Health, Wellbeing & Nutrition
Keeping your child healthy in child care
Child care services and illness go hand-in-hand, this article offers pointers to help parents keep their child healthy and prevent the spread of germs.
Successfully dealing with a child who bites
Biting is common among children in child care, this article explains the reasons why children bite and suggests some techniques to try and stop a child from biting.
Helping your child adjust to child care
Tried and tested strategies for ensuring children make a successful transition to child care, what to expect and how to ease the adjustment process.
Child care and vaccination
With No Jab No Play in effect across Australia it’s important to understand your obligations when it comes to vaccinating children in early childhood services.
Child care and head lice
Head lice and nits are common in child care services, this article outlines tried and tested methods for treating and preventing nits and lice.
Sick days & emergency child care
What to do with your sick child when you have to go to work including emergency and back up care options.
Dealing with severe allergies (anaphylaxis) in child care
Child care for kids with anaphylaxis: How to keep your anaphylactic child safe in child care and how early childhood providers deal with severe allergies.
Nutrition and children in child care
Nutrition is an important factor when choosing an early childhood service, this article offers suggestions on what to look out for.
How to build resilience in your child
Supporting your child's resilience and their ability to cope when things go wrong and to overcome unexpected challenges in their life.
Stress reduction strategies for children in care
Stress reduction and relaxation strategies for families and educators to try when children seem to be overwhelmed and or stressed in a child care setting.
Children's health in child care tool kit
A comprehensive resource to help parents keep their children healthy while they are in child care; covers hygiene, nutrition, bites, bullying, nits and more.
Online health records for your children
An overview of online health records including how they can help parents manage their child’s development, progress and wellbeing.
Bullying in child care
An overview of bullying in child care settings; includes the types of bullying, what to do about it and how to develop an age-appropriate anti-bullying policy.
Protecting your child’s skin in child care
A parent guide to reduce the risk of children developing skin cancer in later life, which suggests simple sun smart measures which can be practiced at home and in care.
Strategies for easing separation anxiety
How to deal with separation anxiety including tips and tricks to help parents and children cope on the first day of child care and in the longer term.
New Year Resolutions - Discussing Exercise With Children
When it comes to New Year Resolutions we can often set ourselves up tasks and be so focussed on them that we forget who is watching. We explore why it's so important to watch how you talk about your health and fitness goals.
Six (real!) steps to squashing stress
There are a myriad of clichés out there and a bunch of self-help methods to managing stress but in the moment, you need practical solutions to a stressful problem. These six steps to squashing stress will help.
Top tips to help you win the sunscreen battle
The sunscreen battle seems never ending and it's often one of the most problematic subjects during the warmer months for parents. So, we have put together some tips, tricks and even games to help you get your children on board with being SunSmart this season.
Tips To Help Older Children Adjust To The Arrival Of A New Baby | Careforkids.com.au
The joy generated with the arrival of a new baby isn’t always shared with their older siblings. We have pulled together some tips to help families prepare for the shift in family dynamics.
Is Your Baby Ready For Solids? | Careforkids.com.au
Has your baby started to reach for your fork? If the answer is yes, then they may well be ready for solids! We’ve created a list of signs and tips to get you started.
Using music as medicine to comfort your child | CareforKids.com.au
What if calming kids down was as simple as turning on some nature sounds? Using music as medicine to comfort your child is scientifically proven and free and easy to do!
When should you keep your child at home from childcare?
We spoke with Nikki Ferrari, Centre Manager at Bluebird Early Education Clyde North, to give us some pointers to make it easier to know when to keep your child at home.
Packing a healthy lunch box for your little one
Nutrition Australia Program Manager Leanne Elliston explains how to pack a perfectly tantalising lunch box for your child.
How remote learning has affected Australian children
Home-schooling has impacted children in a variety of ways, in this interview Dr Anthea Rhodes from Royal Children’s Hospital describes findings from their recent poll.
Breastfeeding and safely drinking alcohol
ABA advice for women who want to have a drink while breastfeeding.
The benefits of bare feet for kids
5 reasons to ditch the shoes and go bare feet this summer.
