"Who doesn’t love a wonder around a baby craft market?"- "I sure do!"
Australia is a country world-renowned for its friendly people, great weather and wonderful wildlife. The state of Queensland itself though, might just be the most welcoming place on Earth.
This list of places to eat, stay and play, this Easter Holiday 2023 is here to inspire your next family getaway.
Queensland boasts a range of leisure and attraction options that make it ideal for holidays of any length. With its subtropical climate, it's little wonder why there are many families that come here to vacation year after year. It is also the home of the Great Barrier Reef - which is one of the most popular family destinations in the world.
Cairns Beaches and The Great Barrier Reef Drive
Arriving in Cairns travel north along the Captain Cook Highway to discover the beachside suburbs of Yorkey’s Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach, each with its own character and all worth the time to explore. Stroll along the shore, then enjoy a coffee or meal at many of the cafes and restaurants with sea views.
Check out the local boutiques stores for swimsuits, rash vests, sunhats and swim nappies – ask if they stock Tyoub bathers too and be ready to take a swim, I keep to the pool. (Read the warning signs for stingers, rips and crocs).
Temperature ranges from 20.5 - 29C (68.9 - 84.2F), so it's perfect for exploring this tropical paradise without breaking a sweat!
Port Douglas is another stunning resort town with spectacular beaches and beautiful natural scenery which makes it an ideal location for families looking for adventure or just some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are plenty of activities which are family friendly, here are a few you can easily do in a day.
Start the day with a coffee in Macrossan Street or even better a great start from Nectar Port Douglas Acia and Smoothie Bowl, these deliciously nourishing bowls can be served gluten free and with booster add ons like honey, almond butter and fruit. Followed by an easy drive-up Flagstaff Hill for views out to Low Isles and back to Cairns.
A trip to Port Douglas wouldn't be complete without stopping in to see the lovely sisters, Prue and Brooke at Tahitian Lime Store.
Their designs are flattering, glamorous and sensual.
From dresses, kimono's and jumpsuits the fabrics are rich and light, perfect for the hot and humid subtropical climate.
As swimwear is a passion of mine, I can't help but fall madly in love with their styling. Classic cuts to fit all the right curves, all made in buttery soft Italian swim fabrics.
Head North to Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre and take the boardwalk though the rainforest. I would recommend carrying babies in a sturdy ergo sling as parts of the trail are not pram friendly with roots and stairs in parts.
But the rock pools, small waterfalls and swing bridge is worth the effort.
Open everyday (except Christmas) is the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. Habitat is an eco-certified wildlife sanctuary that allows you to interact with animals in five unique habitats. Little ones will love feeding the kangaroos, bird watching richly coloured birds in the woodlands including the elusive Cassowary, and the opportunity to witness The Salties from the underwater viewing area and CrocArena.
From campsites to family owned and run inns, hotels and private rentals there is a welcome home-from-home for every family’s needs and suit every budget. A pool, perhaps a fake beach or slopping shallow end and free wifi is a must for most families.
Onsite restaurants with a kids menu, check to see if kids under 4 eat for free with a paying adult. There might be onsite BBQ facilities, depending on where you are staying and this makes a great alternative to restaurants.
We also look for playgrounds, beaches, shops and activities nearby for easy walking distance so we can avoid taking the car everywhere.
A holiday with the kids can be a lot of fun and Northern Queensland is the perfect holiday destination with so many things to see and do. A family friendly hotel can make all the difference to your holiday enjoyment with young children.
Ultimately, where you choose to go on your family holiday is a personal decision. If you have kids and want to travel somewhere that’s going to make them happy (and it should) then by all means consider going to tropical North Queensland for Easter.
You will have a great time with the family, no matter the age of the children.
Remember to pack your little ones the tyoub sustainable swimwear and reusable swim nappies. Tyoub has everything you need from beautiful limited edition prints to classic bathing suits and full sun protection. There are plenty of kids swimwear options to choose from in Tyoub swimwear range.
]]>Get the perfect resort, beach and pool look ready for your Easter holiday 2023.
“just let her keep wearing it into the shower and the shampoo will wash it” the funniest advice I ever got on how to care for a my daughters competition leotard, got me thinking about common mistakes we make when we do the laundry.
In this instance, the rhinestones seemed to disappear down the drain and the foil sections rubbed off, while the velvet looked like the cat had licked it.
I later learnt it was a combination of hot water, stretching the fabric and not rinsing out the shampoo and conditioner, #mybad
“just let her keep wearing it into the shower and the shampoo will wash it”
Here are some simple steps to help you avoid expensive mistakes and keep your swimwear looking as good as new.
1. Remove child from said swimsuit.
2. Washing a swimsuit by hand is the best.
3. Turn it inside out and run it under cool tap water. Plain water won’t remove the salt or chlorine.
4. Refill the sink, and add a gentle liquid laundry detergent. Swish around and then rinse again under cold running water.
5. Flat dry in shade and for rash vest hang in shade on chunky hanger (not a wire one).
Always use cold water to wash your bathers. The stretchy materials used like lycra, rubber and spandex elastic are easily damaged by heat.
These stretchable components are knitted into the fabric and will dry out with exposure to heat, they will not bounce back, they loose their shape and might even crack and break.
