Attention is a complex brain skill that begins to develop from around 4 years old, and really establishes as a neural ability from around 6 years old.

It is a common phrase we hear from many parents and teachers alike that a child may have troubles sitting still, giving their attention and focusing!

In this blog we’ll explore why “paying attention” is no easy feat and what factors may affect your child’s ability (or inability) to pay attention, focus and potentially impact learning outcomes.

Topics: Health, spine, School, Physical Development, Preschool Children

How often should I breastfeed my newborn?

[Image Credit: @wildephotographyy]

The frequency of feeds can be such a hot topic for new parents and can be quite stressful especially the first time round. New Mum's can become overwhelmed with all of the information, instructions and learning the crying cues from your in the first couple weeks of becoming a mother.

Meanwhile its not uncommon that your family, friends and even strangers will often add their (well meaning) but often not needed piece of advice on how often your newborn 'should' be feeding. The hard part about this is that getting different pieces of advise can often be conflicting to what you may have been told firstly leading to stress and anxiety on exactly how often your newborn should be feeding.

Here are some great tips and advise from our Feeding Your Newborn workshop host; Emma Maher (Midwife/Lactation Consultant) from Empowered Lactation with Emma on how often newborns breastfeed.

Topics: Health, parents, Development, Mums, breastfeeding, Feeding your Newborn

How to get enough Tummy Time this Christmas

For most of  the festivities involve being out and about, travelling between gatherings and lots of fun, however this can limit the time your baby has for free play and floor based tummy time. Tummy time not only provides the opportunity for supporting posture development, but it also gives your child time to play, explore, have space and learn elements of self regulation. So how do you make sure your baby gets enough tummy time this festive season between all your commitments?

Firstly, understanding how much tummy time your child needs will help you make sure you are providing the minimum time, and then anything more is a wonderful bonus!

How much tummy time does your babe needs each day?

Follow these simple tips to help them achieve that over the festive season! 

Topics: Mothers, Babies, Health, children, stress, relax, families, Development, spine, brain, Mums, baby wearing, dads, Infants, Physical Development

The festive season is upon us and those with babies will know just how many requests you receive from others to hold your baby. Everyone wants to cuddle your little squish!

Being held, passed around and moved in and out of car seats, high chairs and beds becomes much more frequent at this time of year.

Did you know this can place additional strain and pressure through the spine and shoulders of your baby?

Topics: Mothers, Babies, Health, children, stress, families, Development, spine, brain, baby wearing, Injury Prevention, Infants, Physical Development

Christmas is only 4 weeks away... and while we all look forward to the festivities, food and fun with family and friends; it is also one of the busiest times of year.

Although thinking about our health and wellness during this time may not be on the top of the to-do list; by simply adding these four things, you will find that you not only get through the silly season with flying colours – you will thrive!

Here are our four top tips for not only surviving but THRIVING this holiday season:

Topics: Mothers, Babies, Health, Nutrition, celebrating you, parents, children, stress, relax, families, ACCC, Recharge

By the time your child is between the ages of 18 months to two years old their gross motor, communication and development skills are rapidly changing and growing. They are becoming more independent and eagerly wanting to show off their new skills and abilities which are helping them become the amazing little person they are.

Topics: Babies, Health, children, families, Development, spine, brain, Blog

Between the ages of 2-3 years your toddler is rapidly changing and developing not just in motor & communication skills but developing a sense of who they are and what they love to do. 

Topics: Health, children, Development, spine, brain, Relationships, Mums

Every parent wants to provide the safest and healthiest space for a child to grow-up in. Simple strategies around the home can support families to live a life free from over exposure to household chemicals.

Some scary research shows that chemical exposure during pregnancy or during a child's life can have detrimental effects on health, development and growth. Children are particularly vulnerable because their vital organs are still growing and they have a reduced ability to eliminate toxins from their developing bodies. So lets make your home a chemical free haven for your children.

Topics: Health, parents, children, stress, families

Supporting optimal health, balance & growth.

Life gets really busy! Ensuring your child can enjoy down time is essential for maintaining health, keeping life balanced and of course giving them the opportunity to optimally grow.

Topics: Mothers, Health, children, stress, families, Relationships, Recharge

 

[Image credit: Born for love - Ergobaby]
Holding or carrying a baby (or young child) on your body using a carrier

Topics: Mothers, Babies, Health, parents, Development, spine, Mums, ACCC, baby wearing