How early learning centres prevent container baby syndrome
All about container baby syndrome and how to keep your infant safe and well.
The importance of self-care for mums
Simple and effective self-care reminders from life coach/mum Tanya Maree Biddle.
7 ways to encourage your child to eat more vegetables
Struggling to get your child to eat their greens? We’ve got 7 suggestions which may help.
Building resilience and supporting mental health in early learning
In this interview with Judy Kynaston, the general manager of Be You, the national mental health in education initiative, learn what resources are available to support parents and families during stressful times.
How to encourage very young babies to reach and learn
While babies are born with a grasp reflex, this quickly fades. In this interview with Professor Priscilla Ferronato from Brazil’s Paulista University, learn how parents can support development by encouraging babies to reach for objects.
A creative way to remove your child’s dummy
Children's author Leisa Papa, explains how Daniel and the Dummy Fairy could help you and your child banish the dummy forever.
Helpful information about breastfeeding, work and child care
How breastfeeding mums can continue to breastfeed while using child care and working and what supports and legal guarantees are in place to enable this.
Support for families in lockdown
Support for families in under stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19.
Research into mother-child pretend play and the impact of mental health
Research has found that mums with lower anxiety levels engage in more pretend play and how this benefits children.
What are progressive mealtimes?
The developmental benefits of progressive mealtimes in early childhood services, which is when children are permitted to eat when they feel hungry.
Brain food for toddlers
13 nutrients that are essential for the health and wellbeing of children along with sources and recommended serving sizes.
Teaching first aid skills to children
Advice from St John Ambulance Queensland on how parents can empower children to take an active role in providing first aid and how to behave in an emergency.
The best way to banish head lice
Head lice and nits are a common complaint among the parents of children in care. In this article learn tried and tested strategies for banishing these pesky critters once and for all….until next time that is!
Does a positive childhood protect kids from mental illness?
Research shows a happy childhood doesn’t necessarily safeguard children against mental health problems later on. Learn how to scaffold your child’s mental wellbeing.
Nutrition advice for parents-to-be and breastfeeding mums
Accredited Practising Dietitian at Nutrition Australia ACT Leanne Elliston, explains the importance of maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy and beyond and what nutrients are key.
How to safeguard your child’s wellbeing during the pandemic
Research by Camp Australia examined the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on children’s health and wellbeing.
How child care centres are managing a spike in gastro outbreaks
How child care centres work to prevent and manage gastro and how parents can support this at home.
A new program to increase physical activity at child care
Researcher Professor Hayley Christian from the Telethon Kids Institute discusses the new Play Active Program, an evidence based approach to boosting activity levels for kids in care.
Expert tips to help parents stay calm and connected
Psychologist and author of Smart Mothering Dr Natalie Flynn explains how to stay calm and connected as we raise our children, nourish our relationships and look after ourselves.
How to choose appropriate clothing for child care
Five key factors to keep in mind when choosing your child’s clothes for a day in their child care service, to ensure they can play and learn and are safe from the elements.
Key ways to support your child’s mental health
How parents can take steps to supporting their child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing to build resilience in the early years and beyond.
The benefits of physical literacy in the child care setting
New Australian research demonstrates how a structured physical literacy curriculum in child care centres can improve children’s physical, psychological, social and cognitive abilities.
How ‘Elimination Communication’ can reduce nappy use
Elimination communication a toilet training strategy which removes/reduces the need for nappies and relies on parents reading their baby’s toileting cues.
The importance of good routines at home and in child care
Children thrive in consistent, predictable environments and with strong routines. This article explains how to streamline routines across home and child care.
The power of praise
Learn how the power of praise can be used to enhance your child’s development and learning in the preschool years and how to incorporate praise and acknowledgement into your daily routine.
Mental health support for educators and children
COVID-19 has taken a toll on the mental health of parents, educators and children. This article describes the range of evidence based support available to support families and early childhood educators.
Helping kids deal with grief in early childhood
Children experience grief as acutely as adults but it manifests in different ways. This article explains how parents and caregivers can support children through grief and lists resources available to provide information and advice.
The top 10 illnesses that keep kids home from child care
The top ten illnesses that keep children from attending child care and why exclusion policies are so important.
