My Child Magazine September 2017 Issue

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

Five Relationship Tips for New Parents

T ravel I ssue Best Overseas Destinations to travel with Kids What is a Doula?

BACKPACKING WITH KIDS

ISSUE 72 - SEPTEMBER 20171 september 2017 | mychild

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CONTENTS COVER STORIES

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BEST OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS

- BACKPACKING WITH KIDS

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WHAT IS A DOULA?

5 RELATIONSHIP TIPS FOR NEW PARENTS

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EVERY MONTH

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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RECIPES

YOUR CHILD EDITOR’S PICKS

BOOK REVIEWS

MUMMY BLOG: THINGS NEVER SEEM TO CHANGE

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WAYS TO KEEP THE KIDS LEARNING WHILE ON HOLIDAYS QUICK GUIDE TO TRAVELLING WITH YOUR BABY

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WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP FLYING WHEN PREGNANT TRAVELLING WITH TODDLER ESSENTIALS KIDS CANT TELL - GUIDING YOUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH WHILE ON HOLIDAY

DAD READ

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HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TO LOVE THINGS YOU LOVE

REAL READ

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BLUE SHHETS AND ORANGE UNDERWEAR

SHOPPING

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KIDS TRAVEL PRODUCTS GUIDE FATHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE

FASHION: PLATYPUS AUSTRALIA SHOP KIDS FASHION

GET THE LOOK INTERIORS

TOY REVIEWS

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EDITOR BIANCA MEDINA

ASSISTANT EDITOR JANA ANGELES

ART DIRECTOR CRAIG BURKILL

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS APRIL DAVIES SHEREE ECHLIN LEAH SHANNON AIMEE YORK CARA BARILLA MADELINE MITCHELL LORETTA CAREY KARLI STEENKAMP GENIE PRICE JAVIER OLIVO OLIVIA ARROW

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES EDITORIAL@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ADVERTISING@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

CONTACT: MYCHILD MAGAZINE PHONE: 0411 572 877

My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by MyChild 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.

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EDITOR’S

Letter Hi Lovelies , Holly Molly – this is ridiculous, SEPTEMBER 2017... Am I the only one starting to freak out that we are only 3 months away from Christmas and New Year?

Thank goodness August is over. This last month of winter has been challenging to say the least. Bring on the summer. I can’t wait to be complaining about the heat instead of the cold and no doubt will complain about the heat wishing for the cold to make an appearance... Dear Weather, you will never win with me - haha So, motherhood has pretty much been the same as August. Max has still been unwell with colds and upper respiratory virus. She is really testing my patience and getting up in the middle of the night for around 6 weeks. Now I’ve had it pretty easy with my daughter from birth. Yes, I’m one of those mum’s that loved the newborn stage...Maxie slept from 3 weeks right through the night for a solid 10-12 hours.

But now as a toddler, she has been waking up at all hours and has developed the essential toddler skill that involves sounding like the boogieman is in her room screaming out “MUMMY......MUMMY......MUMMY”.

Once I’ve been startled awake and drag myself out of bed to answer her call of distress, she looks at me with those loving eyes and in her cutest voice asks “Milky please?”. Is this really a question? I think not, I like to see what would happen if I said “No sorry darling it’s night time”. Instead I take my tired body downstairs, heat up her milk then go back into her room to rock her to sleep (this exercise can take up to 90 mins if I’m lucky). Universe, please give me strength... I’m really not sure how much longer I can live being this sleep deprived.

Now let’s take a look at what’s in the September Issue. This month is Travel Issue and it is jam packed full of helpful articles to help you plan your perfect holiday away. Make sure you check out the Backpacking with Kids, The Best Overseas Destinations to Travel with Kids, Kids Can’t Tell: Guiding Your Children’s Health While on Holiday, When Should you Stop Flying when Pregnant?, What is a Doula? Quick Guide to Travelling Abroad with A Baby, Traveling with a Toddler Essentials and Ways to keep the kids Learning while on Holidays?

This month’s dad read this on How to Get Your Kids to Love Things You Love is another great read and the Five Relationship Tips for New Parents is a must read for all those newbies out there.

All the usuals, interior, reviews, fashion, the mummy blog and much more can also be found in this issue too.

Bianca xxx Until next month Bianca and the mychild Team xxx 6

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editor

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Best Overseas Destinations to Travel with Kids Written by: Karli Steenkamp Travelling with kids can be very interesting. It might feel like you need a holiday after your holiday. However, that is not necessary - there is a solution. There are so many interesting countries out there who cater for parents with kids of all ages. Whether you love the beach or prefer sight-seeing, here are six destinations to travel to so the whole family can have a memorable and enjoyable trip.

1. BALI Bali is an affordable, beach holiday and the travelling shouldn’t be more than a few hours. There are many child-friendly resorts that offer kids clubs to keep the kids busy, while you soak up the sun and have some time for rest and relaxation. You can have lunch at the Temega Tree House, which is made of Bamboo and has a suspension bridge or you can even go on a pirate dinner cruise. The Bali Treetop Adventures will be an unforgettable experience. If you need to cool down, there is a waterpark known as ‘The Waterbom’.

Whether you want to see butterflies, visit a chocolate factory or make use of the Bounce Bali Trampoline Centre, Bali is the place that offers it all. You can even go on a safari and visit the Upside Down House and experience what an astronaut must feel like. Bali will definitely not disappoint in holiday fun.

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TRAVEL

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HONG KONG Hong Kong is a cultural experience for the whole family. It is situated in Asia, the biggest continent in the world, and there are loads to do for the whole family. It is a very busy place with people from all over. There is the Museum of History and Madame Tussauds where all the iconic figures in the world are made out of wax. For more adventurous type of families, there is the Hong Kong observation wheel and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car that will take you to the big Buddha statue. There are parks for picnic, playing or just relaxing. Ferry rides are available and you can go to the Ocean Park to see all the interesting ocean-life creatures. Pink dolphins can also be watched, but on a rare occasion due to them being near extinction. Hong Kong’s Disneyland will definitely be the highlight of the holiday giants.

3. FIJI Fiji, located in the South-Pacific Ocean is ideal for people with kids, with only a four-hour flight from Sydney. Many resorts have kids’ clubs that will entertain the young ones for hours on end. You can have the true island experience while visiting other islands close by. You can do The Salad Bowl Adventure Tour where you meet locals, eat their food and experience the culture. Zip lining through the Fiji rainforest or visiting the Kula Eco Park with different birds and reptiles, there are many things the whole family will enjoy. The Garden of the Sleeping Giants is a beautiful garden filled with colourful orchids and mountain-shaped sleeping giants. The whole family will enjoy the glass bottom boat rides too. There won’t be enough time to experience it all.

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OTTAWA, CANADA There are lots of things to do in Canada.

In every state, there are familyorientated events. In Ottawa, the

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Canadian Children’s Museum and the Lego Land Discovery Centre are places where they can play with thousands of Lego pieces - what a dream come true!

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum will keep children in awe. You can go iceskating on The Rideau Canal Skate Way, the largest naturally frozen ice-skating rink in the world. Changing of the guard in Parliament Hill is a spectacle. If you have time left on your holiday, make sure you pop over to see the Niagara Falls. It is sure to leave an impression.

With the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar being very equal to each other, this holiday shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

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VIENNA, AUSTRIA The country made for people to have a great holiday. There are kinder hotels, which will cater to your requirements of food, play areas and child care. The House of Music will be loved by music lovers and children can even make their own cd. There are hop-on-hop-off buses to take you through the city. Prater Theme park and the Vienna Zoo are the oldest ones in the world. Bogi Park is the largest indoor play area with free WiFi for adults. A Giant Ferris wheel will give you a beautiful view. In Summer, there are beautiful wildflower meadows to have a picnic or hike. Winter allows for ice-skating and beautiful Christmas trees and lights. Austria is a holiday which will never leave your bucket list again and again.

6. LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Last but not least the ever famous Los Angeles. This star-studded town is the home of Hollywood and the Walk of Fame. Universal Studios and Paramount Studios will take you back to all your favourite movies and series.

The kids will enjoy the animations as well as the theme parks. The LA Zoo is a

wonderful attraction. You cannot go to America without visiting Disneyland. Even adults will have their inner-child come out.

There are many destinations that will leave you wanting more. Visit a City can work out an itinerary for your trip. Many hotels understand the need of parents and will accommodate you the best they can. With many options available, you can choose the best option for your family.

References: 1. Bali Travel Guide 2. Tripcanvas 3. Destinasian 4. Visit a city 5. Holiday with kids 6. Famil y travel scoop 7. Mommy poppins 8. Travel with Bender 9. Kinder travelguide 10. Lajoll amom

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BIRTH

What is a Doula?

Written by Jana Angeles Wouldn’t life be easier if we had someone to hold our hand and provide encouragement every step of the way? It’s amazing how much we have progressed as a society and how we’re becoming more openminded when it comes to providing human services for people that need them. Take for example a doula (pronounced doo-la) is a Greek term that means a caregiver or a woman servant.

Basically, a doula is someone that will be with you every step of the way before, during and after childbirth.

Pregnancy is a bit of a whirlwind and sometimes we just need a “go-to” person by our side; to be the cheerleader encouraging us to remain positive and that’s what a doula does.

HOW CAN A DOULA HELP ME? Besides giving you and your partner support during your pregnancy journey, a doula can do plenty of things to make you feel less stressed. They are professionally trained and have skills that can help you feel relaxed.

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Usually the services that a doula is trained in are: • Birth planning (they create a written birth plan/birth preferences document) • Birth education and preparation • Optimal fetal positioning • De-briefing previous births • Massage and other comfort measures • Helping with positioning and changes to help ease the pain for the client, resulting in a smoother labour • During Pregnancy & Labour: providing emotional comfort during these two phases that may cause stress for the client.

• Providing aromatherapy, music, candles, etc to keep you relaxed and comfortable • Negotiating the client’s preferences in terms of service • Photography and/or video of the birth as well as treasured moments with the family

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HOW MUCH DO THEY CHARGE? The charge of a doula is purely dependent on experience, country and state the doula is located. Generally speaking, they provide packages to suit your needs.

In Australia, a doula package normally consists of pre and postnatal visits (around 1.5 to 2 hours in each session) and the duration of the birth - the cost can be from $800 to $1500. It’s important to be aware of the different costs as some charge $2000 in their packages. If you can’t pay the fee in full, there are payment plans available as well. If you genuinely are in need of a doula but can’t afford the normal rate, some doulas will reduce their rate to alleviate some financial stress from families.

DO I NEED ONE? Having a doula is completely optional but it’s becoming a demanding service for people who are pregnant. Although we get that “glow” during pregnancy and feel excited about the little human we’re about to meet, pregnancy is also tied with a lot of stress, hormonal change and unexpected outcomes. A doula is a person you can go to when you are feeling anxious, scared or upset while you’re pregnant. They are caring and will show support every step of the way. Though some of their qualifications are similar to a midwife, a doula does all the things a midwife lacks the time for. You can rely on them to talk you through the pros and cons of an important decision.

HOW DO I KNOW I’VE CHOSEN THE RIGHT DOULA? • Your gut says it all! If you feel like your doula is perfect and your heart is telling you to hire them, then go ahead. If you instantly click with one another, this is a great indication that they will be right for the job.

• Be aware that some doulas are specialised in all different kinds of births and situations.

Make sure they match your needs before you begin working with them.

• Make sure your partner likes them too.

You’re sharing a special moment with your doula so it’s best to have your partner there when you meet your potential doulas. Being on the same page with a doula will make it far easier for the both of you! It’s important that a doula instantly connects with your partner too.

They are also calm and very focused - even if you go off the rails for a bit! Having this compassion and non-judgemental nature is a doula’s job; they are here to make your pregnancy journey just a tad easier. Keep in mind a doula is trained in providing birth support for mothers. If you have any medical concerns, speak with a medical professional.

