us again!  If you haven't already made any preparations here are two suggestions.  If you are wine lovers take a look at Quince Cottage in Gracetown WA.  Views of the beach and a short drive to Margret River.  Or have a relaxing holiday at The Terrace Grove in Ocean Grove VIC. Kid's and pet friendly.  It's just a short walk to the beach and the surf.

Please take advantage of our Forums to chat with other parents. This is a great place to support each other in the very important role of parenting.

Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions Gift Vouchers can be ordered for special occasions such as a baby shower, to welcome the new baby home or just to give parents a night off.  Take a look at the choices we are offering and choose the Voucher that best suit the occasion.

Another ideal gift for a new baby can be chosen from Our Shop or make up your own gift from our Gift Ideas by selecting items from the list of products in Our Shop. These gifts can be put together for you in a decorative box or gift wrapped. Choose from our large range of infamously large baby wraps which are cheaper and larger than our competitors. We also have our renowned Sleep CD - Sleep Solutions Sounds For Sleeping, a choice of e-books Publications and ‘Sock Ons’.

All these ideas are practical gifts for any family expecting a baby.  

{tag_recipientfirstname} if you have any suggestions to add to our Links & Contacts page please let us know.  I have added more products to our Product Review page.  Check out this page before you make a purchase as it give helpful comments on various products for children from birth to five years old including great books for parents.  Don't forget to let us know of any products you have found useful so we can add them to the list.

If you have a product that you no longer require and would like to pass it on to another family please feel free to post it on our forum.

This Month's Article

Now I know next term of school is a long way off but it is now that you should start preparing your child for their first day.  That is why I have asked teacher and mother Lee Madigan to write this month's article on how you can prepare in advance your child for school or childcare.  

"Starting school or childcare is an exciting time for children but it can also be very daunting. There is a great deal of change and some children (and adults!) adapt quicker and easier than others. Not only do you have to find the right placement for your child but it is also very important to prepare your child for this new step.   There are a few things that you can do to help your child prepare. ." ..... click here to read more.

Beyondblue has provided us with some very interesting facts around med and PND.  "Recent research from beyondblue: the national depression initiative has found
a lot of men know very little about Postnatal Depression ....)" click Men getting it wrong on postnatal depression to read more.

They are also launching a special awareness campaign for more information about the Just Speak Up campaign click here.

Parents Testimonies

Isobel's story

Our son George (a twin to Connie) had always been a 'windy' baby.  When I talked to my health visitor in the UK about my concerns she just put it down to the fact that he was on formula.  At 8 months we moved to Sydney, changed formula but the same symptoms continued.  He had never slept through the night, rarely had more than 90ml of milk at bed time and then woke up crying for a bottle between 11 pm and 2am.  Weaning him was quite challenging as he seemed to have so much trapped wind that he would stop eating and appeared really uncomfortable.  Meanwhile his twin sister had no problems at all.  Around the age of 12 months, George suddenly started waking up in the night screaming in agony.  For hours on end he would scream and writhe around in pain, lifting up his legs, burping, farting and moaning.  We just didn't know how to help him - nothing seemed to settle him - not even the milk that he was still having in the night.  The only way he calmed down was if my husband or I walked around the house holding him over our arm - he yelled if we even perched on the arm of a chair.
 
I took him to the GP who examined him and sent him for an abdominal ultrasound.  I heard nothing back from the GP so called in a week later to see what they had found.  The US revealed nothing and the report came back that 'no action was required' - BUT we needed some action! George was getting worse and we were losing the plot.  So, back to the GP who told us to try Mylanta.  We did.  It did nothing. By this stage poor George was so sleep deprived and in agony and had been for weeks.  We were due to see a Paediatrician in a further couple of weeks about another ongoing issue George has but there was no way we could wait that long for help and the GP did not seem to have any answers.
 
I had reached a really low point by now and insisted that my husband did 2 nights on duty in a row as otherwise I was heading for the funny farm.  After the first night he realised how bad George had got and agreed we had to find help.  So, the following day I scoured the internet for numbers and Mark sent out 2 or 3 emails.  The name that stood out during my research was 'Sally' from Cradle 2 Kindy as her name popped up on a couple of chat forums as having worked miracles.  Amazingly Sally not only responded to my husband's message but she came out to see us the following day - a bank holiday!
 
