Welcome to the July Hubbub. We look forward to meeting the 300+ Hubbubers that have requested a free pass to the Brisbane Parents Babies & Children’s Expo 4-6 July (sorry - no more free tickets available).
 
We will be attending the Parents Babies and Children’s Expo next month in Perth and for a limited time have free passes for 1 person for 1 day (1 per family). Email us for your free pass no later than 31 July. Free passes will be collected from the ticket desk upon arrival at the show, so all you need to do is click on the 'email us' wording above and let us know the full name of the person who will collect the free pass. Please note only one free ticket per family and one name only per application please.
 

This month our features are:   Review of new products for parents from Adorable Babies      & Toddlers in Brisbane;   Overview of the Baby Bonus Scheme from the Australian      Taxation Office;   The Milton Method an advertorial from Milton Baby Care;   Please keep those story suggestions coming. It's nice to know we are not the only ones frightened by the Tax Man!   Congratulations to Tracey Campbell of Sydney, the winner of the $100 Baby Express voucher from last month's Hubbub, keep an eye out for more Hubbub competitions soon.

And we are pleased to announce that the Bub Hub has won a Golden Web Award from the International Association of Web Master & Designers. It's great to have some recognition for all those late nights!   We look forward to meeting many of you at the Expo this weekend. Happy Parenting!  The Bub Hub Team   www.bubhub.com.au

 

Don't forget to visit us at the Parents Babies & Childrens Brisbane show for your chance to win:   Major prize - a night’s luxurious accommodation at the Quay West Suites Brisbane including breakfast for two, a gift voucher towards dinner plans from Milton Baby Care Products and a voucher towards 6 hours babysitting for the night from Charlton Brown Australia Nanny College valued at over $650.
+ Runners Up prizes from Babybuds, Baby Express & Judy Watts Swim School.   Grand Prize – Six Nights at Couran Cove Island Resort valued at over $2,700 is still up for grabs (Drawn after the Melbourne Expo in October from combined entries from all the shows).

 

Hi, we’re Robyn and Lana from Adorable Babies and Toddlers at Nundah, Brisbane. We have been happily in business for five years. Between us, we have seven children, and feel we have a great understanding of what it’s like to sort through all the products on the market to find what best suits your needs.   Lana was clever enough to have twins first, and knows that just because you have two babies at once, you still only need one change table. Yes you guessed it, she was talked into buying two. This made perfect sense in her newly pregnant (and still in shock) state. Then reality kicked in and one table was returned. At least now we have better change tables that are taller, wider, and have removable drawers or three tiers. We also have clip on attachments to fit chests of drawers.

In September, Sunbury Nursery Furniture is releasing their new range of cots and change tables. This range has a more contemporary look with a new style of drawers that are even more child and user friendly. We were very impressed with the new range.
 
Lana and I are both huge fans of three wheeler prams, as they are so easy to use, and our entire stock of this type of pram can do from newborn up. We also have models that can take a toddler seat at a later date if you are keen to have children quite close together. We both used, and Lana is still using, a Triton Trekker (see picture above). This is an all-terrain three-wheeler with swivel front wheel that can take a child from birth up to 45kg.
 

It's School Holidays. If you are looking for things to do, visit the 'FUNTIME' page on your state Bub Hub (click on the links below):   NSW  QLD  SA  VIC  WA

Recently we added yet another three-wheeler to our range called the Ranger by Bambino. Lana and I are very fussy about what we expect from our prams. The Ranger is made from high-grade quality aluminium, is lightweight (10kg), compact and easy to fold. Even grandparents will be able to fold it so you can hit them up for more babysitting! It has a three-position layback suitable from newborn, a large hood and a harness that is height adjustable. The handle is height adjustable also. The basket underneath has zips on the side so you have easy access without any fear of disturbing your baby when he or she is lying down. Finally, it comes with a rain cover which covers the complete pram. As with all of our prams the front wheel swivels. This means that it is a dream to navigate through the aisles when shopping making light work of doubling back to check out any specials you may have missed.

 

One thing we both found invaluable was a baby monitor. Just so you can do other exciting things like peg out the washing, play with other children in the yard or just sit down with a good book and a cuppa and know that when your child wakes you will be able to hear him or her. When Lana had her first child Samuel, he had reflux and the hospital suggested a movement monitor. The market now has the Angelcare (pictured) monitor, which has been improved to have two sensor pads, allowing for easier cradle or bassinet use and battery backup if the power goes out. These units are very compact and long range. You can purchase either a movement only, sound only, or a movement and sound monitor.