You could say a doula is a special type of human - a human that some mothers need in their life. If you feel like you’ll be prone to stress during pregnancy or encounter some tough decisions altogether, consider getting a doula. Don’t let other people’s opinion of bringing in a doula influence you. They will provide you with the care and support you never knew you needed!

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BABY

Quick Guide to Travelling Abroad with A Baby Written by Oliva Arrow You’ve had a baby and now you want to plan that first family holiday abroad. If you’re thinking of taking an overseas holiday you should make sure you’ve done a little research. Travelling with a baby can be a rewarding experience for many parents, however without planning, your dream trip can turn into a nightmare holiday.

When travelling with a baby, you need to be aware that it’s not like how you travelled without your little bundle of joy. There are many challenges when travelling with a young infant and if you take into consideration their needs and plan ahead, you can enjoy a fantastic holiday with lots of beautiful memories to last a lifetime.

Because there are so many things to research, we’ve pulled together a quick guide for travelling with a baby to assist you with your planning: HOW OLD DOES MY BABY HAVE TO BE TO FLY? This is a very typical question raised by new parents and surprisingly, it is sooner than you think. Most babies are permitted to fly if at least 2 days old, however there

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are some airlines that require babies to be at least 2 weeks old. There is no standard regulation so it’s best to check with your airline before you book.

DO YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR BABY A SEAT ON THE PLANE? If your baby is over 12 months and cannot use the bassinet provided on aircraft, it’s a good idea to get them their own seat so that you’re both comfortable for the flight.

Additionally, you can look into purchasing or renting the JetKids BedBox® to turn their seat into a little bed so they can enjoy a first-class trip (you’ll need to check with your airline if they permit the use of this device).

HELPING YOUR BABY ADJUST TO A NEW TIME ZONE You don’t need to wait until you’ve reached your destination to start adjusting your babies schedule. Depending on your destination, choose a flight time to help you with this task. Once on the flight, gradually start with adjusting their sleep pattern for your new time zone.

BABY-PROOF THE HOTEL ROOM Request your hotels to baby proof your rooms. Take masking tape as a backup and if needed you can secure loose items and cover electrical outlets.

PACK LOTS OF SNACKS AND FORMULA Stocking up on your baby’s favourite snacks is a must. You should be able to buy most things overseas, however, they may be different.

Pack enough of your baby’s favourite nonperishable foods to last the trip. Also, if your baby is on formula, you will need to find out if you can buy it overseas. If not, take enough with you to last the trip or alternatively let the hotels know in advance so it’s there when you arrive. Don’t forget to pack steriliser tablets to clean your baby bottles.

PLAN YOUR DAYS If you have a regular routine in place, try and stick to it as much as possible. Going out in the mornings to do your sightseeing and spending the afternoons relaxing is a great way to make sure you are not burning the candle at both ends.

THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR BABY • Pack their favourite sleep toy – bedtime can be a disaster when travelling. Take your baby’s favourite bedtime toy so that they have something familiar to assist with naps and sleep.

• Pack a stroller. Getting a stroller that has an adjustable back rest is ideal so they can nap when you’re on the go.

• Pack a Baby Carrier – Taking a baby carrier is great when you are visiting attractions that are not kid-friendly.

• Entertainment – pack a few items to help keep your child entertained. For babies, rattles, pop-up toys, shiny objects and musical toys. For toddlers, dolls or action figures, puzzles and paper and crayons are all winners. An iPad is also a great idea. Make sure you download some of your baby’s favourite lullabies and educational games to keep them entertained.

Travelling with a baby takes planning. It doesn’t have to be hard though, take the time to do a daily schedule to keep you on track and tick all those “must-sees” off your list. Also, make sure that you have plenty of down time for relaxation so that you and your baby get the rest you need to enjoy your holiday. Don’t fret if you forget a warmer jumper or a pair of shorts - you can buy those things overseas.

There are many things that you think you will need to take with you, but the essentials are all that’s needed to enjoy an exciting adventure with your baby.

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KIDS

Ways to Keep the Kids Learning While on Holidays Written by Madeline Mitchell - Owner of Hi iQ Tutoring There is no doubt about it, kids absolutely love holidays!

The experiences children gain from being away from their homes, out of routine and travelling provide some of the best learning opportunities for young minds!

Whether it’s camping in the bush, a holiday

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house by the sea or an overseas exploration, the excitement, sense of adventure and travel itself, all provide an invaluable learning experience for your child.

Whilst the holiday is a learning experience in itself, there are still several things you can do to encourage and support your child’s learning while you are away.

6 learning activities while on holidays!

Keep a ‘senses’ journal! We’ve all been told

simile a day is a great way to engage them in creative thinking and develop their use of figurative language. All kids love similes! Try to encourage similes based on your travel experience e.g ‘the plane bounced like a tennis ball as it came into landing’.

Maths Matters! Everywhere you go, you will be exchanging money for experiences dinner, theme parks, ice-cream, you name it! Get your child to work out the change, give them ‘pocket money’ to spend, calculate the exchange rates, plan an outing with a budget and estimate fuel costs. The mathematical possibilities are endless!

Local Spelling Masters! If you’re in a new area, you are surrounded by new streets, parks, cuisines and activities! Get your child/ children to learn how to spell some of these new words. Building on their vocabulary is so important and if your child knows how to correctly spell the word, then they are much more likely to use it in their writing.

For example; ‘fishing’, ‘skiing’, ‘aeroplane’, ‘cruise’, ‘mountain’, ‘teppanyaki’ etc. Don’t just assume your child can spell some of these words, check for yourself!

about keeping a journal when we’re away and this is a great way to keep kids writing whilst travelling. A ‘senses’ journal is an even better way to engage children in their writing! Ask your child to describe what they can hear, smell, taste, touch and see.

This will produce a more in-depth travel journal and will encourage greater use of imagery and description.

‘A simile a day’ - whether your child is in Kindergarten or Year 6, writing at least one

Research! Jump online, look at a travel guide or find the local information centre and do some research! Who were the traditional owners of the land? What is the area famous for? What is the most popular sport? What is the local population? Is there a wet and a dry season?

Dr Seuss said it best; ‘You can find magic wherever you look, sit back and relax all you need is a book’. It doesn’t matter what the book/comic/travel guide is, it’s always a great idea to encourage your child to keep reading. Read before bed, read out loud, read at the airport etc. Try to keep reading!

Have fun, stay safe, get creative and explore.

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TRAVEL

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BACKPACKING WITH KIDS

If you think backpacking with kids is a nightmare, think again. Carefully planning this cost-effective way of travel can benefit you and your family - to see the rest of the world while saving money is always a great idea, especially if funds are tight. Backpacking is a whole new level of travel because you get to explore and soak up the country’s atmosphere.

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It’s not so much about hiking the mountains or seeing the natural habitat - it’s about being adaptable to change while also making the most of what you’ve already packed in your bag. Having kids while backpacking can be a little tricky but with careful planning, you and your family will have a trip of a lifetime!

Here are some helpful tips to know when it comes to backpacking with the kids: CHOOSE ACCOMMODATION THAT IS KIDFRIENDLY Selecting hotels, Air Bnbs, hostels and guest houses are all great options when it comes to choosing what accommodation is best fit for you kids and family. It’s important that you choose somewhere the kids will love and enjoy. Because they have lots of energy, selecting a place where it is spacious and can play with other children is always a good idea. Sometimes we need a break from our children, so giving them space so they can entertain themselves will give them a chance to feel comfortable in the country that you’ll be exploring.

IF YOUR KIDS ARE CARRYING A BACKPACK, MAKE SURE IT IS FITTING AND COMFORTABLE We don’t recommend kids carrying their backpacks if they are too young or small in size. When they reach the prime age of 10-12, you can consider getting a backpack of their own. It’s important that you ensure that the backpacks are easy to carry. The last thing you want is to carry an extra few kgs of stuff when you already have so much packed in your backpack!

LESS IS MORE: DON’T BRING TOO MANY TOYS AND CLOTHES! To survive any backpacking trip is to only pack the essentials. Bringing too many clothes and toys for the kids is not a good

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idea, only because of the extra weight you’ll most likely carry. Plus, because you’ll be exploring and walking so much, you might lose these things along the way.

Bring only toys your kids can’t leave without and clothes that are suited for every type of weather. Also, when it comes to packing, leave some room for any cool toys or souvenirs your kids have encouraged you to buy while travelling. It’ll be a great keepsake for years to come.

PACK SOME SNACKS AND ALWAYS BRING WATER Bringing snacks when the kids are feeling a little peckish can help them feel sustained when they are walking around for a length of time. Ensure they are not taking advantage of these and let them know they are only available if they are genuinely hungry. Bringing water is always an important essential to keep the kids hydrated and preventing any chance of dehydration.

CARRY A MEDICAL KIT Anything can happen while you travel so bringing a medical kit is a smart thing to do. Kids fall over and scrape their elbows, knees, legs and arms, so having some bandaids/bandages and antiseptic within reach is handy. Include any first aid manuals so you are aware of the appropriate CPR and first aid incidents you need to follow.

If you feel like you’ll be out of reach when travelling to a particular country, make sure you take note of the nearest hospitals and write down any important numbers you need to know just incase of an emergency.

DON’T PLACE HIGH EXPECTATIONS ON YOUR KIDS - LET THEM HAVE FUN! You might’ve done backpacking in your 20s and explored the Northern and Southern

hemisphere far and wide. It’s important you remember that kids are kids. Though they have more energy than adults, we have to remember they get exhausted too and don’t have the physical capacity to do more than us.

Don’t expect them to walk far distances without any breaks - be realistic when you try and plan out your backpacking trip.

Most importantly, let them have fun and choose activities they’ll thoroughly enjoy.

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TRAVEL WITH BABY Travelling with a young baby or toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. Creating a memorable holiday is what it’s all about and if keeping your little ones calm in transit is important – whatever the reason for your travel, these simple tips may be just what you need.

LITTLE JETSETTER - Moisturise and Hydrate To help keep skin well-hydrated during long-haul flights, use non-greasy, water based natural cream. We suggest locking in moisture with an unscented product try Pure Baby Moisture Cream specifically formulated for babies and anyone with sensitive skin. For older children and adults, why not opt for a more nourishing formula?

Also free from essential oils, Natural Baby Lotion is an ideal choice. The thicker cream formulation spreads further and is more moisturising, ideal also for eczema and dermatitis sufferers. Travel can take its toll and be extremely dehydrating to the skin. A good routine which includes the application of a high quality, natural moisturizer to hands, face, legs as well as keeping up fluid intake, is vital for even the youngest of frequent flyers.

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SOOTHE TO SLEEP Massage Moment Whether it’s a long haul flight or a short, day trip, you can use massage to soothe your little one off to slumber in no time at all.

Choose our Baby Massage oil with relaxing lavender and rose and warm a little oil in your hands before singing or speaking softly to your child. Using circular strokes massage the soles of their little feet, then gently massage and wring each little tootsie and circle your thumbs around the ankle bones to finish off. If your child enjoys their hands being massaged, repeat these strokes on the hands and use long, flowing strokes down the length of their arms. The organic oils will help to moisturize dry skin and the gentle touch will signal sleep time.

PRODUCT REVIEW

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ROAD TRIPPER Protect and Pamper If your child is in nappies or pull-ups, using a protective, natural balm can help to guard the skin from wetness and irritation.

Natural ingredients including vitamin e and calendula can help soothe and then protect

© Aluxe Pty Ltd For more information on massage visit www. aromababy.com Available from Adorebeauty.com.au. pharmacyonline.com.au littleorganics.com.au duty free stores, select National Pharmacies and where premium natural products are sold.