Within minutes of describing George's symptoms, Sally said without doubt that he had reflux.  She went on to talk about all the other symptoms that we hadn't even been aware of - like his frequent nose rubbing and gulping and the desire to drink milk to soothe his throat - apparently all signs of reflux.  It was such a huge relief to finally have an answer.  She talked us through some practical tips and possible medication he may need, and suggested other changes to help him recover.  So, although we were due to see the Paed the following week we went straight back to the GP to start on the medication.  Fortunately the GP prescribed medication which the Paed then confirmed was what we needed.  After an increase in the initial dose, here we are with a happy, settled little chap who sleeps solidly for 11 hours. It is such a relief.

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

Wow! what a summer we have had!  Heatwaves, floods and bushfires, it sounds like we are living up to our national anthem! 

A Note from the Editor

Setting up the franchise is nearly complete we are still waiting on the solicitor who is dragging his heals but once he has finished with the agreements we will be able to advertise for our first franchisees and a new receptionist so keep your eyes on the News page of our website for details of these positions.

Share on Facebook Cradle 2 Kindy now has it's own Facebook. Please feel welcome to join us.

The launch of our new E-books on parenting skills from birth to five years old has gone well after a few litte glitches. Our Publications are now available at a special price to help all those who may be on a tight budget.  An excellent buy for any parent who would like to keep one step ahead of their children’s needs and development. 

Purchase of any of our parenting e-books and you will receive '1300 RUN 101 The Fundamentals of Parenting' FREE.   For more information please read Publications.

The e-book we have featured in this issue is 'The Cradle Will Rock'.  A book full of great tips for any parents with a newborn to three months old. Purchase a copy now through Our Shop Publications.

If you are interested in obtaining one of our E-books in paperback, please let me know. info@cradle2kindy.com.au

I would like to bring your attention to Miracle Babies.

Miracle Babies honours and celebrates the birth of babies who enter our world challenged by prematurity or sickness. 

Their mission is to provide support to families throughout Australia during their journey through a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the transition to home and onwards.

They provide emotional and practical support to families through hospital visits, newsletters, an online forum, playgroups, a 1300 phone number and an annual picnic.

Miracle Babies aims to raise community awareness and help educate people about the needs of these special newborns.  The group works to raise funds for much needed equipment and resources for Newborn Intensive Care Units.

Miracle Babies originated through, and is closely aligned with Liverpool Public Hospital in Sydney – earmarked to be the biggest hospital in the southern hemisphere.  Founding members of Miracle Babies are all mothers who have experienced the birth of a premature or sick newborn.  They understand the emotions of fear, love, guilt and elation and have learned to triumph over the challenges a premature or sick birth can bring.

By sharing their strength and knowledge, they can help families celebrate their own miracle babies.

Miracle Babies are looking for your support to be able to continue their work. For more information see Miracle Babies.

Warm regards,

Sally Hall

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What's New?

There are a few changes since our last newsletter including a link to myhelper
helping you find work or someone to assist you with a job needing to be done.  Also a link to Quick Baby Names and Miracle Babies.
 
Our Shop has a sale on summer warps also get in early with your orders for our winter wraps and don't forget the Gift Ideas for newborns which are going at a special budget price.  

Cradle 2 Kindy is starting two competitions one is a referral competition the second is a prize for suggesting a suitable slogan for Cradle 2 Kindy.  We have been given some amazing prizes from several sponsors including Bravo Communications, Babies Galore, Baby buds, Outlook Baby Accessories, Dymocks Books and Your Baby Can Read.

As 95% of Cradle 2 Kindy's clients come through your referrals we would like to reward you for your loyalty and confidence in our service.  To do this we have starting a completion which will run until the 9th of November 2009.  The winners will be anounced in a special December newsletter.  There will be three winners, a fist and second prise and a pot draw winner.  For more information take a look at our News page.  

Thanks to all those who have forwarded your product choices and helpful tips. Please continue to send them in so that they may help other parents.  To see the list go to our 'Shopping Guide'. Keep up the good work on the forums too.  Both the members and the open forum are a great place to support each other.  Take a look at the recent photos in our Brag Book.  Keep those photos coming.

This Month's Articles

This year I'd like to ask fathers to contribute to our newsletters by writing their stories.  If you are or know of a father who would like to write us an article we would love to hear from you.  Please email your story to info@cradle2kindy.com.au  Our first father is writer of Getting Pregnant the Hard Way, Mikael Svanström. I hope you enjoy his humour.  I have put together an article on safety round the home.   

