Category: Parenting

Isn’t nursery shopping so exciting? It’s the perfect way to make the fact that you’re having a baby feel more real than it already is. Filled with excitement and expectation, there are a number of things on the nursery checklist that you need to tick off to consider yourself well-prepared, one of which is a cot and its mattress.

Now, choosing a cot has its own factors to consider, but it doesn’t matter what cot you choose if the mattress you buy doesn’t suit it. So, to help you make the right choice, here’s a guide on how to choose a cot mattress for your baby.

A perfect fit

The number one rule to follow when buying a cot mattress is to make sure that it fits into the cot perfectly. This means that the mattress shouldn’t have any gaps on the side that your child can slip into or roll over in. A tight-fitting mattress will reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome significantly, so check the measurements of the cot before and by a mattress that fits it perfectly.

Choosing the size

In Australia, the standard mattress size for a cot is 130x69cm and is usually rectangular. However, you can get smaller or larger cots depending on your preference. A smaller cot mattress will be around 108x53cm. Regardless of these sizes, some cots require you to find mattresses that have a custom size. Again, we can’t stress enough that the mattress needs to fit the cot perfectly. So, check the cot measurements thoroughly and buy a mattress that fits it well.

It needs to be easy to clean

Babies can be pretty messy. Whether it’s a spit-up or a nappy accident, you don’t want it to seep into their mattress, staining it and making it a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid this, try to find a baby mattress that’s easy to clean or even partially waterproof.  Having one that’s machine washable is also a bonus. If you can’t find one, then adding a waterproof cover to it is the next best thing.

It needs to be firm

Baby mattresses also need to be reasonably firm but also comfortable. While you baby sleeps, the mattresses shouldn’t be so soft that they sink into it. If this is the case, they’ll struggle to regulate their heat and might find it easier to roll. Likewise, a firm mattress provides better support for the developing bodies.

Mattress materials

Most baby mattresses are made from latex foams, some of which have coil springs. The material is also designed to be breathable to help your baby regulate their heat so they don’t get too hot or cold in the evenings. Ideally, you’d want to find a hypoallergenic mattress so your baby isn’t exposed to excess germs or irritations.

How to find the right mattress for your baby

It helps to have an idea of what mattress you want for your little one before you hit the shops, so here are four types of mattresses that you can choose from. The features and extras are left to your discretion:

Hypoallergenic

We’re always pro hypoallergenic mattresses because they significantly reduce the potential for your child’s skin to act up from an allergic reaction to the mattress’s materials. However, there is a downside to these mattresses; they can be considered quite expensive.

Memory foam

We all love memory foam in our beds, so why not get it for your baby, too? Memory foam mattresses are a popular option. They offer comfort and support, but they might not provide the firmness a newborn needs to sleep.

Coil Sprung

Coil mattresses have been around for decades and have come a long way since they were invented. By buying a coil-sprung mattress, you’re making a safe choice. They’re made with durable foam and are reasonably firm and comfortable for your baby. However, over time, the fabric begins to perish, allowing the springs to poke through the fabric, which definitely doesn’t bode well for your baby.

Pocket Innerspring

Our final choice is the pocket innerspring mattress. These mattresses are very similar to coil-sprung mattresses. However, they aren’t connected; rather, they’re all capsulated in their own pocket, which solves the problem of them pushing through the fabric. Plus, this design also offers your baby a firm, comfortable, and supportive mattress while reducing the risk of being too soft or posing a SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk. That said, the importance of choosing the right size still stands.

Final Thoughts

It’s every parent’s desire to give their child the most out of life. From when they are born, you can start by giving them a comfortable and safe place to sleep.  Follow these tips above and they’ll help you choose a cot mattress for your little one. Happy shopping!

Parenting is a universal journey, shared by millions, yet each experience is deeply personal. While certain truths about raising children resonate with most parents, the dynamics within every family are unique. Each parent brings their own perspective, and every child presents different challenges.

There’s no single method that works for everyone.  With countless books offering advice on child-rearing, finding the right ones can feel like information overload.

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That’s why we’ve curated a list of top parenting books that have earned high praise from educators, psychologists, and, most importantly, parents.

Best 12 Parenting Books

Whether you’re navigating the early years or grappling with the complexities of adolescence, these books offer invaluable insights to guide you on your journey. Of course, this is not a definitive list on parenting.  But we hope it’s a good starting point for finding the tools you need for your unique situation. At the very least, may it open our eyes to the wealth of knowledge available at our local libraries, bookstores, or online.