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Kids Travel Products Guide

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JETKIDS BEDBOX $265.00 rrp - jet-kids.com

APPLE IPAD From $469.00 rrp - apple.com/au

CHEEKY MONKEY - ASSORTED BOOKS From $9.95 rrp - lisakerr.com.au september 2017 | mychild

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Kids Travel Products Guide

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FLASHCARDS $29.95 rrp - edresources.com.au

BABY CARRIER ONE OUTDOORS $299.00 rrp - babybjorn.com.au

MAGNETIC SNAKES & LADDERS SET 7” $12.99 rrp - mightyape.com.au

TODDLER CUTLERY SET $12.95 rrp - bbox.com.au

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TRAVEL DRYING RACK $17.95 rrp - bbox.com.au

FRIDGE TO GO $39.95 rrp - fridge-to-go.net.au

MAGNETIC TRAVEL GAME - HANGMAN $9.99 rrp - mightyape.com.au

B.BOX BOTTLE + DISPENSER $24.95 rrp - bbox.com.au

CRAYOLA DOODLE MAGIC $10.00 rrp - harveynorman.com.au

TITTA DJUR FINGER PUPPETS 10 PACK $9.99 rrp - ikea.com/au

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PREGNANCY

WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP FLYING WHEN PREGNANT? Written by Jana Angeles Let’s face it. You’re the adventurous type. There’s no way you can stay in one place for too long or you’ll get bored. This is what happens when you travel; you get to a new country, you begin to soak up the culture and the little quirks that make it what it is.

After a few weeks of staying there, you’ve fallen in love with every single detail and history you’ve learnt along the way. As soon as you’re boarding the flight back home, you’re already jotting down the details of your next travel plans. Fast forward to another year yet things are a little different since then.

You’re four months pregnant, but unsure if you’re fit to fly, but it’ll break your heart if you have to cancel your trip altogether. Two words: don’t panic! There are details you should know before boarding your flight while pregnant, but just because your journey of pregnancy has started, doesn’t mean the adventure has to be postponed.

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In this article, we share the important details of when you should stop flying when pregnant and other stuff you need to know.

WHAT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO FLY WHEN PREGNANT? • During your second trimester, you’ll find it a lot easier to fly from place to place. Usually when you’re 14 to 23 weeks pregnant, you begin to get over the “morning sickness” phase of pregnancy and you’ll have more energy than never before. If you’re travelling for business, it’s the right time to pack in your schedule of meetings and travel if necessary. When pregnant, you can take advantage of packing light, saving you from the hassle of carrying heavy luggage.

• If you’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy and you’re only carrying one baby, you can fly internationally from up to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

With twins or more, it can be up to 32 weeks. Be aware though that some airlines have different rules and regulations for pregnant women, some do not accept women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant due to the fact that premature labour can happen at anytime (especially during long flights). For domestic travel, they are flexible so you may find that there are no restrictions at all.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE I DON’T EXPERIENCE DELAYS WHEN BOARDING MY FLIGHT? • Get written permission by your doctor: Generally speaking, airline staff won’t question you when you’re pregnant, but if they are concerned over your safety, they will bar you from travelling.

To help prevent this, get written permission by your doctor or midwife to let the airline staff know you’re safe 32

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for travel. The note should have the due date, the state you’ve been examined and confirms that you will not go into labour in the next 72 hours.

• Double check the travel policies before booking your flight: Ensure your airline accepts passengers that are pregnant.

The last thing you want is to book a flight and not be able to board it. You should take into account how far along you’ll be when you board your flight back home.

HOW DO I KEEP MYSELF COMFORTABLE DURING MY FLIGHT? • Wear support stockings or socks: Flying during pregnancy can increase your risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and varicose veins. It’s important to be prepared and wear support stockings/ socks to prevent this. Wearing them during your flight can help your blood circulation when flying and can provide relief for swollen veins. For maximum protection, wear the support stockings in the morning before you fly.

OTHER TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND: • There is a risk of exposure to ‘natural atmospheric radiation’. This could lead to miscarriage or abnormalities to unborn babies. Pregnant flight attendants and business travellers are at high risk. If you only fly a couple of times a year, you are at low risk for this.

• Travel smart. Choose a destination where there is easy access to emergency services. It’s important that incase of an early contraction, you know where to go when you’re at your travel destination.

Combining travel and being pregnant can be tough work for some mums, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Be mindful of your safety, but most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

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PRODUCT REVIEW

5 WAYS TO AVOID PRAM ENVY With 33% of Australian parents admitting that they envy someone with a better pram (Canstar Blue survey, 2016) it’s safe to say that the term ‘pram envy’ has earned its place in pop-language. Dads, before you knowingly nod your head, the research shows that you are some the biggest culprits.

Buying the right pram the first time around will make those first few months with your baby much easier, and it avoids the common occurrence of parents re-buying a pram (or two) months later when they realise the first pram didn’t suit their needs.

Here’s a helpful guide of 5 ways to avoid pram envy.

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1. KNOW YOUR MUST HAVES Create a list of all the items and features your pram ‘must have’ to suit your family’s lifestyle and needs. Do you need a bassinet or second seat? Should your pram have a big basket? What is your budget? Is value for money your biggest concern? Does it need to be lightweight?

Easy-to-manoeuvre? Can’t fathom being without a buggyboard for your toddler whose legs tire so easily? These are all things to note on your ‘must have’ list, so you can compare these features between prams.

Use this printable checklist to help decide which pram features are most important to you.

2. THINK AHEAD Consider the future, and whether you’d like to have a modular pram, such as the JIVE, that can easily convert to a double (JIVE Tandem) if your family grows quickly.

Maybe adaptability is less important to you than having a product that is very lightweight, compact and agile like the METRO? No matter what your plans are, consider how your pram will support your family dynamics into the future.

3. READ UP Read it ALL! We’re talking blogs, social media, customer reviews, product reviews and anything else you can get your hands on. Seek advice from other parents, whether through a forum, or stopping someone on the footpath to ask about their pram! The best decision is an informed decision, and the more you read and understand, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right choice for you and your family, and the less likely you’ll be to fall victim to pram envy.

4. BUILD A WISH LIST Start to develop a shortlist of prams you think may suit your needs. Use a checkbox system for your ‘must have’ features, and ensure the prams on your shortlist tick off all the boxes. You can then visit a baby show or a Redsbaby Demo Day to see, learn about and test your shortlisted prams in person.

5. OWN YOUR DECISION Once your mind is made up, own it! Be confident in your decision, and know that you’ve done the research and made an informed decision. Remember, the best way to avoid pram envy, is to be confident that the pram you picked is the right one for your family.

Choosing a pram that fits your family’s lifestyle and needs, will make those first few

months easier when getting out and about.

Having a pram suitable for a newborn to keep baby asleep from car to grocery store and home again, or having a double pram that fits your two children comfortably, will help ease your daily travels. Take the time to pick the perfect pram for you and your family, and be ready for wherever life takes you!

Father’s Day Gift Guide

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HEALTH

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FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

THE BRAUN MULTI GROOMING KIT $119.00 rrp - globber.com.au

FITNESS ARMBAND FOR IPHONE 7 & 7+ $59.95 rrp - apple.com.au

ULTIMATE BEARD CARE KIT $220.00 rrp - milkmanaustralia.com

100% ORGANIC BAMBOO SHEET SET $219.95 rrp - mulberrythreadscom.au 38

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GLOBBER NL 230 ULTIMATE TITANIUM $230.00 rrp - globber.com.au

WEWOOD WATCH $ 155.00 rrp - biome.com.au

JUNGLE JAM - MENS LONG JOHNNY $69.95 rrp - funkytrunks.com

JBL CHARGE 3 $229.00 rrp - jbl.com.au

POWERSHOT G9 X MARK II $709.00 rrp - canon.com.au

ORAL-B GENIUS $369.00 rrp - shavershop.com.au september 2017 | mychild

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TRAVELLING WITH TODDLER ESSENTIALS

By Karli Steenkamp Travelling with a toddler means that packing for a trip needs serious planning.

Packing shouldn’t be a headache, but needs some thinking through. Whether you are travelling by car, plane or train, you need to have everything ready and nearby when a very demanding toddler is hungry or tired. There is a few travelling essentials that will make a trip a whole lot easier.

THE BAG One of the biggest decisions is what bag to take, other than a suitcase. Choose a bag that is easy to carry, but can fit plenty of things. A backpack is a great idea because it is not in the way and you have two hands free with a busy toddler.

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TODDLER

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FIRST AID KIT When away from home, you want to be prepared for any incidents. Here is a list of things that will come in handy from cuts and bruises to stings and fevers.

• Plasters • Anti-septic ointment or wipes • Nose drops • Thermometer • Sting treatment • Paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup Remember to take lots of tissues, sunscreen and bug repellent.

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Always pack more clothes than what is needed. Have plenty of clothes in your luggage and a few extras in your carry-on.

Even if you are going to a warm location, take a warm jacket or two if nights cool-down.

If your toddler is still on nappies, make sure you have more than enough. Pull-ups are a great idea if your child is potty-training, because restrooms are not always available.

Bottles and sippies must be taken with. Ensure that you have enough as you may not be able to wash them straight after they were used.

Microwave sterilising bags are very handy and don’t take up too much space. Diaper disposable bags can have dual-purposes for dirty nappies or dirty clothes.

Put your soap and lotions in smaller containers so that it is easily accessible when you need it.

FOOD Whether you are flying or driving, have a snack or treat nearby. Be careful when having snacks that are high in sugar. A bouncy, tired child can make your trip a rollercoaster. Pack healthy snacks such as dried cereal or fruit, carrots, grapes or bananas, crackers or granola bars. Yogurt sachets can also fill a hungry tummy.

If you are flying, a sucking sweet like a sucker is a good idea for take-off. This is often when little ones get an ear-ache due to air-pressure.

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If your child still drinks milk, be sure to take as much as you need. Many flights do not have fresh milk on board. When you do take any liquids on-board, make sure you check with the airline about their security regulations if you are allowed to take it onboard. Many airlines request that you buy liquids once you have gone through the security check-point.

THINGS TO KEEP THEM BUSY Sticker books will keep your toddler entertained for a few minutes. Luckily after that there is reading and colouring books.

A worthwhile investment will be a portable DVD player or an IPad. Download games on the IPad or movies that they can watch.

Go to a cheap toy store and get as many interesting toys that you keep in a bag.

These new toys will be a distraction and will keep them busy as each toy will be a surprise.

It is very important to remember your child’s favourite toy or blanket to make them feel secure and have a little bit of home with them.

When flying, it can be worth your while to get an inflatable pillow where you can put in between your child’s seat and the next one. This allows your child to extend their legs or even lie down. These products are Plane Pals or Jet kids.

When you are packing, make sure you are organised and know where everything is. Pack well in advance so that you can pack calmly and not feel rushed. Ask your toddler to choose two or three toys that they want to take. Travelling should be fun and a well-packed trip will get you many happy miles.

References: 1.

Fly legs up 2.

Plane Pal 3.

Pish Posh Baby 4.

Rough guides 5.

Kids are a trip

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TRAVEL

KIDS CAN’T TELL: GUIDING YOUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH WHILE ON HOLIDAY Written By Javier Olivo A dream holiday with the family is an ideal getaway from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Travelling with the family is the most joyous, especially when everyone’s there. Bringing in the kids won’t make an easier time, but with the little ones tagging along, it certainly brings a whole new experience for both parents and children.

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When travelling, you need to ensure that everything is going smooth. Money, food, transportation, and directions are the most needed when going on travels around the world. However, most people neglect the fact that you need a healthy body and mind when going on trips.

There have been countless stories about upset stomachs and fever-ridden bus rides on what most families consider as their dream holiday. Whenever these unfortunate illnesses happen, the trip goes down for the worse as most families cancel potential activities during the stay. Severe sickness even shortens the holiday, prompting most tourists to go home and seek immediate medical attention.

When children get stricken with illness during a holiday, parents tend to focus on them more. Children are more susceptible to infections and other disease-causing vectors more than adults. This fact is the reason why most parents would prefer ending a holiday rather than continuing and risking the illness to worsen.