Defining Fatherhood
Safety around the home

Parents Testimonies

Kathy's Comments

The service and advice from Cradle 2 Kindy far exceeded my expectations.  Information provided was carefully explained and in notes which I am constantly referring back to.  We feel confident and happy to continue the routine and settling techniques that were shown and breastfeeding is no longer painful!!!  And the ongoing support is invaluable.  I should have called you sooner!  Thank you!!

Elizabeth's Story

We brought home from the hospital a very unsettled baby and gained help from C2K immediately to get some advice. Although our baby settled to some extent, after a couple of months things progressively worsened. C2K had told us about reflux, however we were hesitant to use medication so soon. We saw many health professionals, read extensively and talked to other parents. We were told we had a 'difficult baby' and other parents we knew weren't experiencing anything like this. It was impossible to establish any routine. Some practitioners even told us that reflux doesn’t exist in babies.

Our daughter stopped gaining weight, sleep was limited and fractured and we had tried so many things to help her, including sleep training. We were all sleep deprived and after almost 6 months of struggling we finally called C2K again. Sally came to see us quickly and established that we were still dealing with silent reflux as well as behavioural issues. We began medication and within 2 nights of Sally's support we saw noticeable changes. Within 3 nights our daughter slept overnight for 10 hours (with 1 dream feed)- something we had thought almost impossible. The process was difficult for a new parent, yet very effective and supportive. We couldn't have achieved this without C2K.

It is now one week later and our baby is sleeping peacefully throughout the night and her day sleeps are also improving. She is getting much more sleep, is happier, and we are confident we can continue this approach and routine as she develops.

We would strongly recommend C2K to any parents who would like the support of a very competent and committed professional, who can provide help in many ways.

Any Questions?

If you have any general questions about Cradle 2 Kindy’s service or would like to arrange another visit please don’t hesitate to call Sally on 0409 721 145

I'd love to hear from you!

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

Disclaimer: Information we provide is for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

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Welcome to our first 2007 newsletter in our new format.  Please forward the email with its link to your friends and family. There will be fewer articles and less advertising as many contacts and information can be acquired through the web site.  I will continue to keep you informed of any changes and new ideas.

As mentioned the email the newsletters will no longer be posted on our web site nor will there be a link to them, so if you would like to save any of these articles please download them for later reference.  We do have a copyright and permission must be granted before any of our articles or information can be used else where or put to print.  See contact details below.

January - February 2007

What's in this issue:

• Sibling Rivalry
• Pets and a New Baby Arrives Home
• Patents Testimonials

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Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry is a normal part of family life - it is learning to live with one another. In a sibling relationship we learn how to share, co-operate with one another, listen, communicate, deal with our feelings, understand others point of view and feelings, and how to resolve conflict.

Preparation for a new baby

Before your new baby arrives home, prepare your older child for the expected arrival. Talk about where baby will be sleeping etc. Change your child’s routine as little as possible and keep the boundaries as they are. The fewer the changes the better your child's transition. If changes are needed, it is advisable to do so well in advance. For example moving from cot to a bed, changing rooms, attending child care. This will give your child plenty of time to adjust. Enrolling your toddler into activities away from mum such as child care, will teach them more independentce, help them make new friends and to learn how to mix with their peers. This will also give mum time alone with baby. Let your toddler know when you are going to hospital and have a gift from the baby to give to their older sibling.

When baby arrives home help your older child become involved with the care of the baby according to their ability. eg. fetching a nappy, holding the baby (with supervision). This will also help them to see their place in the family unit as being important. Help your toddler to understand what she is going through by talking about her feelings as well as the baby’s is important. Explain to her that sometimes you will need to spend time with the baby. During this time be prepared with activities to entertain her.  eg when feeding the baby. Spend quality time with your older child when baby is sleeping. Reassure her with lots of cuddles and hugs during this time.

Outside help is best utilised to enable you to spend more time with your older children.

Conflict management

As parents, we set the example through role modelling. Watching parents argue and how they make up sets the pattern for our children to follow. Show your children constructive conflict resolution. Supervision is needed for young children and babies as they may be at risk of being hurt. With older children, much of their bickering can be ignored. Don’t take sides or compare one child with the other as this may only stir up the tension between siblings or encourage stubbornness. Parents need to be flexible yet consistent with their approach on discipline. Discuss and agree on what boundaries and the method of discipline the family will use and support each other, showing that you are united and working together.