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1.  Parenting from the Inside Out

How A Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive
by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell

In Parenting from the Inside Out, Siegel and Hartzell dive deep into the connection between a parent’s self-awareness and their ability to parent effectively. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding your own emotions, triggers, and past experiences to create a more mindful and empathetic approach to parenting. It’s a transformative read for anyone looking to break free from negative patterns and foster a more connected and nurturing relationship with their children.

2.  The Explosive Child

A New Approach For Understanding And Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
by Ross W. Greene

The Explosive Child offers a compassionate and practical approach to dealing with children who have difficulty managing their frustration and often exhibit explosive behavior. Greene introduces the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, which focuses on understanding the underlying causes of challenging behavior and working together with your child to find solutions. This book is particularly helpful for parents dealing with oppositional or easily frustrated children and offers strategies where conversations can take place in a calm  manner.

3.  Mind in the Making

The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
by Ellen Galinsky

Ellen Galinsky’s Mind in the Making identifies seven critical life skills that are essential for children’s success in school and life, such as focus, self-control, perspective-taking, and communication. Galinsky draws on the latest research in child development and provides practical tips and activities to help parents nurture these skills in their children. The book is both insightful and actionable, offering a roadmap for fostering essential qualities that will benefit children throughout their lives.

4.  Good Inside

A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Good Inside is a refreshing and empathetic take on modern parenting. Dr. Becky, as she’s known to her followers, combines her expertise as a clinical psychologist with a compassionate approach that emphasizes the inherent goodness in every child. The book offers practical strategies for addressing challenging behaviors while maintaining a strong, loving connection with your child. Dr. Becky focuses on understanding the emotions driving your child’s behavior and provides tools for responding in ways that reinforce their sense of security and self-worth. Good Inside is an empowering read for parents who want to approach parenting with more empathy, patience, and positivity.

5. I Forgive You for Your Diaper

at 3 AM
by A. Parent

I Forgive You for Your Diaper is a witty and heartfelt take on the rollercoaster ride of early parenthood. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, the author captures the sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes, and the profound love that keeps you going despite exhaustion. This book is a relatable guide that acknowledges the real challenges new parents face. Through funny anecdotes and honest reflections, I Forgive You for Your Diaper provides comfort and reassurance, reminding parents that it’s okay to laugh, cry, and find forgiveness in those 3am moments. Perfect for parents looking for humor and validation in their everyday chaos.

6. The Whole-Brain Child

12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

If you’re looking to understand how your child’s brain works and how you can better connect with them, The Whole-Brain Child is a must-read. Siegel and Bryson masterfully break down complex neuroscience into simple, actionable strategies that help you nurture your child’s emotional and intellectual development. The book offers practical tips for integrating the left and right hemispheres of the brain, helping kids manage their emotions and build resilience. It’s a perfect blend of science and practical advice that any parent can apply.

7.  The Gift of Failure

How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed
by Jessica Lahey

The Gift of Failure is a thought-provoking book that challenges the idea of overprotective parenting. Jessica Lahey, an educator and parent, argues that allowing children to experience failure and learn from it is crucial for their development. The book provides guidance on how to step back, give children more autonomy, and encourage them to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and independence. It’s an empowering read for parents who want to raise confident, capable, and self-reliant children.

8.  The 5 Love Languages of Children

The Secret of Loving Children Effectively
by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

Understanding how your child gives and receives love is crucial for building a strong, supportive relationship. The 5 Love Languages of Children explores the concept that each child has a primary love language—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch. Chapman and Campbell provide practical tools to help parents identify and speak their child’s love language, ensuring that they feel deeply loved and understood. This book is a game-changer for parents looking to strengthen their bond with their kids.

9.  How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Communication is at the heart of every parent-child relationship, and How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk is the ultimate guide to mastering it. Faber and Mazlish offer effective techniques for fostering open, respectful dialogue with your children. Their strategies are not only practical but also rooted in empathy, helping parents understand their child’s perspective while expressing their own needs clearly. This book has been a go-to for parents for decades, and it’s easy to see why.

10.  Simplicity Parenting

Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
by Kim John Payne with Lisa M. Ross

With kids growing up in an environment of constant stimulation and endless choices, Simplicity Parenting offers a refreshing approach to raising children. Payne advocates for simplifying your child’s environment, routines, and schedule to reduce stress and enhance their emotional well-being. The book provides actionable steps for decluttering your child’s life—both physically and mentally—allowing them to focus on what truly matters. It’s a compelling read for parents who want to create a more peaceful, balanced, and meaningful family life.