In this article, we’ll talk about the basics and important to-do routines when going overseas. A holiday trip is supposed to be fun, that’s why we need to focus on our health to make the most out of the countless experiences we can have while travelling the world.

DETERMINING YOUR PRIME HOLIDAY SPOT It’s always a good start in planning a holiday when you know the place you’re going. Should it be a tropical country with famous beaches? Should it be a city with a lot of culture and activities to offer?

Or would your family rather go on a wild safari? Determining the place that you and your family would love to spend time, effort, and finances will set you on the right course.

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SEASONS DO COUNT If you already picked out a destination, then the next step would be to determine the season that place has during certain times of the year. Places like the Safaris of South Africa, for example, has seasonal changes which can significantly affect your experience while being there.

According to several reliable sources, the best time to go is during the month of May to September. This period is considered the best time to go because wild animals are freely roaming around and are easier to spot.

Seasons play a significant role in determining the health of your kids and the outcome of your trip. As mentioned before, the Safaris of South Africa have seasonal changes in them which could mean the perfect holiday or a disappointing journey back home. Dry seasons can spell disaster for your kids due to high chances of getting heatstroke or dehydration, while wet seasons could bring in colds and coughs for your children.

In the months of December to January, the temperatures are a lot hotter which could affect your kids. Since the bush is thicker during this time of the year, a lot of mosquitoes could also pose a dangerous threat to your children because of the diseases these insects spread such as Malaria, Dengue, West Nile, etc.

THE PROPER CLOTHING Part of going on holiday trips is getting to flaunt that expensive dress you bought several months ago. However, if that dress isn’t up to par with the country’s norms, then don’t wear it at al - it may be too offensive for the locals there.

Wearing proper clothing doesn’t need to be fashionable, but they should also provide safety and comfort at the same time.

When going on Safari trips or Jungle treks,

make sure that your kids are wearing long sleeve jackets that protect their arms and legs from possible mosquito bites. Boots and other essential footwear is also a must when it comes to traversing jungle terrain.

Sites such as French Connection have these kinds of clothing readily available.

MEDICATION AND PAPERWORK ARE A MUST When going on trips, bringing medication is always a good idea. However, have papers prepared just in case customs decides to take a look at your medication. Drugs that have potentially addicting properties such as psychotropics are in regulation for most countries.

Important things to remember are: Always bring prescriptions from your doctor about your medication. Also, international laws state that medicine brought into a country by a foreigner should only last 30 days or less depending on the length of your stay.

TRYING THE LOCAL DELICACIES Trying out the local food is part of the memorable experience when travelling to several countries. However, having a guide to point out the best and cleanest food around is a must if you want to experience your trip further.

Do some research and ask your doctor about what the possible vaccinations are available for your children. Talk to your doctor about where you plan to go so that they can also determine what vaccinations to give to your kids.

KNOWING THE NEAREST HOSPITAL Another great reason why determining your destination is important is knowing where the nearest hospital is. Some places such as tropical islands in the Caribbean don’t have hospitals, but have clinics with limited equipment, resources, and workforce.

The lack of tools, resources, and workforce, however, should not prevent you from going to their clinic should a medical problem arise. These clinics could still provide you with first aid and a chance to contact a more suitable hospital if there is one nearby.

BONUS TIP: Don’t let your children stray far away from you!

Always keep an eye out for your kids on the places they go, the food they eat, the things they touch, etc. Hollywood often depicts these unfortunate events as horror movies, which is why you should always keep watch of your children.

There are a lot of horror stories about travels that went awry because parents disregarded their children having upset stomachs. In reality, these kids were already experiencing early stages of diarrhea. In severe cases, children develop dysentery from eating dirty food on the streets during a trip with their parents.

TAKEAWAY A holiday trip should not end up in a hospital or a premature stoppage. To ensure that your kids will have the best time during their trip, plan everything in advanced and keep a close watch of them. Determining the location, having the right clothing, etc. can all make your trip with the kids more fun and relaxing.

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNITY Vaccines and certain other precautions are also a great way for your kids to have fun during your holiday. Determining your destination in regards to this is a crucial stage for your trip.

Sources: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/children kidshealth.org/en/parents/family-travel.html www.safaribookings.com/south-africa/best-time www.iamat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-knowabout-travelling-with-medications/

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BOOK

Reviews

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BOOK

Reviews

GARCIA & COLETTE GO EXPLORING Written by Hannah Barnaby Illustrated by Andrew Joyner While Garcia has his heart set on exploring the wonders of space, his friend Colette is determined to delve into the depths of ocean, to see what lies below. They go their separate ways, only to discover that their destinations actually have a great deal in common…but they both feel that something is missing.

This sweet, humorous story for 3-7 year olds teaches readers that embarking on adventures alone isn’t as exciting as journeying together.

I JUST ATE MY FRIEND Written & Illustrated by Heidi McKinnon This hilarious book follows the challenging journey of a monster who, upon eating his only friend, discovers the difficulty of finding a new companion. Each creature he approaches is not interested in striking up a friendship, until he finally comes upon one who seems absolutely perfect…but things are not always as they seem!

Children aged 2-6 will love the twist at the end of this book. The striking illustrations are instantly appealing, and the simple text will make it easy for young audiences to join in with the reading.

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ARCHIE – NO ORDINARY SLOTH Written & Illustrated by Heath McKenzie Another fun story about sloths, which evidently hold a particular appeal for children, as they have featured in a number of picture books and kids’ films in recent years. This is the story of Archie, who unlike the rest of the sloths in his pile, is full of energy and prefers to leap and swing, rather than laze and lounge. After trying in vain to find a new home in the jungle where he will fit in, he finds that he still yearns to be with his fellow sloths, despite their differences.

This story carries an important message of acceptance, and children aged 3-7 will enjoy discovering how Archie’s difference may be just the reason why his sloth friends need him around.

SAFE & SOUND Written by Jean Roussen, Illustrated by Loris Lora This beautifully illustrated book captures the idea that many animals, large and small, would not be safe in the world alone when they are first born, and need the help of their parents until they’re grown. From bluebird chicks and lion cubs to wolf pups and crocodile hatchlings, each page shows the ways in which adult animals protect their babies.

The lyrical rhyming text and the message that our parents are there to shelter us and keep us safe from harm makes this a beautiful bedtime story to read from birth to 5 years.

REVIEWED

by

www.busybookworms.com.au september 2017 | mychild

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The Globber MyFREE Fold UP When Convenience Meets Scooter!

There are many scooters out there and it can be overwhelming choosing one that will be perfect for your little one. You want a scooter that will grow with your child, allowing them to become a confident scooterist and also is convenient enough for you to take anywhere.

No doubt, once your child becomes an expert on their scooter, they will want to take it everywhere to avoid walking which can be painful in itself.

When considering what scooter to choose, make sure that you check out the Globber MyFREE Fold UP. This amazing little scooter offers you different settings that not only assure you and your child during the early learning stages of scootering, it is also a very convenient scooter with its fold up option.

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A little bit about what we loved about the MyFREE Fold UP scooter!

IT’S EASY TO SET UP: • The MyFREE Fold UP arrives in 2 pieces and is super easy to assemble. Once you have finished unwrapping the scooter, all you have to do is simply insert the handle bar to the base and twist to the up position. You will hear the click to know the handle bar is safely and securely in place.

IT’S EASY TO ADJUST THE HANDLEBAR HEIGHT: • The height adjustable T-BAR handlebar is adjustable to 3 height positions giving you a long-lasting scooter that will grow with your child.

PRODUCT REVIEW

IT’S EASY TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE STEERING FEATURE: • For added piece of mind, the MyFREE Fold Up comes with a steering lock button on the front of the deck to make learning easier for your little one. To start off, the front wheels can be locked in a single position. Once your child has mastered balancing and straight lines, you can simply release the lock so that they can tilt the handle bar to steer around corners in the direction they want to go.

IT’S SUPER STURDY: • The quality of the scooter is undeniable.

The reinforced frame is lightweight and the wheels are of high quality offering your child a smooth ride on almost any surface.

IT OOZES SAFETY: • It has 3 wheels and an extra wide and low deck for better stability. The front wheels are oversized making it easy for your little one to learn and master the art of scootering. The long back-foot break

covers and protects the back wheel while offering better breaking.

IT’S COMPACT: • The handlebar folds down to make this the perfect compact scooter. With a simple push of a button the handlebar folds down to the base making it portable to take anywhere, anytime.

When looking for a scooter for your child, look no further than the Globber MyFREE Fold UP. It will give you everything you desire and more. Because of its folding ability, you can take it anywhere and if you have multiple children that are using scooters, they can easily be stored at home or in the car. They come in a range of colours including: Light Blue, Red, Purple, Green, have a max load of 50kgs and are suitable for 3 years plus.

The Globber MyFREE Fold UP is a very practical first scooter. If you want more information or would like to make a purchase, visit: www.globber.com.au

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THE

MUMMY

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THINGS NEVER SEEM TO CHANGE WRITTEN BY: SHEREE ECHLIN

I’ve never been much of a girly girl and I’ve never been a big fan of the colour pink. So, you can imagine that having two girls of my own has, so far, been somewhat a “fun” experience! I’ve always thought of pink as being a stereotypical colour that has been aimed at girls whether they like it or not. When I was younger I decided purple was my colour (stubborn much?) and its stayed with me. From my wallet to my phone cover and a few pieces of clothing, there’s just a “touch” of purple in my life, haha!

the likes of cars, trucks as well as rough and tumble gear.

A friend of mine recently shared a photo of a toy clothesline, which featured a smiling young girl on the box. It just screams the idea that hanging washing out is something that girls do. News flash: boys can do it too! And they can play with dolls and pretend to cook, do dishes and play with pretend (or real) make up if they really want to! Just like girls can get dirty and have fun with toys generally aimed at boys.

I also find shorts and pants more comfortable than skirts or dresses. But that doesn’t make me any less of a girl, does it?! I suppose where I’m going with this is not a new issue, but it’s one that seems to rear its ugly head more often than it should. The good old gender stereotype where pink is usually designated for girls and blue is for boys.

Why oh why does it have to be this way?

Kids are kids and it shouldn’t be a case of girl things and boy things. Along with dolls, barbies and other girly things, I played with cars, trucks and Lego and it didn’t do me any harm. Well, that’s probably up for debate but you get where I’m coming from.

And it doesn’t seem to end there, especially when it comes to toys. Take a walk through many shops out there and you can easily see what’s aimed at each gender. For girls, it’s things like dolls and pretty dress ups and beauty cases. And for the young gentlemen in our lives, it’s

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Are we messing with our kids heads and telling them the wrong thing? Shouldn’t it be up to them what they do and don’t play with? Or is it an even bigger worry that we’re sending the wrong message?

It shouldn’t matter to anyone if a little boy wants to play with dolls or a little girl loves cars and trucks. They’re exploring

their surroundings and learning new and different things, it doesn’t make them anything less than what they are. They are amazing children discovering the variety the world has to offer and driving their parents crazy along the way.

Both of my beautiful girls, look lovely in pink, but also in shades of blue, black, green and so on. They also love playing with Lego, ball games, dolls, dress ups and cars and trucks! They also love getting outside and playing in the dirt. And I encourage them to do what they want (within reason of course) as I believe it’s up to them to work out what’s fun for them and what isn’t. It shouldn’t matter whether it’s pink, blue or burgundy, has two legs or four wheels or even wings - just let them play and let them be little. It’s not like playing with a

doll is suddenly going to turn a little boy into the opposite gender any more than playing with cars and trucks is going to change little girls.

Let’s face it, they’re going to grow up soon enough anyway. I want my girls to know they can do anything, be anything they want and the world is their oyster.

I would hope they don’t let any gender stereotypes stop them from living their lives to the fullest. They can even love pink if they really want to - I promise I won’t hold it against them (haha!).