It’s best to keep your swimwear out of the dryer and flat dry in them in the shade away from direct sunlight.
Use cold water to wash your bathers.
Rinsing under running cold tap water is a good start, but it won’t remove the salt, chlorine, sand or body sun lotion from the fabric. We recommend soaking for only 30 minutes in cool water, this is even better for the fabric.
For a deeper clean a swimsuit can be placed into the washing machine but only on a cool and gentle cycle. We highly recommend a Guppy Friend wash bag, it is great for preventing micro-plastics from getting into the waterways.
Use a GUPPYFRIEND Wash Bag to protect our oceans
Chocolate ice-cream, blueberries and sun screen all leave stains and would need to treated depending on the staining source.
Baking soda is a good place to start if you don’t have any oxygen-based bleach such as OxiClean or Vanish, which are safe on colours. Mix 5 teaspoons of baking soda and a little warm water to form a paste, spread the paste over the stain and allow it to dry before washing the swimsuit. Swish for a few minutes and then rinse it well.
Never use an ordinary chlorine bleach as this will ruin the colour and dry out the elastic.
Make sure your swimsuit is bone dry before putting it away. Any moisture may result in mildew, so don’t pack it into a plastic zip lock bag as this might result bacteria and mildew which will destroy the fibres.
Never use chlorine bleach on your bathers
High quality swimwear can last a long time provided they are correctly cared for and as you can see they really are easy care with the right steps.
I’m guessing that the advice I was given was incomplete and if you are unable to rinse your bathers soon after using them then standing under a fresh water shower for a couple of minutes before taking them off is a good alternative.
Just don’t leave them wrapped in the towel, or scrunched up in the bottom of the beach bag or rolled in a ball in a baking hot car.
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We love a great bath toy because we know that water education begins way before your baby ever has their first swimming lesson or dip in the pool. That’s why we were super excited to see that our friends over at We Might Be Tiny have introduced a brand new and unique bath book to their range.
"Bath toys are a great distraction, especially for children who have a fear of water."
The Bath Book Sea Animals is held together with chunky silicone rings and the silicone pages have textured animals, great for developing fine motor skills. This is the perfect way to ease your baby into the wonderful world of adventure that water offers.
Here are a few good reasons why we love We Might Be Tiny! They make an art of distracting kids doing everyday things, like eating and meal prep and bathing – which as a mum of three fussy girls I know can quickly escalate into meal and evening time mayhem.
What we choose to feed our our kids directly affects not only their growth, but also their energy levels, their resistance to disease, their moods and their ability to concentrate. A well-nourished child is less anxious and more confident, in and out of the water and in the classroom.
We have a huge influence on our child’s lifetime of eating habits and food choices, which are formed in the first 5 years of life. It’s impossible for any child or adult to eat healthily 100% of the time, especially when you can’t always dictate what’s on the menu, at parties, cafes and play dates. But by being prepared we can reduce the temptation and convenience of fast food.
By a year old most toddler will essentially be eating the same as everyone else in the family, albeit softer, mashed, less salty and hot spices, with a slow introduction to new foods that could trigger allergic reactions.
This is also a time when silverware doesn’t really feature and finger food is a must, but a cute little spoon with a good grip makes a fierce weapon in the highchair. Stickie bowls and silicone fork and spoon sets are a good cutlery choice. The bath book can also be used at the table as it can be put in the dish washer.
Wondering What To Feed Your Toddler Before Swimming?
I would recommend avoiding dairy before a swim, as it is mucus forming (think snotty nose) and hard to digest, rather opt for mashed or sliced banana or stewed apple chunks with a little cinnamon. Soaked sun-dried raisins and grated pear is also a good option for little ones.
After any activity children are thirsty and offering a good drink of water is an absolute must, fill up the sippy cup or offer the parched little tykes a Tubies silicone push up icy pole mould, Calippo style, freeze them with fresh fruit, juice and yoghurt.
One shouldn’t overlook the humble sandwich and the multitude of fillings, here are some delicious and nutritious options:
"There are so many recipes nowadays to inspire you and help you to establish healthy eating habits for your family."
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To get you started, we’ve listed some of our blog favourite websites designed to help with parenting and child rearing. These are not just baby blogs but go beyond to offer tips, tricks, and wonderful content for everyone. Add them to your bookmarks now!
Do you love shopping? Because, the Mums Grapevine team loves shopping too. If you’re looking for a gift or toy recommendation then head straight here. Their team spends every waking moment hunting down the very best gear. Not just for new mums, but their babies and kids, too. They've got everything from the cutest designs to the best quality clothing to handy tricks for making your life as parents even easier. All gorgeous, of course!
If you’re feeling a little over pale pink and blue with tawny brown then head over to Mama Disrupt for a good dose of modern motherhood. Australia's leading modern motherhood digital magazine. Mama Disrupt is full to the brim of swoon-worthy content including interiors, fashion, style, beauty, features and travel, offering the very best curation of lifestyle trends for a fearless motherhood. That’s you!
Steph will welcome you to Just Another Mummy Blog. Here you'll find insight into her daily life along with helpful tips & tricks to tackle life as a mum. Here Steph shares with you all her organisation tips, interior style, mum life, coping with overwhelm and makeup tricks too!
