Welcome to the September Hubbub, particularly to the 850 new subscribers from WA. Congratulations to the prize winners from our stand competition at the Perth Parents Babies & Childrens Expo (see below) and don’t forget that the Grand Prize of six nights at Couran Cove Island Resort will be drawn at the conclusion of the Melbourne Parents Babies & Childrens Expo in October.
 

For a limited time, we have free passes for 1 person for 1 day (1 per family) for the Melbourne Parents Babies & Childrens Expo (17-19 Oct). Email us for your free pass no later than 10th October. 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.   This month our features are:   Introducing Solids from Nutrition Australia;   Water Affinity for Babies, Part II by Laurie Lawrence;   Nappy Rash Tips & Free Giveaway from Curash Babycare   The Bub Hub’s aim is to provide the service to parents all over Australia and we are continuing to expand the site into all states, territories and

regions. We would like to welcome Keri to the team, who is assisting us with this research. Look out for the new ACT, NT and Tasmanian section by Christmas this year.
 

With honest contributions from John Eales & Rod Macqueen, Rupert McCall's "Bard of the Ruck" comprises a uniquely compelling anthology of poems, tributes and rugby recollections sure to capture the hearts of all sports fans, particularly those with a love for rugby. BARD OF THE RUCK - OUT SEPTEMBER 11 @ $24.95 Available - ABC Shops & other reputable audio outlets

With more than 8,000 weekly users and 4,500 newsletter subscribers, we feel the Bub Hub is in a unique position to get feedback from parents on various topics. From October, each State home page and the monthly Hubbub will pose a question such as:   • Are you happy with the availability of childcare in your area? • Do you immunise your child(ren)? • Did you have any issues when breastfeeding?   Users will only be able to vote once and we will be working with various groups to put the information to good use. We are gathering a range of questions and again would be grateful for your feedback.   Congratulations to Liz Weber the winner of ThoughtWare’s Baby’s Own Web Site giveaway.   The Playgroup Association has a large number of FREE activities planned in October to celebrate National Playgroup Day around Australia. Stay tuned for further details next month.   Last, but definitely not least, we wish all our Dad’s and Grandfather's the best for Fathers Day on 7th September. Happy Parenting!  The Bub Hub Team   www.bubhub.com.au

 

Sometime around 6 months old your baby will begin to show an interest in solid foods. There is an amazing amount of information out there about introducing solids. Whatever you read or hear, all babies are different. You know your baby better than anyone else, and you should do whatever feels right for your baby. Always discuss your thoughts about introducing solids with your child health professional before taking action.   When The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed until 6 months old. This is sound advice. Introducing solids earlier is no benefit and may in fact increase the risk of problems like food allergy or intolerance. After 6 months your baby needs solids, just small amounts to begin with, to help

sustain growth and brain development. Foods with iron and vitamin C are important as the amount supplied by breast milk/formula may not be adequate by the time your baby reaches 9 months of age . Breast/formula milk is still the most important source of nutrition at this stage however and should always be offered first.

But when exactly do you start? Your baby will let you know. They will be able to sit and hold their own head up, and may reach or open their mouth for food, or no longer seem satisfied with just their milk feed.
 

How Do not change your breast milk or formula feeds. After a milk feed, try 1 teaspoon of rice cereal mixed with breast/formula milk or water and mix to a thin consistency. Once your baby has learnt to swallow the cereal instead of spitting it out, and is eating 1-2 tablespoons, you can introduce pureed vegetables. It is better to start with sweet tasting root vegetables such as carrot, pumpkin, or swede. Mix in rice cereal for a familiar taste. Eventually you can work up to providing a meal of green, yellow and orange vegetables. Introduce stewed pureed fruits such as apple, pear, apricots and peaches as a treat after vegetables. Once your baby has mastered vegetables and fruits, cautiously introduce protein foods like red meats, chicken, fish and pulses. Slowly build up to three servings of fruit & vegetables, and one serving of protein food for lunch, a day by around 9 months. Gradually thicken the texture of the food as you go to promote chewing. Chewing and swallowing are important for speech development. Encourage cooled boiled water (not necessary if baby is being breast fed) as a drink with the protein food at lunch – it is best for iron absorption, will not harm teeth and it’s free.   Start with a new food at a relaxed time just after your baby has been breastfed or had a bottle of formula. Begin slowly with only half to one teaspoon and gradually increase the amount offered. To avoid confusion and rule out the possibility of food allergy or intolerance, offer single foods over four to five days before trying the next new taste. Wait 4 days between new foods. Once you get going, don’t forget to offer a variety of foods with lots of colour. How would you like the same meal 3 times a day!   Happy mealtime tips • Offer food at regular times • If a food is refused, omit it for a few days and then try it again. Never force feed – its not much fun for anyone