I swear being a mum is like a permanent ride on a roller coaster, head on over to shereeechlin.com for more tales of parenting fun, fails and frivolity. Until next time, remember to always smile at your kids, if anything it keeps them guessing!

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THE GB POCKIT; THE ONLY STROLLER TO TAKE ON YOUR TRAVELS

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PRODUCT REVIEW

his set of wheels is a game changer for frequent flyers! Named the world’s most compact stroller by the 2014 Guinness Book of Records, this little beauty will change your life when travelling!

T

in design with quality fabric that’s easy to clean. Available in three stylish colours including; Monument Black, Sea Port Blue and Capri Blue, the GB Pockit caters for everyone.

RECORD BREAKING SIZE When folded, the GB Pockit is the smallest and most compact buggy currently available in the market, measuring just 300 x 180 x 350 mm to be exact! Want more?

The GB Pockit weighs a tiny four kilos and can be stowed easily in an overhead locker, plus it was designed to fit in your handbag – a mum’s dream!

The GB Pockit is popular amongst frequent travellers and celebrities, due to its sophisticated design and considered functionality. The fresh GB Pockit style ensures there is no compromise between fashion and functionality.

THE FOLD Folding the Pockit is seamless. With buttons on the handles, the pram is easily converted from stroller to compact in seconds. Its lightweight features mean you can take the GB Pockit everywhere. Great for a quick trip to the shops, a road trip vacay and perfect for taking on a plane – waiting for your stroller at baggage collection is a thing of the past!

WHERE TO PURCHASE The GB Pockit is available for $329.99 from Toys R Us, David Jones and Baby Mode or from Australian distributor, CNP Brands www. cnpbrands.com.au For more information follow GB on social media @cnp_baby on Insta gram or CNP Brands on Facebook. #GBPockit #ShowYourFold

FEATURES The cleverly designed, compact fold uses the 2x2 D technique. This means, that in only two steps the buggy becomes a compact and feather light handbag shaped package, great for parents on the move and practical and easy to stow away. The Pockit boasts a comfortable padded seat, removable and washable fabrics, under seat storage basket, large sun canopy and lockable swivel wheels. Suitable for children aged six months to 4 years of age and holding up to 17 kilograms.

GOOD LOOKING Not only does this stroller get the tick of approval for functionality, the GB Pockit looks great too! It’s parent and kid friendly

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Blue Sheets and Orange underwear Written by Lisa Cibich Now, I am not a writer and I’ve had minimal training in writing narrative pieces, but this feels like the best way to tell a story about a short bump in the road, when really the desire was to have my own bump, a baby bump.

Bumps in the road can be taken in many ways, fast and inflight, dealing with the consequences after.

Slow and steady, approaching the bump and steadily going over the top nice and easy. Sometime there’s the little of both.

This to a certain point, this describes my journey to have a child; and at the time I felt physically broken, emotionally unstable and unable to fill the void of emptiness.

After numerous conversations, my darling husband and I believed it was time to start a family; we were free of upcoming events, had no overseas trips organised, I was happy to give up alcohol and have a break from work and the desire to have our little baby was pulling at me strongly.

So, I stopped taking the pill, started getting healthy, taking folate as well as all other forms of supplements. Why on earth did I think that in the first month of unprotected love making, that we would be pregnant is beyond me, it’s such a naïve way of thinking. I’ve read all the

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books and blogs and knew the chances were small of this happening, but it didn’t stop me thinking that I would be different. It probably has to do with my upbringing? I grew up in a community in which unprotected sex before marriage would usually lead to pregnancy!

Now, as a married woman and it being socially acceptable to do the nasty, why wasn’t I falling pregnant?

Three months passed by, I was monitoring my ovulation times, had sore boobs, was spotting and excited by all these symptoms that were signs of pregnancy. Then comes Day 28 of your cycle, secretly you are wishing that little bit of spotting is ‘implantation bleeding’ until the next day you get a full period and all that excitement fades into disappointment.

Generally, there is no need to see a doctor until 12 months of actively trying has not resulted in pregnancy. One Saturday morning, I’m out and about and see these ovulation kits, well let’s give these a shot. They are marketed as the holy grail of helping you get pregnant by pinpointing your exact ovulation day, it sounds simple enough and just like anything to do with getting pregnant and being pregnant, you are required to pee.

After buying the kit, I read the instructions and follow them to a tee. From Day 10 to Day 16 of my cycle I had to pee on a stick, if a smiley face came up, I knew today was the

REAL READ

day, so go for it! We did as instructed and then did some more…. But then Day 28 came along and so did my period.

The more internet research I did, the more I learned about how crucial ‘ovulation’ is. I learnt how long it lasts for and what it can feel and look like. Like anything to do with a woman’s body, it usually involves some sort of cramping, sticky discharge and mood swings as well as the urge to mate, which really is so primal and animal like!

One month the ovulation kit didn’t show any smiley faces! The signs were all there though, so I decided to track my cycle. This included taking my temperature each morning and recording that down and plotting a graph, which really appealed to me being a Maths teacher. After two months of tracking and seeing my temperature drop at around Day 28 I knew I was going to be expecting my period to visit shortly.

Coming up to 9 months of trying and the concern and strain is starting to show. My husband gets tested and his results come back normal and healthy. It must be me. So, we get a referral to a gynaecologist with accompanying blood tests.

The same old questions, are you regular?

Have you ever been pregnant? Etc. I was sent for more testing and they found was the left fallopian tube seemed to be blocked.

Sitting back in gynaecologist’s rooms with all test results in front, we hear what I call now the ‘triple threat’: 1. You have low egg count (cause unknown), 2. A blocked fallopian tube and, 3. Endometriosis.

Next step - time for a laparoscopy. It’s a routine key hole day surgery, with about 4 days of recovery.

I woke up from surgery to a searing pain in my stomach and the strongest need to go to

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the toilet. The relief when I let myself pee is amazing, except when I see a blood soaked pad…oh the dignity… A nurse helps me get dressed, places me on a recliner and gives me something to eat; but I am too tired so I just close my eyes. I hear the voices, I feel prodding and my pulse is being taken for what seems like the 10th time. They do a blood pressure test and then the panic sets in for the nurses. The resident doctor comes in and wakes me and says that they are not happy with my pulse and blood pressure and my lack of consciousness and want to do an ECG, by this time I hear my husband coming in and not long after that my sister who is on the phone to my mum telling her to grab my pyjamas as I am staying in overnight.

WHAT?…WHY? A nurse explains that during the surgery when they tried to put dye through my fallopian tubes; apparently my body reacted and the anaesthetist had to give me more anaesthetic and in doing so I was completely out of it. My body was reacting to the anaesthetic causing low blood pressure and a weak pulse so I would be spending the night in hospital.

I was wheeled into a room, a twin room with an old woman suffering from dementia, this was not ideal! I close my eyes and open them to see my husband, sister, mum, dad and sister’s boyfriend all staring at me. At least they had brought me food!!

My gynaecologist rings me, now it is at this time I should tell you that my husband had spoken to the gynaecologist the previous day and he interpreted that the surgery went well, they were able to remove the endometriosis and they unblocked the left fallopian tube and all was good. No, No husband, that’s not what she said! She said, “there was a lot of endometriosis and they were able to remove it but the left fallopian tube was blocked and they didn’t want to try and unblock it in case they caused more scar tissue which could cause even more damage” so I ask her the question,” what are my chances for falling pregnant”, she says that when I come into

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her offices in two weeks’ time she will refer me to a fertility clinic to begin IVF treatment.

The tears flowed, the dreaded acronym that I didn’t want to hear sounded just as bad as RIP. Hope is an amazing thing, or do we mix hope up with want? or do they just go hand in hand? ‘We hope for what we want’. There was obviously still a small chance that we could conceive naturally, so between the recovery of the laparoscopy and beginning treatment for IVF, I began Acupuncture and visited a lovely South American man as recommended by a friend. In his presence, you couldn’t help but feel calm, relaxed and positive. He used the best Chinese medicine to get the body ready to have a baby. Not only did this include feeling like a pin cushion, but also involved some chicken broth soup with Goji berries amongst other ingredients and homeopathic treatments of salts and vitamins to help the body. So, with all of this plus the temperature taking and the bedroom stuff, there was still no sign of a baby!!

I was starting to worry about whether they would be able to extract any eggs, if not we had to think about whether we then turned to my sister or an unknown donor for an egg or eggs. Then came the explanation for the hormone injections that I needed to take each day for two weeks at approximately the same time. I was teary but the nurse stopped me and reminded me that many women have to do this and it was not a time to start crying but to be strong and make a baby. After working out days of my cycle, we went home and waited for Day 1 to come along so I could begin the injection process.

This is where the blue sheets and orange underwear come in! Old Wives Tales are those useful tidbits in getting a stain out of a white blouse, or not crying whilst cutting onions or making love after eating lemons to ensure a baby girl is conceived. It’s amazing what you find on the internet, there was even the farfetched wives tales in trying to get pregnant that included sleeping with your husband on blue sheets and wearing orange underwear! I had hit rock bottom, guess what I did… I went out and bought a beautiful baby blue sheet and new vibrant orange underpants, which I wore on our first visit to the fertility clinic.

The first injection I iced my tummy and I injected myself. This same routine was repeated each night; some nights were easy and others I held the injection close and it would take all my strength to push it in. My husband offered to do it for me but I wanted to do it, almost like if I did this I could do anything! About 10 days later I returned for a blood test and an ultrasound to see if any follicles were present that could then be removed, yes there was and two days later we were back for my operation or egg extraction. While I was under getting my eggs extracted, my husband to a certain point was going to ‘enjoy’ himself as we need his deposit! In what felt like no time at all, I was lying in recovery. I straight away looked at my hand and saw the number 3. This meant that they were able to extract 3 eggs; I was crying and a nurse came up to me and was trying to console me, I told her “these are happy tears, I was just hoping for one”. My husband came in and hugged me, we were happy with the 3 eggs although he was looking sheepish almost ashamed at what he had just done and enjoyed. But hey, this is what we had to do to get our first baby!

We went to the fertility clinic with heavy hearts. We meet with a professor and he was great and went through all my notes and then explained what we would be doing. It was information overload, but my confidence was growing, however it only lasted a short time.

Upon returning home we received a phone call from the embryologist who said that they had successfully fertilised two eggs and we had two embryos growing! Wow what a thought, we had two babies growing!! Two days later we returned to the clinic for the

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implantation. We were in the implantation room, my husband next to me, I am lying on a bed with my legs up in the air, a vaginal ultrasound taking place for the ‘professor’ to find the best spot to place the embryo; the embryologist had shown us a photo of our embryo, they had chosen this one out of the two as this embryo had eaten faster than the other one; the other one had been frozen. We decided to call this embryo the one living in the freezer! Back to implantation and the professor picked up this tool that contains our embryo, on a screen we were able to watch the embryo being placed inside close to my uterine wall; it’s there!! I finally have an embryo inside of me! The hope was the embryo would attach to the wall and begin to multiply just the same as if it would happen naturally! We then went home and I stayed on the couch almost too scared to stand up and walk , like it may fall out!!

Thus, began the TWW, another acronym used by many bloggers. TWW was the Two Week Wait. During the two week wait, you were to carry on as normal, eating well, drinking well, taking the vitamins, exercising and praying that no period would come! It was now November and a Monday morning, I woke up and felt funny, almost like a period was coming, I had cramping and spotting and I was so sad, it hadn’t worked. My blood test was going to be on Wednesday unless a full period came before. Monday mid-morning we rang the fertility clinic and told them what was a happening, the nurse said that it could just be spotting and nothing else but I had to wait it out. Tuesday came and no period yet, so that bit of hope was creeping back in. I felt like a crazy woman as every time I went to the toilet, I was going on the hour, I was checking my underpants praying “please no blood please no blood”. Wednesday morning finally arrived and we were back at the clinic for the blood test. The nurse seemed very positive but I was refusing to smile. The night before I had been at the acupuncturist who as usual checked my pulse, tongue and eyes and he turned to me in his gentle way and

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said he felt a baby pulse. I didn’t tell anyone this; I was not going to let myself believe this just in case there was no pregnancy.