The Real Mum's Lifestyle Network. Connects mothers of all ages online with real advice, and support. Articles cover Pregnancy, Baby, Kids, and Lifestyle. This is a must bookmark page for coming back to again and again.
Australia's lifestyle website for mums. Mums Lounge will get you your dose of celebrity gossip, latest news, delicious recipes and awesome competitions. The equivalent to the Hello and OK magazine in the beauty salon, a must read.
The aim of The Healthy Mummy has always been to empower mums to live a healthier life and it started off with just a few hundred mums using the programs on Facebook to now - 10 years later over 1.5 million mums being part of The Healthy Mummy Community and transforming their health, life and body on The Healthy Mummy Plans.
The internet is an amazing place, but it can also be overwhelming. From social media to blogs, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of parenting advice. We hope that these blog will break through some of the noise for you and be a great resource.
]]>With so many celebrations from Baby Showers and Birthdays we’ve put together some of our favourite products and services to help you buy the perfect gift.
We love to encourage families to be active and to get outdoors, to make memories with their little ones and enjoy the beauty and abundance of nature.
We’ve chosen sustainable pieces that are durable and services of the highest standard from Australian small businesses that are making a big difference. Each leading the way in educating and inspiring an eco-friendly active lifestyle.
Minnow Designs - Inspired by the Australian outdoors what could be a more perfect present than a pair of shoes made for little explorers. Minnow swimmable water shoes protects little toes on the go, whether they're running on hot sand or hopping in rock pools, they are also great for around the pool. (My daughters feet always get grazed while playing in the pool, especially the ankle bones)
We are obsessed with their gorgeous colour selection and their unique prints from Wildflower to Kakadu Kangaroo. Minnows soft and flexible water shoes come in a beautiful plastic free recyclable card gift box.
Frog Orange - If you ever wanted to give someone an extra pair of hands then this is the perfect gift! Parents of multiply young children will absolutely love this baby carrier. Made from soft-stretch neoprene, this baby carrier makes a hands-free adventure with little ones fun and safe in and out of the water.
We love the timeless neutral colour tones and sporty black binding. A perfect gift for those who love the beach, boating, camping, hiking or playing in the snow!
SunDust Sunscreen - a lotion that not only has the highest SPF50+ sun protection but also sparkles is a gorgeous gift. We are obsessed with this bio glitter sunscreen for both bubs and adults alike, the silver and gold bio glitter has no nasties can be used everyday!
We love that you can encourage little ones to wear sunscreen to kinder that will sparkle all day and for those who prefer to sparkle on the inside there’s a natural clear Zinc sunscreen option too. Eco-friendly, reef friendly and kid friendly!
Tully Skincare – a range of body lotions and liquid soaps that are a staple in our bathroom! It cares for my whole family, from the littlest mini to the oldest powerhouse (man of the house). We love this cruelty free vegan range, no more sticky legs after moisturising but instantly absorbent nourishing oils and natural Vitamin E, it’s also fragrance free!
My girls go through so much lip balm especially during Autumn when the dryness sets in. Tully lip balm is made with Shea butter and stays on your lips without being glossy or greasy. We love that the Tully lip balm, the soap bar and their postage packaging are completely biodegradable. Their company is working towards being plastic free in the next 2 years.
Swoodi - Thick, absorbent, high-quality cotton towelling kids hooded towels and pool ponchos! There is so much to love about these plush and cozy after-swim coveralls. Designed by a mum who is obsessed with quality! We adore the classic Scandinavian stripe, the thick and extra wide ties and bright matching chunky zippers, these are perfect for regifting (handing down to siblings and friends) and are unisex.
Swoodi makes being out in the elements when your bub is wet “as easy as a summertime breeze” The Swoodi ticks absolutely all the boxes for comfort after any aqua activity and an absolute must for swimming lessons!
Baby Spa Australia - The perfect introduction to hydrotherapy, the benefits to bubs from newborn to eight months is astounding. The best way to bridge the gap from womb to a bubs first swimming lesson, no doubt increasing confidence in the water.
The benefits include strengthened bones and muscles, relief from colic, promotes sleep and a powerful bonding experience. To introduce a baby to the wonders of water at such an early age is indeed an incredible gift. (Don't forget to take along a reusable Tyoub swim nappy).
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When my children’s primary school introduced this there was a little scepticism from the parents and a little reluctance from the kids too. But the teachers persevered, it started to have so many surprising results not only were the children able to focus and settle down into the days routine quicker, but the effects rolled into the rest of the days achievements.
The busy world that we live in means that our children’s days are often started with a “hurry-up let’s go!” Into busy traffic and a noisy environment, trying to get everything ready for the day and not forgetting anything, plus the distraction of devices, there is a lot to processes even for the most organised of us. Yoga for children can help counter the stresses of the day, with lessons, sports, and socialising at playtime.
By teaching breathing exercises and relaxation techniques in the first 15 minutes of the morning, it creates a stress circuit breaker and brings a new rhythm to the day. These techniques can later be called on at bedtime to bring peace and a sense of wellbeing before bed.