We would be more than happy to take you through any of our wide range of stock if you care to stop in one day for a visit. We hope you enjoy the rest of the Hubbub.
Robyn and Lana
 

Adorable Babies & Toddlers website: link location: 1471 Sandgate Rd, Nundah (nth Brisbane) ph: (07) 3630 4858

Visit the 'Nursery Retailers' page on your state Bub Hub: NSW  QLD  SA  VIC  WA

What is the baby bonus? The baby bonus is a payment designed to help families following the birth of a baby.   Baby bonus is a refundable tax offset, but even if you do not pay tax, you do not have any income, or you do not have to lodge a tax return, you may still be able to claim the baby bonus.   The baby bonus is paid whether or not you get any other family benefits such as maternity allowance.   The Baby Bonus is not income tested.

Who is the baby bonus for?
If you had a baby or you gained legal responsibility of a child aged under five (for example, through adoption) after 30 June 2001, you may be eligible to receive the baby bonus.
 
You may be eligible even if you already have children.
 
How much will you get?
The baby bonus provides assistance to families following the birth of a child.
 
If your taxable income is $25,000 or less you will be entitled to an annual amount of $500. You may get less in the first year, as the baby bonus is calculated from the baby’s date of birth (or the date you gained legal responsibility).
 
If your taxable income is more than $25,000 when you claim, you will only get the baby bonus if your income has reduced since the birth of your baby. You may get more than $500 if there is a significant reduction in your taxable income.
 

How do you make a claim? You can only claim the baby bonus from the Tax Office.   There are a number of ways to make a claim: • Lodge the claim online with e-tax. Visit the Tax Office website at www.ato.gov.au and e-tax will help you calculate your baby bonus amount. • Use TaxPack 2003, where full instructions are provided for first and second year claimants. • Ask your registered tax agent to include the baby bonus claim with your tax return or on its own if a tax return is not required. • See one of the Tax Office’s Tax Help volunteers — call 13 28 61 for details of your nearest Tax Help Centre.

 
If you are claiming for the first time and you are not required to lodge a tax return, you can make your baby bonus claim using e-tax or you can use the publication 2003 baby bonus instructions and claim which is available from the Tax Office.  
Australian Tax Office
ph: 13 28 61
website: www.ato.gov.au
 

Germs, germs, germs, one of the biggest issues for newborn babies. The ‘Milton Method’ is well known, so we have asked Milton Pharmaceuticals for some detailed information.

Protecting the hygiene of your baby is so important. During the first 12 months of life, your baby is extremely vulnerable to germs. Although born with nearly 100% adult immunity, the immunity level drops to a third of the birth level after the first month. The first 12 months are most critical, as its when babies are most susceptible to dangerous germs. Gradually the immunity level will build, but it takes 12 months before it reaches about half of normal adult immunity.

For generations Milton has been used and trusted by mothers to thoroughly disinfect baby feeding utensils, equipment and surfaces.   Q: What is the Milton Method? A: It simply means immersing used baby items in a special solution and walking away! Your baby’s items are soon available for use or immersed until needed. You add either Milton tablets or solution to 4 litres of water in the unique Milton Method unit (available from Pharmacies for around $15.95).   Q: What makes the Milton Method superior to other methods? A: The Milton Method is superior because: • It is a trusted method of killing dangerous germs • It is simple, safe and inexpensive • There is no risk of burning as cold water is used • Bottles, teats and other equipment will last longer

Q: What should I disinfect? A: Because the Milton Method destroys harmful germs, you can clean and disinfect all of the following: • Breast expression equipment • Baby bottles, teats and caps • Dummies and teething rings • Plastic and wooden toys • Plastic spoons, plates and containers used for storing    or freezing pureed food

Q: Can I use Milton for everyday germ protection? A: Yes you can. The made-up solution can be used as a disinfectant for nursery and kitchen work surfaces and equipment (eg. wipe on cots, waterproof sheets, benches, chopping boards, fridges and freezers), home brewing storage bottles and jars and many everyday household items. Milton is trusted to kill dangerous germs.
 
Always read the label. Use only as directed.
 

EFFECTIVE. TRUSTED. SIMPLE.   For an information pack about using Milton, Freecall 1800 620 898, email: info@miltonpharma.com or visit www.miltonpharma.com.

 
 

Portraits, the way you want them… Soft winter light makes for beautiful Portrait Photography – those great photos of your family that you’ll love to show around. So this month’s ‘winter light’ special from Kaleidoscope Studios is a Free Family Photo Shoot in the Outdoors. (Brisbane region only) Kaleidoscope Studios - Affordable Professional Studio & Location Photography Phone: (07) 3820 2551 Mention this ad when you book. Want more details? Click here. Valid till July 18 2003.

 

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Website address: www.bubhub.com.au