After the blood test, my husband and I return to work; I was in a meeting with our Deputy Principal when my husband came and knocked on the door I walked out and he said “the nurse just called and the test was positive, so its ok, it worked you are pregnant and we are having a baby”. I was in shock nodded and walked back into the office, finished my meeting. By this time it was recess so my husband and I found an empty classroom and spent the most part of recess calling the family. They were overjoyed and cried as they too without me realising had also been on this journey; keeping faith, hope and encouraging us to go on. Part of me was just relieved that there was not going to be anymore internal vaginal ultrasounds as down there had more contact with that wand in the past three months than my husband, a slight exaggeration!

At 7 weeks pregnant, we returned to the clinic and they asked how I was feeling? I said I was feeling great but just so tired. They said that tired was a good sign that as the pregnancy was continuing I might start to feel sick, uh oh I was worried. Little did I know that I was having another vaginal ultrasound, to look for the baby and see and hear a heartbeat.

So, I proceeded yet again to get on the bed, legs in the hair and husband next to me and together we watched the monitor and saw our little baby with a strong heartbeat. The joy was just shocking despite the position I was in!! After the ultrasound and our pictures in hand, I had to have more blood tests, by this stage it didn’t hurt anymore and I watched my blood travel into the tubes! The next day I woke up and threw up, what a great feeling!

Three years and nine months later, our daughter is about to turning three and can’t believe where that time has gone. When our daughter was 10months old, she didn’t want to be breast fed anymore and I thought ok, onto the formula, I was happy. It was around

this time that I was awaiting my needless period which never came. Panic set in, was I going through premature menopause?

I had diagnosed myself and with all my reproductive problems that could be the answer. This was strange for me, apart from the 9 months of pregnancy and then the first 5 months of my daughter being born, I had always had a period every 28-32days since September 22nd 1995.

About a week later, my husband and I discuss that I take a pregnancy test, it came back negative, so after another couple of days, I decided to make an appointment to see the doctor. The night before my doctor’s appointment, I took another pregnancy test just to rule it out, it came back positive. In just one session that month, my husband had knocked me up, wow my body does work, I am a normal human woman capable of getting pregnant, I was crying. We were going to have two kids under two, I was going to get fat again. The waves of emotions were ridiculous, I had come to terms that I needed help getting pregnant that we had another baby in the freezer that we were paying rent for and we wanted to implant that baby later that year. Why had I still not realised that nothing goes according to plan!!

Went to the doctors and all confirmed, and within 12 months I was back to the obstetrician with pretty much an accidental pregnancy, although there is nothing mistaking our precious son born 8 months later, he is a beautiful soul.

Cutting a very long story short, we will use our freezer baby soon, I just need to find myself again under all the poo, wee, spew, dirty clothes, laughter, cuddles, kisses, unconditional love and joy. The blue sheets and orange underwear must have worked eventually; and it is at this time that I think of those couples in the waiting room with me and the many other people I have spoken to trying to have children, wanting to expect and I hope that they have been successful and found happiness in their lives as I have.

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DAD READ

How to Get Your Kids to Love Things You Love!

Written by Olivia Arrow It may sound simple, but getting your kids to love the thing you do can be a challenge. You might be a Bookworm, love doing Handy Man stuff or if you’re like my husband, a soccer fanatic which he prefers to refer to as Football. He’d love to try and get the whole family to share in this passion of his, but honestly, he hasn’t got chance with me. Surprisingly though, he has been successful in sharing his passion with our 2-year-old daughter and more amazingly, she seems to actually love it.

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It’s been magical watching them bond over an interest that he loves. I never thought he’d be able to do it as she is so young, but he has. So how did he do this you ask? It took time and persistence. He made it fun for not only her but for himself too.

So this is what I’ve learned watching my hubby getting our daughter to be a Chelsea supporter!

MAKE IT CHILD FRIENDLY AND FUN! You’ll have to compromise, you can’t expect your child to immediately love an adult activity. Find ways to put a kiddy spin on the things you love so that your child can grow to love it too.

If you want to get them into reading for example, choose books that are engaging.

Use vocal expression as well as gesture when reading stories and before you know it they will be begging you to read to them regularly. As time pass and they grow up a little, you’ll be able to navigate towards books that you’ll enjoy as much as them.

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Another example, if you love gardening and have a veggie patch, why not start with allowing you child to dig up the dirt in a planter box while you work on another.

Little ones have short attention spans and you’ll want to keep them engaged, make sure that you have a watering can nearby so once they have had enough of digging, they can learn about watering the veggie patch. It might be a messy exercise, but in the end, they’ll love going out into the garden to help you out.

TAKE THEM TO A PLACE WHERE OTHERS SHARE YOUR PASSION. If it’s sports that you love, why not take your child to a sporting event. Now don’t start by taking the to the finals at a stadium, you might scare them off for life. Start small and find out where your local club plays.

Take them to see a game on the weekend as it won’t be too overwhelming with noise levels, but they will definitely experience the excitement in the atmosphere. Start talking them through the game rules and more importantly teach them the importance of screaming “GOAL” when the team scores.

BE PERSISTENT Don’t give up. In the early days, it may all seem a little too hard, but if you really want to get your child to love the things you love, you have to be persistent.

If you’re the handy type and you’re trying to get your child into this, you might provide them with a toy hammer to finish off hammering in that nail on the side of the box (wink wink).

If they seem to lose interest quickly and aren’t really getting into it, why not give them a paint brush with kids paint and a piece of wood that they can paint on their own.

Remember, if a certain way you are trying to introduce something that you love to your child life isn’t working, then keep trying different ways until you have found a way that works. In most cases, eventually something clicks and all of a sudden you have a best buddie that will love spending time with you in the garden, watching a game, reading a book or doing handy chores.

Getting them involved is half the struggle, my hubby has spent countless hours with our daughter kicking the soccer ball around the yard, at the park and even in the house when they think they can get away with it. He did this for months and then started watching games with her, he’s even managed to get her to sit through a least one 90 min game this season (Yep - the whole game) and she is only 2! He has been incredibly patient spending time with our child and sharing his love of soccer.

I hear him to her all the rules as the game is playing and I am pretty sure it’s goes over her head, but when they both scream “GOAL” and clap and laugh together, I know his time and efforts have paid off.

Whatever it is, getting your child to love the things you love takes a bit of work, but if you break it down into something fun, it can be done. Persistent is necessary and key, if you stick to these tips, you might find it surprisingly easy to get your child to love the things you love.

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JetKids BedBox® The Ultimate Must Have for Children Travelling hostess has come over to check if there is something they can do to assist you in settling your child down so that the other passengers can enjoy their flight.

If you’ve experienced any of these situations, it can be overwhelming and the stress that it can bring is so great that it can ultimately put you off flying economy with your younger children altogether.

T

ravelling with your family is supposed to be a joyous occasion. You are going away on an adventure where you will build new memories to last a lifetime. However, if you’ve travelled with your younger children in economy class for long haul flights, you know that the moment they get tired and can’t get comfortable, melt downs are inevitably around the corner. I bet if you’ve been in this situation you have experienced one of the following things: • Your child has somehow managed to get you to squish yourself in the tiniest of spaces and somehow has taken up most of your seat • Your child has sprawled themselves all over you, resulting in having the first worst flight of your life - with many more to follow.

• Or every parent’s worst nightmare: your child has had a ma jor meltdown on the flight, disturbed the whole plane and every

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Well, don’t be put off just yet! A Norwegian couple who are parents to 3 kids and travel frequently with their children, also experience terrible flights and decided to do something about it. After numerous attempts to find the perfect solution, they ended up designing the JetKids BedBox®. Any parent with a child up

PRODUCT REVIEW

to 7 years should seriously make sure that they have this flying necessity. I swear, it’s a complete game changer for parents and children alike and will dissipate any fears you have of travelling with the kids on long haul flights.

The BedBox® can be easily stored under your seat for take-off and landing, and it only gets better once you’re cruising at altitude.

Setting up the bed/leg rest is super easy and convenient and it’s when you’ll actually fall in love with this product.

The product itself is almost too good to be true. It has been designed and made within the dimension of carry-on hand luggage, meaning you’ll be able to take it on the plane.

This little suitcase has so many amazing features, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s your child’s hand luggage, a ride-on suitcase and most importantly, it’s a bed/leg rest, all in the same box. It also has enough room inside that you can store all the essentials in this amazing little box. I managed to squeeze in a change of clothes as well as a onesie, Mr Bear, 2 books, the iPad, a bottle and snacks.

Simply place the BedBox® between your child’s seat and the passenger’s seat in front.

Take off the lid and grab the mattress and then place the lid back on but upside down and adjust to the right height. Use the straps to secure the case to the aircraft seat, then you can pull out the extension plate towards your child’s seat so that it rests there. Roll out the mattress and then place the side cushions below the armrest and MAGIC - you have a bed/leg rest.

I’ve travelled with my child since she was a baby and have to admit, it was a dream.

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She was able to use the crib and was well rested when we reached our destinations.

The thought of doing a 9-hour flight with a toddler just seemed unrealistic. I’ve heard all the horror stories of how a well-planned holiday was thrown into chaos all because a child was tired and grumpy and couldn’t get comfortable on an economy seat and business class for a family of 4 is just not an option at this stage for us, so when I was told that I would be reviewing the BedBox®, I was a little sceptical. But I have to admit that all my fears were just that: fears. The BedBox® is so easy to use and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this necessary travel accessory.

It solved so many of our problems with its ability to be ride on, a storage solution and a bed/leg rest. My little one had a good 6-hour sleep and it honestly was a pleasure to travel sitting right next to her. When she woke, I was able to take her for a walk and then pop her back on her seat with her legs position horizontally and she was exceptional for the remainder of the trip. I would have liked to have stolen her BedBox® for myself and wish this product was made for adults too.

HERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE BEST FEATURES OF THE JETKIDS BEDBOX® • Suitable for children up to approximately 7 years of age.

• Easy installation • 20 litre volume gives enough storage for favourite items.

• Weight only 3kg including mattress • The leg rest feature can be used for children all the way up to approximately 5-6 years • The ride on suitcase can be used from when they are able to sit safely on their own, and all the way up to approximately 7 years.

• Swivel wheels in front allows excellent manoeuvring • Washable mattress (Hand wash & air dry) • Universal, and fits most standard economy seats • Dimensions (LxWxH): 46cm x 20cm x 36cm

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• Maximum user weight: 35 kg And the Bad, if you can call it that!

• Cannot be to be used during taxi, take-off, landing or turbulence!

I would recommend this product to any parent that wants to have a peaceful flight.

It has changed my life forever and it’s the ultimate travel accessory. I will never travel without the BedBox® for long or short haul flights again. The BedBox® allows your child to travel first class for an economy price and that is priceless.

For more information about the JetKids BedBox® visit their website at www.jet-kids. com

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RELATIONSHIP

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Finding your feet with a new baby?

Five tips for new parents.

Written by Genie Price And, they lived happily ever after, right?

For many, the thought of becoming a parent is an exciting, joyous time.

However, with parenting comes less sleep, less time to talk, less time to spend together – and with all of these things often comes a heavy toll on your relationship while you care for your new baby.

In what ways can you manage both – becoming a parent and staying an active partner in your relationship?

Let’s see.

PRIORITISE SLEEP: Renowned psychologists believe that one of the reasons the transition to parenthood is so challenging to new relationships is because, that adorable bundle of joy you call a baby, wreaks havoc on your sleep.

Recent studies indicate that couples who have less sleep - fight more.

Even if you are no longer dealing with night-time waking’s, you are likely to still be suffering from sleep deprivation of some degree.