It has been shown to boost self-esteem and by practicing simple balance and flexibility gives young children a sense of personal empowerment and personal space. It is truly grounding and soon the kids begin to love this start to the day, not wanting to miss it!
Yoga and meditation impart discipline as kids work on clearing the mind and achieving the poses. It has shown to reduce challenging behaviour in the classroom with children who find it harder to sit still and remain on task.
There are so many great resources to practice while we home school. We recommend Kids Yoga Dice and Yoga Cards to get your started at home. There are also countless resource online for fun Yoga games and free classes.
Happy little yogi's make happy little people!
]]>There are so many styles and options to choose from and it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for your bub. We think about this stuff all the time, and it comes down to a few major things:
Fit, purpose & sun protection, quality and price.
"No one likes baggy bathers! Ask yourself, is it going to fall off?"
Bathers are for swimming this might sound obvious but so many kids go to swim school in rash vests or bikinis. We recommend; swim trunks, unitard aka Zootie and a good ol' fashioned one-piece are perfect for the pool and swimming lessons.
Australia has one of the highest UV index in the world, at solar noon the range is generally between 0-12. In Australia, peak daily values in summer are in excess of 12-14 and can reach 16-17 the further North you go. Sun protection is a must and long sleeved rash guards must be worn, check the UPF is 50+ before you buy. (Look out for our new bucket hats in 2021).
You want to make sure that your bright beautiful baby bathers stay looking cute and hold up to wearing in both chlorine and salt water. Look for lining and look at the stitching, binding is a better finish than just turn and sew seams, the construction should feel stable. "Too many ties, frills and textures might look cute but end up snagging on rough surfaces."
Unfortunately price doesn't always signify quality. Some brands are just pricier because of brand recognition (the stunning - $300 vintage check Burberry bikini 3-14yrs). Fabrication also plays a part in pricing, recycled and regenerated fabrics are still more expensive, so sustainable swimwear made from ocean plastics and PET bottles are twice as pricey as fossil fuel synthetics which negatively impact the environment.
But you don't have to break the bank to buy a swimwear for your crew. Many unisex styles can be handed down. In our family, we have a few long sleeved rash guards that lasted for years and have been handed down many times. Also remember a little love will go along way by caring for your bathers, hand washing and line drying will make them last longer - don't put them in the dryer!
Our advice is to buy quality from companies, like ours that are transparent and passionate about our products. I hope you enjoy the article and browsing all the beautiful pieces available this season.
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We have a tradition in our house of the men making pancakes!
There is nothing nicer than waking up to the smell of warm buttery pancakes being stacked high in the oven warming and the giggles coming from the children as they tippy toe on steps to peer into the pan while their Dad flips and flops those delicious golden treats. I almost don't mind the mountain of dishes that they're creating because often traditions come with a fair amount of mess.
This Father's Day we will be making pancakes and setting the table with maple syrup, blue berries and strawberry jam. We also like to have a big bowl of cinnamon sugar and freshly cut lemons on the table for squeezing and sprinkle onto our pancakes! Of course there will be a BIG pot of coffee for me too!
Here is the recipe that literally lives on our fridge door, it is stained with buttery fingers and tick marks where the children have checked off the ingredients gathered to make sure we have everything before the cooking begins. It's a general guide only and can be easily doubled and often tripled in the case of our hunger girl gang!
The SYFB course, which is an online program, made up of 10 modules, all of which are self-paced learning segments, content rich and delivered in bite size video and workbooks; guide you through the process of building your brand. This business plan framework is then backed with zoom coaching calls, study sessions and industry Live Q&A Series [check out Fashion Equipped website for conversation with industry specialists, such as Pru Corrigan, Angela Bell, James Bartle and Lana Wilkinson to name a few]. The private Facebook group is where the magic happens, and experiences are shared. It’s a safe place to brainstorm ideas and speak (often for the first time) about your brand and aspirations for your business.
I was lucky enough to be invited to sit and chat with Elizabeth about my fashion journey and what I've learnt and also what challenges I’ve faced as an introvert who adores fashion, and how to overcome shyness to step into a small business owner role. Here's the link to the conversation.
SYFB Q&A Series - Elizabeth Formosa in conversation with Lisa Sjöblom, Founder of TYOUB, a sustainable childrenswear brand from Elizabeth Formosa on Vimeo.
As a bit of background, I first met Elizabeth in 2015 when I attended a workshop, on starting a fashion business. I was working as a garment technician and already knew that when I was ready to launch Tyoub - I'd need coaching!! I had seen so many brands closing down shortly after launching, and I knew there were many aspects of running a small business that I didn’t know.
Fast forward 4 years and after several months of range development the time had come to approach Fashion Equipped. I attended an information evening and met other small start-ups. From the first phone call Elizabeth was enthusiastic - but realistic, her retail perspective and advice were completely accurate to my stage of business. I signed up to SYFB online business course and it changed the course of my business.
After thinking a lot about it, I can’t believe that I was considering tackling a fashion start-up single handed, there is so much to learn from season to season.
]]>Here we go, it’s the delicious sugar free banana ice cream with muesli brittle. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry and fruit bowl, so it’s easy to whip up. (It is also a great way to use up bananas that are going ripe quicker than you can eat them up)
Banana Prep.