100% Pure & Natural 100% Free of Additives Motherly Cubes™ is a sensational new home-style frozen baby food. Escape the chores of food preparation but still nurture your baby with home-style feeding. It's the perfect backup to home cooking. Check the FREEZER at Woolworths. (QLD, NSW & ACT only)

• Aim for a balanced diet over a week, not at every meal
• Your baby gets their behavioural cues from you. Whatever happens, smile and say “Mmmmmm!”
• Babies learn foods by touching, squashing, spreading or even throwing, as well as eating. Accept this as normal
 
Your job from now on is simply to provide nutritious foods – what and how much is eaten is really up to the kids.
 
Helpful advice
• Make your own food at home in batches and freeze it into ice cube trays
• Offer cooled boiled water to drink with solids. Fruit juice is not necessary
• Never add rice cereal to your baby’s bottle
• Never add salt, spices or sugar to baby food
• Do not use honey until your baby is 12 months old
• Limit custards and gels. Natural fruit purees are the best treat
 
Nutrition Australia
website: link
ph: see the website link above for contact details in your state
 

KEEP YOUR BABY SAFE FROM GERMS   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, baby's immunity level drops to a third of the birth level after the first month. Protection during the first 12 months is therefore critical to ensure good health.   For generations Milton has been used and trusted by mothers to thoroughly disinfect baby feeding utensils, equipment and household surfaces. EFFECTIVE. TRUSTED. SIMPLE.   For an information pack about using Milton, Freecall 1800 620 898, email: info@miltonpharma.com or visit www.miltonpharma.com.au.

 

The Learning to Swim & Swim Schools page in the Learning & Development section is consistently one of the most popular pages on our site. September sees the start of many 4th term sessions. We have asked one of Australia’s most experienced swim coaches, Laurie Lawrence, for some tips on easing baby into swimming. Part 2 of his response is below. Visit our April Hubbub for Part 1. The Bub Hub also has a page on Outdoor Safety which is a must see for pool owners.

View the list of infant swim schools in your state: NSW  QLD  SA  VIC  WA View the outdoor safety page in your state: NSW  QLD  SA  VIC  WA

Babies’ learning about the world comes through the five senses. Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch become very important to a baby learning and adjusting to their external new environment. Because of this, I believe all good baby-teaching programs should incorporate using these five senses where possible. However, early water familiarisation begins in the bath.   Parents need to be aware of this and early bath experiences where we condition the baby for their first underwater experience should, if possible, incorporate the use of these five senses.   Bath-time should become more than just conditioning for submersion. The bath becomes a pleasurable place for both parent and child. It is here that the astute parent can look for and enjoy those subtle daily changes in their baby. Babies progress rapidly, growing and developing day by day in these early months. Bath-time can be a place where parents can stimulate all senses of their baby.

When your baby is young there is no need to take them to an Olympic pool. What’s the point because the conditioning process, getting them ready for submersion, can all be done in the small bath.
 

Soon your baby will be too big for the baby bath. Now I suggest that one parent actually get into the big bath with the baby. In the bath, while they sit there, the parent is able to encourage the child to play or assist the child with arm and leg exercises. Initially these exercises are informal and the baby is encouraged to twist splash and roll.   These exercises are invaluable in strengthening little bodies and they represent a major step towards achieving independence in the water. Independence and self reliance, after all, is the thing that we should be aiming for with our baby because independence is the one thing that can save their life. These qualities also contribute greatly to their future emotional stability and self esteem.   Over a period of time, gradually increase the level of water in the bath. The deeper water in the bath often helps with the buoyancy and gives the baby that great feeling we experience when we free float. The deeper the water the more vigilant a parent must be. Many little children drown in the bath each year. Often they drown while being watched by an older sibling. Parents must always be in attendance while the baby is in the bath.   As the baby becomes stronger and is able to roll over on land, encourage and watch baby do it in the bath. Make sure that you never leave baby unattended in the bath.   Once your child has mastered the breath holding technique, he/she can then be progressed through the basic elements of the learn to swim process which are:   • Breath control • Submersion • Floating • Propulsion • Turning • Combination of propulsion and turning

Summer's Coming. Don't let your child die! 1 child dies every week in an Australian pool. Drowning doesn't mean death but you have to know what to do. In just 3 hours in the comfort of your own home, you can have Australia's best first-aid trainer, Chris Hodson, come and conduct a first aid seminar for parents. Email today for a free information pack: Chris Hodson goFirst Aid ph: (08) 9331 4740 email: go@gozone.info http://www.gozone.info

 
See you in the pool!
 