In turn, this creates adults who are more irritable and hostile, with heightened reactions to various situations – causing communication breakdowns thus, conflict. Sleep is a priority.

You can prioritise sleep by: • Setting a time to go to bed and sticking to it – get yourself into a routine bed time, as this will help your body to establish a consistent and healthy sleep pattern.

• Choose whose turn it will be to get up to bubs each night before you head into bed heaven.

Sharing the responsibility will not only help each of you individually bond with your bubs, but also ensure at least one of you is getting a consolidated amount of sleep on any given night.

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• Leave technology out of the bedroom.

Studies suggest lights from IPad, laptops and mobile phones can decrease the amount of melatonin – the sleep hormone - your body naturally produces to support sleep.

• If you feel sleep deprived, chances are you will most likely toss and turn and not have a restful sleep. Consider, even if only for a night or two, sleeping in a separate bed from your partner so that you don’t disturb your partners sleep.

For many, it’s difficult to prioritise sleep. It’s hard to leave the dishes unwashed and the living room strewn with toys, but it is worth it. Everything is easier and better if you’re facing the day fully rested.

TALK ABOUT YOUR FAMILY VALUES: Imagine being so excited about bringing your new addition into the world with someone you considered to be the love of your life- only to later find – your parenting ideas, beliefs and values are completely different.

This can happen and can be quite challenging when it does occur. As a couple, you should sit down and discuss the practical side of things surrounding your values and beliefs.

As trivial as it sounds, being open about your parenting expectations from the get go - is more beneficial to the health and well-being of the relationship in the long term.

Things to consider: • Will your baby have God parents? If so, who?

• If you have a boy, will he be circumcised?

• What are your agreed sleeping arrangements? Baby in bedroom, cosleeping?

• Will your baby be baptised/christened?

Asking these valuable questions will lead to

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a successful foundation to your relationship and ensure, later down the track - there will be no surprises.

COMMUNICATE WELL AND LISTEN: That’s right. Your partner isn’t a mind reader!

So, why should you expect he or she to know how you feel and what you are thinking?

You can’t and you shouldn’t.

The best foundations are built on relationships where there is trust, good listening and open communication.

Try these techniques: • Be honest – even if you think you might lose brownie points with your significant other, being honest is the only way to be.

• Stop what you are doing when your partner is talking and give them your full attention.

• If you have to, make notes and jot things down so you don’t forget anything important that was discussed.

• Encourage your partner to talk openly, validate their feelings and ask open

ended questions such as “What do you think about?”… “How would you feel if?”…

MAKE SOME TIME AS A COUPLE: This is by far, one of the biggest qualms a new family, even the more mature couples with babies – face. They don’t have enough or make enough time to be a couple.

Remember when you first met? It was just the two of you? That’s right. So why should that stop now that you have become three.

Even with the new addition, there are ways to make time for the two of you.

Here’s how: • Allow your baby to develop a relationship with someone other than yourselves.

This will help your baby to separate from you comfortably on date nights or other “couples” events.

• Write a date/event/activity on a calendar so you can both see this as an important event – and ensure you follow this through.

• Send an email invitation to your partner requesting their presence on a specific date and set a reminder so you don’t forget.

• Use your initiative to plan the babysitter without being prompted to do so.

• And, if your partner does not want to leave the house – improvise. Prepare a home cooked meal and stay in and cuddle on the couch, watch movies, enjoy a shower together or even pizza and beer – whatever you fancy.

Spending time together should be made a priority – right up there with sleep.

APPRECIATE EACH OTHER: Who doesn’t love to feel appreciated?

Appreciation is an essential human need.

We respond to appreciation positively, because it confirms we are valued. This is the same within a relationship. When we feel that our partner values us and our contributions - satisfaction rises, and we become more motivated to maintain or improve within these areas.

For some, appreciation may mean something as simple as saying “thank you”.

However, there are other ways to show your appreciation also, such as: • Tell your partner face to face how much they mean to you • Show them you appreciate them by making time to spend with them • Buy your partner a voucher to their favourite store • Spoil you partner by cooking their favourite meal • Buy your partner something nice and write them a thankyou note or card Becoming a new family can be challenging.

Surviving those first few weeks, months and years is another one in itself. Every couple works differently, so do what works for you, your partner and your new baby.

The rewards you reap from what you sow, will remain long after.

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PRODUCT REVIEW

WHEN NAPPY MEETS PANTS Do you remember the days when you could change your little one’s nappy and it was a joy! They would lay there and giggle while you lovingly played silly faces and made cute little noises to keep them entertained and a minute job actually took a minute! Well fast forward 8 months or so and if you’re like most parents, changing a nappy can be a 15-minute ordeal. Getting it off is the easy part, cleaning them up, well that can be messier than the deed itself and then try putting a nappy back on, this is something I know we wish we could just skip. This ritual can honestly give you a workout you didn’t ask for.

Until now, most parents have just suffered in silence when it comes to nappy changing.

When given the opportunity to let an unsuspecting family member carry out the chore, we get to sit back and have a front row seat and see how ridiculous we must look when doing the same exact thing. So how can you possibly make a job this frustrating easier?

Actually, it’s kind of simple. Try the BabyLove Nappy Pants.

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What are BabyLove Nappy Pants you ask?

In a nutshell, these amazing nappy pants are the perfect combination of a nappy and underwear. They have been designed to make change time quick and easy with no tabs to struggle with and the tearable side seams allow for quick and easy removal.

They have a soft 360° stretchy waistband that flexes to fit your baby’s body, allowing you to pull up the pants quickly and easily, while your baby is standing, or wriggling, or dancing!

Like all BabyLove products, the Nappy Pants are also fitted with the innovative DriWave™ layer.

This DriWave™ layer absorbs instantly, actively drawing liquid from the nappy surface to keep your baby’s delicate skin dry. The soft, wavy sheet is designed to minimise skin contact, reducing the risk of irritation and provides an ultra-soft, dry layer between baby and mess.

With 12 hour protection and same superior absorbency of a nappy, BabyLove Nappy

Pants are perfect for day and night time use.

My Child Magazine everyday mum’s reviewed the BabyLove Nappy Pants and we loved what they had to say about them; “To be honest, upon receiving the nappy pants I was a little worried, as they felt a bit thinner than the tab-type nappies we’re used to. My daughter sleeps through the night and usually wakes up with a full/wet nappy, so I was sceptical as to whether they’d last a full night. This worry was unfounded, as the nappy pants easily contained a full night’s urine without leaking at all. They performed just as well during the day, holding in even the sloppiest, stickiest poos my daughter could muster. I think that the double gathers around the legs really help with containment. One thing I particularly liked was that there were no strong odours when the nappy was full of urine - some nappies really stink when wet, but this wasn’t the case with the BabyLove Nappy Pants.”

“I never thought my baby was about to grow into such a big wriggly and stubborn toddler.

He has just turned 19 months and weighs close to 14kg. For some unknown reason, I was also foolishly expecting him to enjoy nappy changing time as a part of our special bonding time…and boy I was wrong!

The constant chasing and screaming when it came down to it made it really stressful. I guess I should be grateful that my baby boy loves his water, but he is literally downing it before bed time and we have to deal with stress of having to change him and all of them bedsheets again through the night, all due to the enormous water intake and leaking nappies.

I’m happy to say that there was definitely a huge improvement, we never had a wet night during trialling.

I most definitely will be using these again. Not only are these nappy pants great for our son now, the advantages they offer make it a good reason to buy the nappy pants for our future baby” “The waistband is really stretchy, and the 360 degree stretch all the way around the nappy gives a snug fit without cutting into the skin. The seam is quite strong, so no fear of any tearing down the side until you’re ready to take it off.

It does take a little bit of force to rip the seam (which I found was better than simply pulling the nappy off, particularly if it contained one of those dreaded smeared-all-over-the-bum poos!), but I’d rather that than worrying that the nappy would come undone on its own.

I loved the fact that the design was gender neutral, and that they labelled the back, as each side looked the same to me! Also, writing the size on the actual nappy was a great idea, so you know exactly what size the nappy is, even if it isn’t kept in the original packaging.

This is particularly useful if, like me, you keep the ends of your open packets to give to friends (or for your next child!).

Overall, I was extremely happy with BabyLove Nappy Pants.”

So if you are like most of us that want to make your life easier, why not try the BabyLove Nappy Pants! You can get more information and a free sample by simply visiting their website at: www.babylovenappies.com.au.

Wake up. Cry. Change bed sheets and clothes.

The above was driving us mad so we were ecstatic when given the chance to try out the toddler Babylove nappy pants.

On the first day, we decided to go out for a lovely breakfast. A few hours later, after lots of drinking, eating and running around in circles we decided to check his nappy pants. To our delight the nappy was full and his clothes were completely dry. The real test was at Night, and

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Vintage Floral Burnt Orange Bomber Jacket (RRP $66), Black Hakuna Matata ($32) & Mocha Ro Lightweight Sundress Leggings (RRP $34) with Smocked Neckline (rrp $49.95) 80

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FASHION

Sun Sea & Safe Platypus Australia

oar

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< Surf Abstract Swim Short with Drawstring Waist (rrp 54.95) > Tribal Flounce Bikini & Capped Sleeve One Piece (59.95)

Crab Crawl Baby Long Sleeve All-in-One Sunsuit (RRP $56.95)

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Beach Scene Cropped Rash Guard with Drawstring Bikini Shorts (RRP $49.95)

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Beach Scene Sun Jacket Long Sleeve, Cross Over Bikini; Leggings (rrp $54.95 - $59.95)

Flamingo Dance Baby Short Sleeve All-in-One Sunsuit (rrp $59.95)

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Vintage Floral Baby Long Sleeve All-in-One Sunskirt (rrp $59.95)

Eyelet Cover Up with Empire Waist (rrp $64.95)

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Vintage Floral Tank Top and Kini Bottom with Frill - (rrp $52.95)

Swim Shorts with Drawstring Waist (rrp $49.95 - $54.95)

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Maritime Baby Short Sleeve All-in-One Sunsuit (rrp $56.95)

www.platypusaustralia.com september 2017 | mychild

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KIDS

fashion

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KIDS 30

UNDER

WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BABY

Zoe Flutter Short Sleeve Tee - Essential Pink $16.95 rrp Mini Legging - Cloud Marle/Happy Land $14.95 rrp First-Walker Elke Mini Tennis Trainer $29.95 rrp COTTON ON

$

60 UNDER

GIRLS

Straw Trilby $6.00 rrp Shirt Dress $12.00 rrp Twin Gusset Boots $12.00 rrp KMART

Bebe by Minihaha: Girls Ariana Dress $49.95 rrp Ralph Lauren: Koni Shoe Light Grey/Pink $59.95 rrp DAVID JONES

Lace Dress $44.99 rrp Clarks: Posey $59.95 rrp Origami: Bolero Shrug Cardigan $44.95 rrp H&M

$

SPLURGE

Dolce & Gabbana:Mini Me rose print dress and bloomers $415.00 rrp Gucci: Leather sandals with fringes $413.00 MELIJOE.COM.AU

Dolce & Gabbana: Rose Print T-shirt $325.00 rrp Dolce & Gabbana: Printed skort $325.00 rrp Burberry Patent Leather flats $386.00 rrp MELIJOE.COM.AU

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shop

KIDS

WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BABY

BOYS Placement Print Tee $4.50 rrp Woven Pants $10.00 rrp KMART

30

UNDER

Baby Barrett Prewalker Boat Shoes $15.00 rrp

$

TARGET

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Short Sleeve T-Shirt $10.00 rrp Cuffed Fashion Trackpants $12.00 rrp Halter Junior Casual Joggers $15.00 rrp TARGET

Bomber Jacket $39.99 rrp Super Soft Denim Joggers $39.99 rrp Printed Trainers $39.99 rrp

Indie Kids by Industrie: Biker Drifter $59.95 rrp Fox & Finch: Zoology Zebra Tee $19.95 rrp Bobux: Step Up Explorer City Boys $44.95 rrp

60 UNDER

$

H&M

MYER

SPLURGE Classic T-shirt Gucci Heather Grey $390.00 rrp Gucci Short Embroidered Overalls $428.00 rrp MELIJOE.COM

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Gucci: Embroidered Hoodie $470.00 rrp Gucci: Boy Loose Jeans $390.00 rrp MELIJOE.COM

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INTERIORS

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GET THE LOOK:

interiors Leah Shannon is a designer and owner of Parade and Company, a lifestyle brand specialising in decor for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooms. She has 15+ years experience in design and a passion for creating childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spaces that inspire, educate and spark the imagination.