The Muesli Brittle
Mix 1 cup of dry muesli cereal with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a teaspoon of sunflower oil and a few drops of vanilla essence.
Heat oven to 160C/300F/Gas 2 and spread out muesli on a large baking tray lined with paper. Roast and toast and give it a shake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it will burn quickly. Allow to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container.
To assemble your treat, scoop generous balls of banana ice-cream into a bowl or onto a cone and top with muesli brittle. Eat immediately!
Enjoy anytime of the day!
Photo credits to Sarah Dubler
]]>We’re a small business and the gratitude that I feel when an order notification pops up on my phone is overwhelming. (yes, I still have that setting on – it even has a bell sound!) I literally do a happy dance and get butterflies 🦋 Silly I know, but true.
No matter what life throws at us let's keep small business owners butterflies 🦋. Here are some ideas on supporting your favourite little shop or service without spending a cent.
Check out their website, click the BIO and sign-up to their newsletter. I promise you most small businesses are so busy working in their business, they will NOT spam you. This way you’ll be kept in the loop with what they’re up to, a new service, an exciting product launch or event. Knowing what’s on will help you to share, even if you can’t attend an event and you don’t need their product right now, you might know someone who does or you might need a gift in the future. I use Klaviyo to generate my newsletter, that’s why they always look so professional!
Yaya you’re here! Thank you xx By simply spending some time each week reading blogs helps small business SEO and tells Google that this website is relevant, and this gets more traffic to the website, which means more conversions [sales=butterflies]. 🦋 A shout out to Digital Eagles who helped me get my SEO rocking and rolling.
Face Book, Instagram and Twitter, are the holy grail to modern marketing – both paid and organic posts are critical to small business reach and visibility. I’m constantly confused by the ALGORITHM but one thing is plain and clear. The more likes, comments a post gets the more it’s shown and the wider it goes. This is pretty damn cool, the more you like and comment on a post, the more that post is then shown to a wider audience, eventually reaching a person who might need the product and purchase!
The best way to do this, is SHARE the small business content you love to Instagram stories or tag a friend. The butterfly effect! 🦋🦋
My social media content has been crafted with the help of Sonia at Scribe and Social. As well as some brilliant advice and online courses with Cherie and her awesome team at The Digital Picnic.
Sharing your experience and spreading a little good news is the best way to support a business. It gives the business legitimacy and others will often purchase on recommendations. I know I do, I always read reviews before opening my purse. It’s old fashioned word of mouth gals. This is also Google gold for searches, and helps others find real, relevant businesses. Go now and write a review!!
My Google goddess is Kaity Griffin at Sunday Digital with the Profitable Promotion online course. Prepare to be blown away by the depth of knowledge and speed at which Kaity delivers results.
As a small brand, it can be lonely work. I absolutely love beautiful messages and cute pictures sliding into my DM’s! And the butterflies whirl and swirl, it is wind beneath these fragile wings people. It gives me motivation to bring my A-GAME and make my work better and better. Please reach out! 🦋
Lights, Camera, Action... Snap and share! I absolutely love all the beautiful holiday and backyard pics of cuties in swimmers that are generously shared. Small businesses are hard pressed for content, so you’re giving them the best gift by either tagging them on your socials or sending them some snaps. Try and use their hashtags because this will take it to the next level, as we try and stand out in the crowd.
Without the talented photographer Cat Black I wouldn't have any snaps at all.
I have my go-to list of friends and family that I tag and share a competition with, one because I know them well enough that they’ll love the opportunity to win a great prize and if I don’t really know them, well, my hope is that they will send it to their community and it will have a DOMINO effect. Even if you don’t WIN, it’s about spreading the word and wings of those butterflies.🦋
It’s a brill way to gain a new audience and show off what you’ve got. You don’t need to be spamming your friends, but by simply tagging 2-3 friends will really help a small business, TAG away.
When ISO is over and we’re getting back out there! It’s gonna be like a flash mob. I’m going to attend everything [opening an envelope? – I’ll come] Join in community events, go to your local markets – be it craft or fresh produce. Meet your friends, grab a coffee and make an outing of it! Expo’s are another great way to find new business and engage, there are also loads of free samples and special offers on at the bigger events. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Check back to our Events and Markets page to see where we'll be!
The Live events that my business coach and mentor, Elizabeth Formosa and her A-team at Fashion Equipped have curated have been RED hot diary dates over the past few years. The industry experts and panel discussions that have been hosted are invaluable to the growth of my fashion business.
It takes GUTS to go LIVE. If you see a small business stepping out of the comfort zone and into an Instagram Live, Please please join them. Head over to your settings and turn on your notifications, you’ll get a pop up when you’re online if someone goes LIVE. The more people hopping on the easier it is to chat, because you’re talking to people and not just being a mad person speaking to yourself. Say Hi and let them know you’re watching, ask a question if you’re familiar with the brand: you don’t have to stay the whole time, just show up and sending hearts lets the algorithm know this small business has friends.
So there we go NOT one penny spent and deeply contributing to the small business community. Just five minutes of your time online will be hugely appreciated if spent circulating and sharing a brand you truly love. You don’t need to have deep pockets or write like Shakespeare, you need only to Be You and share to set the butterflies free.🦋🦋🦋
]]>I love to doodle and often draw a few of the shapes that I'm working with before selecting the one that feels right.