Tips to avoid family conflict

• Use your words not actions
• Speak in a friendly voice - don’t shout
• Respect one other and their belongings.

What causes conflict?

• Jealousy, different interests, temperament, personalities and age
• Attention seeking, boredom, testing their limits or egocentrism
• Lack of social or communication skills
• Family upheavals, disputes or sickness.

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Pets and a New Baby Arrives Home

Continuing from our last newsletter, Philipp lets us know what to expect when arriving home with a new baby.

On your arrival home with your baby make sure that you give your pets the attention and greeting that you would have given them had you just been away on holidays.  Perhaps giving them an extra treat or a new toy will let them know that you didn't desert them but had just been away for a while … and happened to bring someone else home with you. 

First impressions

On introducing the baby to your pets initially, have one adult holding the animal and another holding the baby.  Ensure both are getting appropriate attention but are in the same room.  Gradually you can bring the two of them closer together, always ensuring that the pet is under control.  This process can take anything from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the nature of the pet.  If your pet has a history of showing any signs of aggression towards strangers or other animals, you must do this incredibly cautiously.  Don’t try to do it on your own, a dog jumping up to investigate a baby can easily accidentally scratch them or even bump them out of your arms.  It doesn't matter how much you trust your pet, they must never be left alone with a baby or an infant. 

Pampering

It is important to ensure that your pet gets some ’special time’ with you, just like they did before the intruder arrived home!! Perhaps an extra cuddle when the baby is asleep or taking your dog for a walk, without the baby, will ensure that they realize you still love them just as much as always, but you are just a bit busier these days. Sleep deprivation doesn’t always allow hour-long walks but going to a park, sitting in the sun and throwing a ball or a stick can do wonders for your sanity! It will give you a chance for a bit of ‘baby-free’ time, something that doesn't happen that often as a new parent.   Perhaps this is a reason to love your pets that bit more.   I personally got a 6-week old Border Collie puppy when I was six and a half months pregnant and already had a 9 month old kitten.   Everyone told me I was crazy and that I was creating so much extra work for myself.  How would I possibly find time to walk the dog when I had a newborn? And the cat would definitely want to get into the cot and cause all sorts of problems, not to mention all the germs!!

Best of pals

After following all the above ideas, my 8 month old daughter breaks into a beaming smile whenever she sees the dog and the dog is incredibly adoring of her as well.  She lets her stroke her head (always under supervision of course) and even lets her little fists pull at her ears.  My gorgeous ginger kitten looks at Lucy from afar but really isn't that interested in her.  Never once has she jumped into the cot and neither of them goes into the nursery, even when the door is open, if I am not with them.  Sure, I spend a fair bit of time picking up poo of one sort or the other, but basic hygiene methods such as regular worming, hand washing and vacuuming has meant that all of us are nice and healthy.  It is now considered that children who grow up with pets are much less likely to suffer asthma or any other allergies.  As a new mum, to a human baby and two of the furrier varieties, all three of them make my day in different ways.   Philippa Warren BVSC (and mum!!)

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Parents Testimonies and Comments

Michelle’s comments

The time I spent with our nurse was invaluable as a first time mother, the hands-on experience and tips made my confidence grow.

Prue’s story

I was given the confidence to help my son with his bedtime and early rising issues.  I am sure these methods will not only help our baby get more sleep but the entire family.

Samantha’s comments

Excellent advice and care regarding our sons circumcision, very reassuring. Newsletters are excellent. You should consider seminars write a hand book or give postnatal lectures to new parents to guide through the more important issues.

Kate’s story

Our daughter of three months was unable to sleep without movement—we had made the error of rocking or pushing her to sleep.  In four hours our nurse from Mothercraft Home Service was able to break this habit and get our baby to sleep in a cot.  These and other good habits taught to us should last well into childhood.

Karyn’s story

Our 20 month old son was throwing tantrums and we were having trouble disciplining him.  Sally came around and showed us how to 'positive parent' and the time-out method.  Literally within days his behaviour had improved.

See other testimonials related to the headings throughout the web site or  read through those on our Mothercraft Home Service web site, through the link on our articles page.

See all other Parenting Articles from our Archives

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

Disclaimer: Information we provide is for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

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