Laurie Lawrence Laurie Lawrence Swim Schools 284 Millers Rd, Underwood ph: (07) 3341 7260 Rugby Lane, Helensvale ph: (07) 5573 5797 Robert Street, Mudgeeraba ph: (07) 5530 5288 Martin Street, Nerang ph: (07) 5578 1976     Laurie is also spokesman for Kids Alive Do The Five! and we urge all parents to take five minutes to visit their website and consider ways they can help to reduce the risk of drowning, the greatest cause of accidental death for kids under five in Australia.

 

“TREATS, SOOTHES & PROTECTS EVERY BABY”   CURASH BABYCARE is synonymous with helping to treat and prevent nappy rash. In fact Curash Anti-Rash Baby powder* was invented by an Australian doctor who became frustrated by not having an effective treatment for nappy rash, so he invented his own! Not every baby has nappy rash, but a simple routine will help prevent or, if necessary, treat baby’s nappy rash.

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS   What Is Nappy Rash? • Nappy rash is the most common skin disorder in infancy • Caused by prolonged contact with urine and faeces, along with chaffing and heat • In its mildest form, the skin will be moist with a red, slightly rough and angry appearance • Nappy rash can also cause burning and itching that can result in restlessness, irritability and sleep interruptions • Nappy rash often occurs at the onset of teething

How To Treat Nappy Rash
• Nappy rash is a contact dermatitis and therefore responds to barrier protection
• Zinc Oxide is an excellent treatment and protectant used in CURASH Anti-Rash Baby Powder* and Medicated Nappy Rash Cream* where nappy rash should respond within 24 hours
• If the rash does not clear within 3 days, this implies a non responding secondary bacterial or fungal infection, and an Early Childhood nurse or doctor should be consulted
 

Can I prevent nappy rash? • Yes! Curash Babycare products are specially formulated for use on all skin types and regular use will help to prevent nappy rash and maintain healthy, happy skin • We have received feedback that even babies with sensitive skin successfully use the range   And some tips • Ensure you clean and dry skin creases after bathing and when changing a nappy
• Use an anti-rash powder such as Curash for heat rash and between skin folds • Baby wipes are great when away from water and ideal for messy hands and face • Moisturising lotions are excellent for babies as well as adults • Gentle, soap-free baby baths can also be used as a gentle hand wash or shampoo for even the most sensitive of skin

 

CURASH GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the new Curash Babycare range, we are giving away a great new Curash Baby Gift Pack valued at $33, including an exclusive Curash Bath duck, in each state. All you have to do is tell us in 25 words or less why Curash Babycare is good for your baby. Just send entries to curash@carterproducts.com.au. Please type your state in the Subject box. Winners will be awarded based on originality and style. Entries must be received by 30 September 2003. Curash is available from leading pharmacies, supermarkets and Priceline stores. Just ask for them by name.   If you have questions, comments or would like a free sample, check out www.curash.com.au or call the Curash Info-line 1800 222 099. Please mention you saw us on “The Bub Hub”.

 

Join the Bub Hub Team! We are looking for someone with Sales experience that may like to do some work from home on a commission basis. Initially we are looking for someone based in Brisbane. Only imperative is to have a computer at home. Please email Brad if you would like more information.

Brisbane based Volunteers needed for infant cognitive development research. The Early Cognitive Development Unit at The University of Queensland is looking for volunteers aged 1-5 for studies of children's knowledge about themselves and others. These studies include various tasks that children find enjoyable, including imitation and mirror-play. Parents stay with their child during the session and each child receives a certificate and small gift for participating. If interested please contact Melissa Naughton on (07) 3365 6323 or via email at naughton@psy.uq.edu.au.

 

Congratulations to our Winners from the Perth Parents Babies & Childrens Expo: Major prize - a parent's pamper pack including accommodation, dinner & babysitting, provided with donations from The Sebel of Perth, Milton Baby Care Products, Charlton Brown Australia Nanny College - Ebony & Dean Smith Runners Up Babybuds - Tessa Esperon Baby Express - Rebecca Gleave Milipod Kidz™ Identify Cards - K Tarling, B Suen, K Latham, H Casella, N Boonstra

If you enjoyed this newsletter and you have friends or family who you think would enjoy it too, please forward it on. Remember to ask them to sign up for their own copy for future months. Subscribing also makes you eligible for many of our Prize Draws!
 
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Website address: www.bubhub.com.au