For kids, it's a good way to create a little focus on one task for a short length of time and can be supervised without the adult having to be super involved. Show them how to grip a crayon or marker correctly and let their imagination and self expression flow. Call out the colours as they come to life on the page, it's good colour recognition and builds vocabulary.
There are so many benefits of colouring pages, I find it hard not to join in and start to doodle or "help" with a little detail here and there. It is actually very therapeutic and a great way to de-stress.
I'll keep loading this page with new designs of the next few weeks, so check back for more pages.
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Start planning as early as possible, if the weekend weather looks like it’s going to be a corker start scheming to hit the beach.
The Night before
As soon as the bubs are in bed, pull out a cooler bag and a big beach bag, a wet bag and reusable plastic bags.
On the dining room table make 4 piles;
Let’s face it, by the time the children are up bright and early in the morning and hear the word “Beach” it’s going to take you an extra hour to get out the door.
Then it’s time to raid the shed for beach tent, beach mat, boogie boards, portable potty, sand toys with bucket and spade in mesh bag. A Trolley or big wheeled pram for navigating over sand, don’t bother with a small wheeled urban stroller, you’ll need to carry it over the sane. Forget the frisbee no one ever plays with it, except the dog and she’s staying home, instead pack the tennis ball there are so many fun games that you can play with it, rounders and catch, or Cornhole – where you try and throw the ball into the hole from a distance.
If you have a baby with you then taking a plastic or waterproof sheet with you is a genius way of creating a small paddle pool under the umbrella. I highly recommend this and will save you running back and forth with small bucket of water.
Now it’s time to fall exhausted into bed, quickly check the tides on your phone, beach facilities, toilets and parking. Get a good night’s rest and enjoy the craziness that is parenting and making lifelong memories on the beach.
]]>Pleased to meet you!
I’m Lisa and I’ve been introducing myself to so many new people recently that it got me thinking I really should write a blog about myself and my journey.
I’ve always been passionate about nature. I grew up in Hilton, a small rural town in Kwazulu Natal, the Midlands in South Africa. We lived an hour from the beach and coast of Durban and an hour in the opposite direction to the Drakensberg mountains. Growing up we spent winter hiking in the mountains and summer on the beach.
After leaving fashion college, I worked in a huge knitwear factory in Cape Town and then like most young people, I wanted to travel and moved to London. I worked for an investment bank and during those years, boy did I travel!!! I met my Swedish husband and after we were married, we moved to Stockholm.
Sweden cemented my love of design and children, as all 3 of our beautiful girls were welcomed to this amazing blue planet in that wintery wonderland. We moved then as a family across the world to Australia and settled into life as we now know it in Melbourne.
I began Tyoub as a life long love of stretch fabrics. I was sewing leotards for my youngest little gymnast when I decided to start a business. Being active, like most families we attended swimming lessons and I was always looking for better designs and ways to stop waste and recycle, I’ve carefully washed disposable swim nappies and dried them countless times, so I started looking at swim nappies. I pattern made countless prototypes and tested them until I was satisfied that this was the optimal solution. The secret is in the double gusset, but it must be in conjunction with an exact waist fitting, so the Velcro was the only option as children grow so rapidly and their bodies change so much from infancy to toddler.
As the business has grown so had my knowledge of textiles, and I have been blown away by the research and development into recycled synthetics. I hope that one day, those awful fossil fuel polyesters and nylons, that truly stick are no longer available in apparel, when I see the price of oil go up I secretly wish that it would effect the price of these fabrics, (I know this is naïve).
When women refer to their business as “their baby”, I tend to agree, you worry constantly that it will survive, you nurture it and promote it, you tell people how great it is doing, even when it is struggling with it’s maths homework LOL. You have dreams that one day it will be grown and strong, making a difference in the world and doing good. And of course profitable and not asking you for pocket money!
With your support I hope to be around for many years and build a business that teaches, encourages and advocates for a healthy, active and happy life … and planet.
]]>Hi! this is me, Victoria from Frog Orange. I have a true passion and connection with the water and love getting to the beach as often as I can. Sea shells, sand dunes, and salt water swims are hallmarks of my passion for the outdoor life and it’s now all part of my job as owner of family lifestyle brand, Frog Orange. I had three girls in three and half years and the only way I could take them all to the beach or pool safely by myself is to put my baby in a Frog Orange
So, here are my top 5 tips for taking a toddler & baby to the beach:
Thanks for sharing all these great tips for going to the beach!
Finally, where can we find you?
Frog Orange website is .... https://frogorange.com.au/
Instagram handle is.... https://www.instagram.com/frogorangebaby/
If you would like to contact Victoria you can do so here.... hello@frogorange.com.au
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There are so many toys and gifts for toddlers to choose from these days, but there is no substitute for being active and playing in the water to create the best holiday memories.
The holidays are about spending time together, sharing a special meal with friends and family, and celebrating the abundance that we have in our lives. The look of delight on our children’s faces as they wake extra early and race to unwrap their presents and nibble on their favourite holiday treat, or the left-over carrot from Rudolf. The smell of the barbecue or the Christmas roast, that draws everyone to the table, and the chilled glass of white wine for mum.