11.  Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child

The Heart of Parenting
by John Gottman and Joan DeClaire

Emotional intelligence is a key predictor of success and happiness, and Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by renowned psychologist John Gottman provides a comprehensive guide to fostering this critical skill in your child. The book introduces the concept of “emotion coaching,” a technique that helps parents guide their children through difficult emotions and develop a healthy emotional toolkit. Gottman’s approach is grounded in research and offers practical, easy-to-follow strategies for helping your child manage their feelings effectively.

12.  No-Drama Discipline

The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
by Daniel J. Siegel with Tina Payne Bryson

Discipline is one of the trickiest aspects of parenting, and No-Drama Discipline by Siegel and Bryson offers a compassionate and effective approach. The book shifts the focus from punishment to teaching, helping parents understand the root cause of their child’s behavior and how to guide them towards better choices. By emphasizing connection before correction, No-Drama Discipline helps parents build trust and mutual respect with their children, leading to a more peaceful and cooperative home environment.

Building Your Parenting Library

Each of these books offers unique insights and practical tools that can make a real difference in your parenting journey. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, foster emotional intelligence, or create a more peaceful home, these reads have something valuable to offer. Investing time in understanding your child’s needs—and your own—can transform your parenting experience and help you build a stronger, more connected family.

So, if you’re ready to enrich your parenting toolkit, any of these books would be an excellent place to start.

As parents, we all know that raising children can be expensive. From diapers and clothes to school supplies and activities, costs add up quickly. That’s why finding deals on children’s items is essential for budget-conscious parents. With so many products and promotions, it can be overwhelming to navigate.

We’ve compiled tips to help you find the best deals on everything your child needs – from clothing and toys to books and school supplies.

The Importance of Finding Deals and Discounts on Children’s Items

Finding deals and discounts on children’s items is not just about saving a few dollars here and there. It’s a crucial aspect of budgeting for many families, as it allows them to stretch their hard-earned money further. With the rising cost of living, every little bit helps when it comes to providing for our children. Plus, with the convenience of online shopping, finding deals and discounts has become easier than ever before. By taking advantage of sales and promotions, parents can save money while online shopping for their child’s needs – allowing them to allocate those savings towards other important expenses such as education or extracurricular activities.  So don’t underestimate the importance of finding great deals.

Tips for Scoping Out Sales and Promotions on Children’s Products

When it comes to finding deals and discounts on children’s items, timing is key. Keep an eye out for major sales events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Back-to-School sales – these are prime times for finding great deals on everything from clothing to school supplies. Moreover, signing up for email newsletters or following your favorite brands on social media can provide you with early access to promotions and special offers.

Check for clearance sections in stores or online – you never know what hidden gems you may find at a discounted price! When shopping in physical stores, be sure to scan the shelves for any marked-down items or ask a store associate if there are any upcoming sales or promotions.

The Benefits of Shopping Secondhand for Kids’ Items

A great way to save money on kids’ items is by shopping secondhand. Kids outgrow clothes and toys quickly, so why spend a fortune on new ones? Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace offer gently used items at a fraction of the cost. Plus, shopping secondhand promotes sustainability by giving these items a new life instead of adding to the waste. You’ll save money and help the environment—a win-win!

Utilizing Rewards Programs and Membership Discounts for Savings on Children’s Needs

Many stores offer loyalty programs where you earn points or cashback for every purchase. These points can be redeemed for future purchases or discounts. Some stores also provide exclusive discounts for members, so joining could be worthwhile if you shop frequently at a certain store. Some credit cards offer rewards for family spending, like cashback on groceries or gas, common expenses for families. Parents can save money and ensure their children have what they need by using rewards programs and membership discounts.

Making the Most of Seasonal Sales and Clearance Events for Children’s Items

Seasonal sales and clearance events are a goldmine for parents looking to save money on their children’s items. These events typically occur at the end of each season when stores are trying to clear out their inventory for new merchandise. This is the perfect time to stock up on clothes, shoes, and accessories for your child at heavily discounted prices. It’s also an excellent opportunity to buy ahead for future seasons – just make sure to take into account your child’s growth spurts! Keep an eye out for seasonal items that may be useful year-round, such as winter jackets or rain boots.

Teaching Kids About Responsible Spending While Taking Advantage of Deals and Discounts

Finding deals and discounts on children’s items is not only about saving money, but it’s also an opportunity to teach kids about responsible spending. By involving them in the shopping process and explaining why you are looking for deals, kids can learn the value of budgeting and making smart purchasing decisions. You can even make a game out of finding the best deals – challenge your child to find the best discount or have them compare prices between different stores. This teaches important life skills and allows children to feel involved in family decisions.