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Leather Strap Shelf Interior Motives $65.00 rrp immyandindi.com.au

Mirror $229.00 rrp thefamilylovetree.com.au

Throw Blanket $59.00 rrp norsu.com.au

Wallpaper $40.00+ rrp chasingpaper.com

Changing Pad Cover $58.00 rrp etsy.com/ bygeorgebabyboutique Campaign Dresser $1,700.00+ rrp potterybarn.com.au Cot Sheet $85.00+ rrp etsy.com/woolfwithme

Hudson Cot Babyletto $699.00 rrp designkids.com.au

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Black Mudcloth Pillow $95.00 rrp etsy.com/maewoven

Rug - Armadillo & Co $950.00+ rrp norsu.com.au

Credit: Bri Moysa, www.emersongreydesigns.com

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Credit: Nicole Blackmon, @sweet_domicile

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Map $49.00+ rrp grafomap.com Tassel Wall Hanging $75.00 rrp etsy.com/flocktails

Shadow Box $160.00 rrp etsy.com/senkki Bedside Table $29.99 rrp ikea.com.au

Marquee Letter $129.00 rrp littleletterlights.com

Relax Pillow $39.00 rrp paradeandcompany.com

Bed $900.00 rrp thelandofnod.com

Duvet Cover s $129.00 rrp westelm.com.au

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TOY

Reviews

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TOYS

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TOY

Reviews

REVIEWED BY APRIL DAVIS UNO

5/5

Now with customisable wild cards – Uno just got even more fun! You can match the colours or numbers, write any house rule you like on the new customisable cards or play the ‘swap hands’ card to change hands with any opponent.

Our verdict Talk about the perfect way to spend a rainy day, or a lazy night in. This classic, family favourite is suitable for groups of two to ten people. This card game has stood the test of time for a reason – it’s a lot of fun!

RRP $10.99 – AVAILABLE FROM: BIG W, TARGET, MYER, KMART, TOYS R US, AND LEADING TOY SPECIALISTS

THE AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION HAND PUPPET – KANGAROO AND KOALA Cute and fluffy, Independent Studios collection of Australian hand puppets, which include adorable kangaroo and koala varieties pay homage to Australia’s rich history and native animal species.

Our verdict These puppets are a fun way to teach your children about Australia’s native species in a warm, loving environment. Put on a show for your little ones, or have them plan their own little play. Either way, these puppets will bring to life their favourite Australian animals.

Lucas RRP $14.99 – AVAILABLE FROM BALLARATTOYWORLD.COM.AU 102

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My brother really likes kangaroos because they bounce around, but I prefer koalas because my mummy showed me old videos of Blinky Bill. She helped us make our theatre of a box and we had a puppet show, but my brother mostly just laughed the whole time!

4/5

childs FROM A VIEW

4/5

ODELL OCTOPUS Another beautiful Jellycat design, with the same soft, plushy feel that this popular toy brand is renowned for, plus eight curly tentacles that make for eight times the fun.

Our Verdict There’s plenty to love about a cuddly Jellycat toy. While they don’t offer much in terms of interactivity, they do appeal to a child’s imagination and make the perfect bedtime companion.

RRP $69.95- AVAILABLE FROM: PEEKABOOBABY.COM.AU

BARBIE FULLY-FURNISHED TWOSTOREY HOUSE Calling all Barbie lovers, this cute doll house comes complete with four furnished rooms, with a total width of 76cm. In true Barbie fashion, the whole house is brightly decorated and makes playing house so much easier.

Our verdict A doll is a lot of fun, but with this cute little playhouse, your child with have a lot more fun with their favourite Barbie.

Kids love playing make believe, and playing with this house will give them an insight into home life and how helping out around the home doesn’t have to be a chore.

RRP $49.99 – AVAILABLE FROM BIG W, TARGET, MYER, TOYS R US, SOME INDEPENDENTS.

5/5 september 2017 | mychild

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Fast

FOOD

GET THE LITTLE ONES INVOLVED TO HELP CREATE MASTER MEALS USING OUR RECIPES THAT ARE KID FRIENDLY & CAN BE MADE WITH LITTLE EFFORT.

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sourdough with ricotta and banana 0.10 Prep

Servings 2

INGREDIENTS • 4 slices wholemeal sourdough bread, toasted • 115g (1/2 cup) fresh ricotta • 2 bananas, thinly sliced • Ground cinnamon, to sprinkle

METHOD Step 1: Spread the bread with ricotta. Top with banana and sprinkle with cinnamon.

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Photo: Jeremy Davis

buttermilk pancakes with honeycomb butter 0.15 Prep 0.50 Cook

Makes 10

INGREDIENTS • 300g (2 cups) plain flour

• 60g butter, melted

• 3 tsp baking powder

• Pure maple syrup, to serve

• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 2 tbs caster sugar

• Butter, extra, to grease

Honeycomb butter

• 2 eggs

• 150g butter, at room temperature

• 500ml (2 cups) buttermilk

• 15g plain honeycomb, finely chopped

METHOD Step 1: Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan forced.

Sift the flour, baking powder and bicarb into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar. Make a well in the centre. Add the egg and buttermilk. Use a balloon whisk to whisk until almost combined. Whisk in the butter, taking care not to overbeat. (You may still have lumps of flour remaining).

Step 2: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Grease with extra butter. Pour 80ml (1/3 cup) of the batter into the pan. Cook for 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface. Turn and cook for 2 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a baking tray. Cover loosely with foil and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter to make 10 pancakes.

Step 3: For honeycomb butter, use electric beaters to beat the butter in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Stir in the honeycomb.

Step 4: Stack the pancakes on serving plates and top with dollops of whipped butter. Drizzle with maple syrup.

Photo : Al Richardson

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toasted chilli black bean, spinach and cheese tortilla 0.55 Prep 0.05 Cook

Servings 1

INGREDIENTS • 100g rinsed, drained canned black beans or kidney beans • 30g chopped roasted red capsicum (not in oil) • 1 tablespoon fresh ricotta • Hot chilli sauce, to taste, if desired.

• 1 (about 48g) wholegrain tortilla • 20g baby spinach leaves, plus extra, to serve

METHOD Step 1: Place beans in a bowl. Use a fork to coarsely mash. Add the capsicum, ricotta and chilli sauce, if using. Stir to combine.

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Photo: Jeremy Simons september 2017 | mychild

power pesto with spaghetti 0.20 Prep

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves, plus extra leaves, to serve • 40g baby spinach leaves, plus extra, to serve • 40g (1/2 cup) finely grated parmesan, plus extra, to serve • 55g (1/3 cup) pine nuts, toasted, plus extra, to serve • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 80ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, to serve • 375g packet wholemeal spaghetti • 2 large zucchini, cut into long thin matchsticks

METHOD Step 1: Place the basil leaves, spinach, parmesan, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and process until the mixture is finely chopped. With the motor running, add the oil in a slow steady stream until smooth and combined. Season well. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, following the packet directions, until al dente, adding the zucchini for the last 30 seconds of cooking. Drain, reserving 1⁄3 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 3: Return the pasta mixture and reserved cooking liquid to the saucepan. Stir in the pesto.

Toss to combine. Divide among bowls. Drizzle with extra oil and top with the extra basil leaves, spinach, parmesan and pine nuts.

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17-minute one-pan spaghetti bolognaise 0.17 Cook

Servings 4

INGREDIENTS • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • 500g pork and veal mince • 2 tablespoons tomato paste • 125ml (1/2 cup) red wine • 400g jar bolognaise pasta sauce • 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary • 500ml (2 cups) chicken stock • 375g pkt fresh fettuccine • 250ml (1 cup) water • Chopped fresh continental parsley, to serve • Grated parmesan, to serve

METHOD Step 1: Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over high heat. Add the mince. Cook, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon, for 4 minutes or until it changes colour. Season well with salt.

Step 2: Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes or until nearly evaporated. Add the pasta sauce and rosemary. Simmer for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly.

Step 3: Stir in the stock. Add the pasta and pour over the water. Cover and simmer for 2 minutes.

Uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for a further 2-3 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Season with pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley and parmesan.

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Photo: Guy Bailey

light chicken korma 0.15 Prep 0.30 Cook

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

• 2 teaspoons macadamia oil

• 2 carrots, peeled, sliced diagonally

• 500g chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced

• 200g green beans, trimmed, halved

• 2 brown onions, thinly sliced

• 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed, cut into 4cm lengths

• 2 tablespoons korma curry paste • 1 cinnamon stick • 8 cardamom pods, lightly crushed • 1/2 teaspoons saltreduced chicken stock powder

• 70g (1/4 cup) natural yoghurt • 1 tablespoon almond meal • 2 (47g each) roti, warmed and halved, to serve

METHOD

Step 1: Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large saucepan or wok over high heat. Cook chicken, in 2 batches, for 2-3 minutes or until browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan or wok over high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the korma paste, cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until aromatic. Add 250ml (1 cup) water. Stir in the stock powder and carrot.

Return the chicken to the pan. Bring to the boil, then partially cover and reduce the heat to low.

Simmer for 10 minutes or until the carrot is tender.

Step 3: Add the beans and broccolini to the pan.

Simmer for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are just tender. Remove cinnamon stick. Remove from the heat and stir through the yoghurt and almond meal. Serve with roti.

Photo: Jeremy Simons

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chocolate nachos with berry salsa 0.10 Prep 0.15 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 4 soft tortillas • 40g butter, melted • 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar • 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped • 60ml (1/4 cup) thickened cream • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 1/2 tablespoons golden syrup

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes • Double cream or icecream, to serve Berry Salsa • 250g punnet strawberries, hulled, coarsely chopped • 125g punnet raspberries • 1 teaspoon caster sugar

METHOD

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced.

Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper.

Step 2: For the berry salsa, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside to develop the flavours.

Step 3: Brush tortillas with melted butter and place on prepared trays. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and puffed. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Set aside on trays for 5 minutes to cool and crisp.

Step 4: Meanwhile, combine the chocolate, cream, sugar, golden syrup and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave on Medium, stirring halfway, for 1-2 minutes or until smooth and combined. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

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Photo: Jeremy Simons

Step 5: Break the sugared tortillas into crisps.

Place the berry salsa in a serving bowl and arrange the tortilla crisps around the outside.

Top with cream or ice-cream and drizzle over the chocolate sauce.

milo and coco pop parfaits 0.20 Prep

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 300ml thickened cream • 1 tablespoon Nestlé Milo powder, plus extra, to serve • 8 Paradise Cottage Cookies Triple Choc Temptation biscuits, coarsely broken, plus extra, crumbled, to serve • 26g (1/2 cup) Kellogg’s Coco Pops • 4 x 80g tubs Connoisseur Belgian Chocolate Mousse

METHOD Step 1: Use electric beaters to beat cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Add the Milo and gently swirl through the cream.

Step 2: Divide half the biscuit among four 300ml serving glasses. Top with half the cream, half the Coco Pops and half the mousse. Continue layering with remaining biscuit, cream, Coco Pops and mousse. Sprinkle with extra Milo and crumbled biscuit.

ALL RECIPES SOURCED FROM TASTE.COM.AU

Photo: Jeremy Simons

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