The spirit of Christmas should be in all our planning and purchasing decisions this year. We as parents and carers are responsible for setting an example for our children of thoughtfulness in where and how we shop. What gift we choose place beneath the Christmas tree and what we serve on the Christmas table.
By following our values at Tyoub, we have reduced the number of presents we buy with a Secret Santa. Choosing gifts that are reusable and of good quality, that are designed with purpose and made for longevity.
Buying locally made and designed items, will not only sustain our local businesses and much loved high streets but will reduce the carbon footprint for a greener Christmas. By re-thinking our reason to buy this holiday season we choose our economic and environmental future.
‘tis the season to buy bathers, make merry and spread cheer around your home. From Christmas cakes that are 100% Aussie fruit to Melbourne made togs for sprogs. Summer time for those in the Southern Hemisphere is synonymous with Christmas, and sometimes eating lunch in our bathers.
]]>Hi Bec, How did Look Twice your thrift shop styling interest come about?
Looktwice started back in 2013. I had gone back to full time work after having a car accident a year before and my body was not copying, so I left that job and started back with my passion of fashion and styling.
With Australians disposing of 6000kgs of fashion and textile waste every 10 minutes₁. Tell us about what thrift fashion is, why it’s important to you.
I firstly got in to thrift fashion just after my twins were born. We had three boys under the age of two, had just moved back to Adelaide for family support with our boys and my husband travelled nearly every week for work. Having three children is such a short period of time is very expensive - we had three sets of nappies, formula, baby foods, daycare fees, nanny fees. So there was a lot of money being spent on surviving and not a lot left to spend on ourselves, so I started to thrift shop to save some money.
Thrift shopping has evolved for me since then. It's not only a way to support charity but it’s also a way for me to show that they don't have to spend a lot to look good - I want to try and get rid of some of the taboo that thrift shopping has.
My boys are now a bit older - my eldest is 4 and twins are nearly 3, I’m starting to come out of that baby bubble (thank god) and it’s scary to see where we are headed with our beautiful earth and what our children might not see because we were too lazy or scared to try and change it.
So thrift shopping for me now is about creating awareness of the environmental issues that we have, and how fast fashion is a huge contributor to that!
What has been your best find?
One of my favourite finds would have to be a vintage Italian bag that is black with a wooden handle. It’s such a gorgeous piece!
96% of clothing donations are re-used by charities through sales and recycling streams₂. Do you have any styling tips to share and strategies for thrift shopping success?
Yes! Start with the basics and have a list.
I go through my wardrobe regularly! I have a colour palette so that most of my clothes all match and go together. My colour palette is very basic, - black, grey, white and denim. Everyone's will be different!
One of the rules I have is, if you buy something, make sure it goes with five items in your wardrobe. Then you can easily mix and match your wardrobe.
Don’t look at the size, women's clothing especially! Every brand is different. So, if you like it - try it on! You never know!
What do you love about living in Adelaide?
Adelaide is such an easy place to live. It really doesn’t take that long to get anywhere, we have beautiful beaches, fresh food, clean parks and amazing schools. We also live next door to my cousins, so the fact that we have a family support network next door is amazing - we are blessed!
Do you have any favourite shopping strips?
I have a few spots that I like to go and thrift shop! Grange road has a row of charity super stores and the Red Cross shop there is definitely a must see, especially if you are new to thrift shopping. It is set out easily so you don’t have to rummage too much!
Prospect Road has a St Vinnies that also gets some great brands in and there is a cafe across the road called Mekko Market that has some great thrift items out the back.
You’re a Super Mum to 3 brilliant little boys, jumping from a family of 3 to 5 in less than 18 months and you’re a working mum, what are your favourite moments with such a busy life and what are your secret organisational super powers?
All I can say is WOW! I’m not going to lie, our dynamic is hard, however, the older the boys get the easier it becomes.
What makes me smile is the small things - it was just this morning that I had them in the car and they were telling each other that they loved one another and they’ll look after each other at daycare. Or it could be, them sitting themselves down and grabbing a book to read outloud to themselves.
I am a super organised person - their clothes are laid out, their breakfast is ready and waiting, their lunches are made. I do most of this organising the night before after they have gone to bed as when they wake - it’s all systems go! When they then leave for kindy a load of washing is in, their PJs are out ready for when they get home, their clothes are ready for the next day - it’s like a military exercise!
What would be your favourite thing about teaching swimming?
The kids enjoyment! I didn’t like swimming when I was little until I had this one particular teacher who I can still remember to this day. He made it fun so that took all the scariness away for me! That’s what I want to do for my students, make it fun and enjoyable!
What age did you start swimming lessons with your own children, and could you offer some advice for getting their kids ready for swimming lessons?
My eldest started swimming lessons when he was 6 months. We lived in QLD at that stage, when we moved back to Adelaide and the twins were born we stopped as it was logistically hard. As I am now a swimming teacher I teach the boys myself. I don't make it a chore, I make it fun! They get a lot more out of it and as a parent so do I!