Burns prevention for young children
Strategies for keeping young children safe around fire and heat sources over the cooler months of winter. Including references and resources for future reading.
Mental wellbeing tips from the Black Dog Institute
Mental wellbeing tips from the Black Dog Institute.
How the Kitchen Garden Foundation is helping under-fives to thrive
An interview with Josephene Duffy chief executive of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which is making great strides with it's program for early childhood educators and children under five.
News flash! It is possible to prevent the ‘terrible twos’
New research has shown that the terrible twos may not be an inevitable development stage that all children go through and that parenting style can influence toddler behaviour.
The Role of Oral Language in Raising Happy Kids
Speech pathologists Janice Zee and Tania Kelly offer insights on the importance of oral language in supporting the wellbeing of children and tips for boosting language development in preschoolers.
Immunity boosters for kids in care
Early childhood education centres can be a breeding ground for germs. Learn how to keep boost your child’s natural immunity and keep them well over the winter months.
How has nanny care been impacted by COVID-19?
How was nanny care been impacted by COVID-19?
5 ways to help your child cope with stress
5 ways to help your child cope with stress.
Researchers are one step closer to eliminating children’s ear infections
Australian researchers are closer to eradicating ear infections in young children by identifying the main bacteria responsiblee for recurrent ear infections. We’ll explain how this important development is good news for children.
How to reduce separation anxiety for children in care
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase which can be distressing for children and their parents. This article describes strategies parents can employ to ease anxiety and help their child settle into care.
How to get on the same wavelength as your infant
Research has shown that the brain waves of babies and their parents synch up during play time helping to establish bonds between children and their care givers.
How parents can support young children’s risky play
Learn about the different categories of risky play and what they offer preschoolers. Also ideas for increasing your child’s opportunities for risky play.
How to manage food allergies when your child is in care | Careforkids.com.au
Find out how childcare services work to protect allergic children while they are in care and how ongoing communication is the most effective tool for parents concerned about their allergic child.
The need for more diverse books in child care
Research shows early learning centres often lack books with diverse central characters, learn how this impacts children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
COVID-19: Keep your kids enrolled in care
COVID-19: Keep your kids enrolled in care.
Payment of Child Care Subsidy and COVID-19
Payment of Child Care Subsidy and COVID-19.
How are child care services responding to COVID-19?
With early childhood services and schools open, this article explains the measures in place to protect children and staff from COVID 19 and what parents can do to keep children safe and healthy.
COVID-19 information for parents
COVID-19 Information for Parents.
Identifying Anxiety in Young Children
As children come across new situations, they are likely to experience some form of anxiety. Here are some tips for identifying anxiety in young children.
Hand, foot and mouth disease & how it affects youngsters
Learn the signs of hand, foot and mouth disease, one of the most common viral infections for children in early childhood. While there is no cure, there is plenty you can do to alleviate the symptoms.
Novel coronavirus – Information for parents
Reports about the spread of COVID-19 are impossible to ignore and a potential cause of anxiety for many parents and carers with children in schools and early learning centres.
Is there too much sugar in baby food?
WHO Europe calls for a ban on added sugars in foods for children under the age of 36 months.
Is dried fruit a healthy snack?
Rethinking dried fruit as a snack option for young children.
The age old problem of nappy rash
How to identify and treat nappy rash.
How child care centres prevent the spread of gastro
How early learning services prevent gastroenteritis and contain outbreaks amongst children and staff.
How to keep baby teeth healthy
Ideas to help you look after your child's baby teeth and empower them to do the same.
Supporting your child's friendships in the early years
Supporting your pre schoolers child care friendships outside child care.
What you need to know about measles
What you need to know about measles and how to protect your child and family.
Food for thought - Obesity rates amongst young children
Reducing sugar intake among preschool-aged children to curb childhood obesity.
5 ways to boost your child's immunity while in care
Immunity boosting ideas for children in group care.
How to assemble a healthy lunch box
Good food is essential for the healthy growth and development of young children, learn how to pack a perfect lunch box.
How child care services protect children from the sun
Learn how your child is protected from the sun in their early learning service and how you can help.