Finding deals on children’s items is key for budget-conscious parents. By using these tips, parents can save money while providing for their kids. From shopping sales to buying secondhand and using rewards programs, there are many ways to find great deals on children’s products.

There is a common sentiment that usually relates to a young person who is seeking to land their first job.  To get the job they are told, experience is required!  The common reply in this sentiment goes like this;  “how can I get experience when I can’t find a job to gain the experience I need?”

This can also apply to parenting.  First time parents are new parents without experience.  It doesn’t matter if you are young, middle aged, or much older, starting from scratch is the only way to begin.  Years later you may say to yourself, “if only I knew then what I know now, my kids would have been spared from my mistakes”.

Such is life, but you far from being alone with this thinking.

Parenting from the Inside Out!  The Book

The grand job of raising kids that lays before every new parent is why we seek expert advise from others.  If youth is wasted on the young, then new parenting lessons are wasted on new parents who fail to take advice from those who have grown kids.

Parenting books are also another great resource to gain experience and that is what brings us all here today. Unlocking the guidance and expertise from the popular book Parenting from the Inside Out.  It’s co-authored by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed. The subtitle is How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive.

Our brief journey and synopsis into this book will hopefully offer a refreshing and profound approach to understanding the parent-child dynamic. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional insight.

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Understanding Why the Inside Matters

At the heart of this book is a simple yet empowering idea. To raise emotionally healthy children, parents must first understand their own internal world. Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist, and Hartzell, an experienced early childhood educator, combine their expertise to explore how a parent’s own experiences, memories, and emotional history can shape their interactions with their children.

The book draws on cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology to explain how our early life experiences influence the development of the brain. This understanding is crucial because it sheds light on why we react to certain parenting challenges in specific ways. The authors emphasize that when parents become aware of their internal processes—thoughts, feelings, and unresolved issues—they can break free from unhelpful or harmful patterns and respond to their children with greater empathy and understanding.

The Power of Reflection: A Core Principle

One of the standout aspects of parenting inside out is its emphasis on reflection. Siegel and Hartzell introduce the concept of “mindsight,” the ability to perceive the inner workings of our own minds. Through practical exercises and relatable examples, the book guides parents in developing this skill, enabling them to better understand their emotional triggers and the impact of their behavior on their children.

The authors make a compelling case for the importance of reflective parenting. By taking the time to reflect on our reactions, we can create a more nurturing environment for our children. This process involves recognizing our own emotions, understanding where they come from, and choosing how to respond rather than reacting impulsively. It’s a practice that fosters emotional resilience and helps build stronger, more connected relationships with our children.

Bridging the Gap: Science Meets Practical Parenting

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between scientific theory and everyday parenting. Siegel and Hartzell translate complex concepts into accessible language, making the book approachable for parents from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new parent or have been on this journey for years, the insights offered in Parenting from the Inside Out are valuable and applicable.

The book doesn’t just present theories; it provides practical tools that parents can use to apply these insights in their daily lives. From understanding the importance of secure attachment to learning how to respond to your child’s emotional needs, the authors offer actionable advice that can make a tangible difference in the way you parent.

A Path to Healing and Growth

Perhaps one of the most profound messages of the book is its focus on healing and growth. Siegel and Hartzell remind us that parenting is not just about guiding our children; it’s also an opportunity for us to grow and heal from our own past experiences. By becoming more aware of our internal world and its impact on our parenting, we can break cycles of negative behavior and create a more positive, nurturing environment for our children.

This journey of self-discovery is not always easy, but the authors provide reassurance and support throughout the book. They encourage parents to be gentle with themselves, to embrace the learning process, and to recognize that it’s okay to make mistakes. After all, it’s through these mistakes that we learn and grow, both as parents and as individuals.

A Must-Read for Conscious Parents

Parenting Inside Out is more than just a parenting book; it’s a guide to understanding yourself so that you can better understand and support your children. Siegel and Hartzell’s approach is both compassionate and scientifically grounded, offering a unique blend of insight and practicality that is rare in parenting literature.

If you’re a new parent about to embark on your parenting adventure, or you have one, two or a house full of kids, this good read seeks to deepen your connection with your kids.  It hopes to improve your emotional intelligence and also encourage personal growth,  It’s a reminder that the most powerful tools we have as parents may not be found exclusively in external advice, but deep within ourselves.

By looking inward, we can create a more conscious, connected, and loving parenting experience for both parent and child.  So, whether you’re new to the parenting journey or have been on this path for some time, Parenting from the Inside Out offers valuable insights that will resonate long after you’ve turned the last page.