Keeping kids safe in care
Learn how educators work to keep your child safe in care and what to do if there is an issue.
Supporting children to thrive in care
How to support your child to grow and develop in the child care environment.
The strong bond between children and comfort objects
How comfort objects support babies and children as they rest, play and grow.
An Expert's Guide to Keeping Our Kids Active
Physical activity is important at all ages. But when it comes to infants and young children, it's essential for the development of both body and brain.
Delicious recipes for a gluten-free kids' party
Catering ideas for a gluten-free children's menu.
How to choose the right shoes
The importance of properly fitting shoes for youngsters, especially school shoes.
Family dinners with the feel-good factor
Family dinners with the feel-good factor.
Why is play so beneficial for young children?
Why is play so beneficial for young children?
6 tips for a healthier Halloween
6 tips for a healthier Halloween.
The latest research into infant colic
The latest research into infant colic.
Considering the mental health of babies and young children
Considering the mental health of babies and young children.
What are the sleep needs of young children?
What are the sleep needs of young children?
13 ways to make mealtimes easier after child care
13 ways to make mealtimes easier after child care.
Is gun play a good or bad thing for children?
Is gun play a good or bad thing for children?
The truth about why children lie
The truth about why children lie.
Research shows the benefits of early solids
Research shows the benefits of early solids.
Immunisation requirements under the new Child Care Package
Immunisation requirements under the new Child Care Package.
How to help your child find their voice | CareforKids.com.au
Your child's first words and what you can do as a parent to help your child find their voice.
The long-term effects of antibiotic use in early childhood
The long-term effects of antibiotic use in early childhood.
The benefits of breastfeeding for mums and bubs
The benefits of breastfeeding for mums and bubs.
How to reduce separation anxiety for children in care
How to reduce separation anxiety for children in care.
The value of friendships in child care and beyond
The value of friendships in child care and beyond.
What to do if your child is afraid of the dark
What to do if your child is afraid of the dark.
Exciting new research around childhood leukaemia
Exciting new research around childhood leukaemia.
How to choose an educational app for your child
How to choose an educational app for your child.
Why is it important for educators to nurture children's creativity?
Why is it important for educators to nurture children's creativity?
How can parents support their baby's mental health?
How can parents support their baby's mental health?
18 ways to co-parent after a separation
18 ways to co-parent after a separation.
How to ease your child's eczema
Learn about childhood eczema, the third most common reason for kids to see a paediatrician.
10 fun fruit snacks for children
10 fun fruit snacks for children that look beautiful and are packed with flavour.
What to do if your child gets bitten in child care
What to do if your child is bitten while in their early education service.
How to raise a body-positive preschooler
By the time they start school, children's bodies have learned to run, jump, swim, dance, scoot, and more; so, it's startling to hear that kids as young as five say they don't like their bodies.
Stamping out bullying in early childhood services
Bullying can occur among younger kids, and whether they're in child care or at preschool, bullying has a big impact on a child’s physical, social and emotional well-being.
How your baby is sleeping safe in child care
Red Nose safe sleeping practices have been adopted in child care centres across the nation to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
How to make lunch easy for kids to enjoy
Making lunchtime easy and empowering for early primary school children.
Why it's important to think about your child's mental health
Most parents can spot a gunky eye or a grazed knee from a mile off, but when it comes to a youngster's mental health, it seems that many mums and dads are in the dark.
New study highlights the cost of childhood obesity
New research has highlighted the spiralling cost of childhood obesity.
Is it really ADHD or just immaturity?
Is it really ADHD or just immaturity?
Filling your emotional cup: The case for educator self-care
Self care strategies for early childhood educators, in the face of a never ending list of tasks and responsibilities.
Lovely lunches and how to make them
Lunch box inspiration for the parents of children who have transitioned from child care, where meals were provided.
Settling into childcare: Strategies for success
Separation anxiety tips for parents and caregivers who are preparing to send their child of to childcare for the first time.
Identifying anxiety in young children
Supporting children's resilience and helping them be brave in the face of new experiences.
Child care centres and car exhaust - A dangerous mix
Evidence shows a higher risk of asthma and allergies among children may be linked with exposure to traffic-related air pollution.