The bath/shower is the first place to get your child ready for swimming. Get their faces wet, go buy some water toys, let them play in the bath and enjoy it. It’s about enjoying the water! As parents though we have a huge impact on how they will react to swimming lessons. It is important to be relaxed, I can’t stress this enough! As a parent when we are stressed our kids are stressed and it is true even when coming in to the water!
What’s in your swim bag?
I have two towels, body wash, shampoo, moisturiser, brush, change of clothes and my thongs.
With an obvious passion for the fashion industry and styling. As well as, being an active mum with young babies, what is your mission and mindset with regards to Look Twice fashion styling events, what can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
I’d love to rid the taboo’s of thrifty shopping in Adelaide, as well as draw attention to the fact that buying and disposing of huge amounts of clothing is ruining earth. I love meeting new clients and babies when I teach and giving them the joy of water but also working for an amazing swim school with an incredible Director who has made my life with a young family and a woman getting back into the work place easy! We work together on promoting School of Little Swimmers, so I would like to help her with her amazing company.
Follow Bec @looktwice_fse and see what swimming lessons are available at @school_of_little_swimmers
]]>The same should go for the clothes you buy for your little ones. What’s the point of purchasing cheap, poor quality garments for your kiddies when bubs are much more of a liability when it comes to clothing? You will only end up spending more as the years go by!
Tyoub, as one of Australia’s sustainable childrens swimwear labels, understands the importance of buying quality over quantity. With so much of childrens clothing ending up in landfill due to its poor production, it is vital for parents to start buying with quality first in mind.
So, with this in mind, here are five reasons why you should always choose quality over quantity when purchasing clothes for your bub.
Obvious, but true. If you buy better quality clothing it will simply last longer. If your clothing lasts longer you won’t have to keep going out to replace it. This is especially so for young children. Quality clothing is perfect for parents who find shopping for kids clothes slightly, umm, frustrating. Even if you don’t mind kids shopping, you don’t want to have to keep looking for the same stuff over and over, this is all time that could be spent doing other fun things with your bub!
Buying higher quality kids clothes does take a little more effort than buying a few scrappy pieces. This little extra effort means your purchases require more care and attention. This extra investment means you will take better care of your purchases once you make them. Taking care of your clothes, as well as your kid’s, provides a wholesome sense of satisfaction which is better than not caring about scrappy pieces.
Choosing quality over quantity is one of the easiest ways to make a sustainable contribution to the environment. Purchasing less and ensuring what you buy will be more sustainable. Even you decide you don’t need the piece anymore, you can donate or resell the item for another family’s little one to enjoy.
You don’t want your kid’s room to become a mess. This can be a real nuisance to rectify. By buying less, but quality, clothing pieces for your kids, you will ensure that there is less clutter and this makes a big difference when cleaning.
You love your bubs and want them to have the best. Plus, what adorable baby or tod doesn’t look even more so in nice clothes? Purchasing good quality clothes for your bub is an act of love even they are too young to truly appreciate it!
]]>But before throwing them in the trash to become a part of landfill, why not consider giving them to your local op-shop? With so many awesome initiatives attributed to Australia’s oppies, there should be no reason to throw your old clothes in the bin.
Tyoub, as a leading children’s sustainable swimwear label, believes in the importance of donating old garments. There are so many benefits to it, and Australia has one of the world’s best donation systems, with endless op-shops and charities all putting your unwanted clothes to awesome use.
So, here are three reasons why you should give your old clothes to the op-shop and not the tip.
When you donate your old garments, you’re doing the environment a massive favour. It costs plenty of money to dispose of waste in the landfill, and clothing that sits in the tip releases toxic greenhouse gases including methane and carbon dioxide as they break down.
Finally, making new clothes uses gallons and gallons of water, with the production of new textiles accounting for 10 per cent of all carbon emissions on planet earth. All of this can be avoided if you simply donate some of your old clothes.
So, when donating your old garments, or even handing them down to younger family members, you are doing the environment a massive favour, even it might seem minuscule at the time.
Even though you don’t need your old clothes, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will. There are plenty of people in need of cheaper, reusable clothing. There are disaster victims, children in need and underprivileged people who could all benefit from donations, whether directly wearing the clothes or benefiting from the op-shops’s initiatives. When you throw away your old garments, they have no chance of getting to people who might really need them.
When you help others out, you feel good about in the process. Although people may put this down to self-gratification, is there really something wrong with feeling good for helping others out? When you feel good, people around you feel, so what’s the problem?
Nearly 100 per cent of the textiles in your home be donated or recycled, regardless of the condition or quality. This means you don’t really have a reason not to donate your old pieces! It’s great for the environment, helps those in need and gives you good vibes in the process.
There are near-endless drop-off locations across Australian towns and cities just waiting to be filled with your old garments, and good karma will come your way for doing something so positive.
]]>They’re shaped the same as a disposable, fasten with either press studs or velcro around the waste and contain elastic in the leg areas to contain messes.
But, what are the benefits of using reusable nappies? Well, here are five.
Newborn babies need about five to eight nappies daily, meaning a pack of disposable nappies will only last around a week. On average, you will spend around $25 a week on disposable nappies. In one year you you will find yourself spending thousands on nappies.
As the average child becomes toilet trained around 2-3 years old, the amount you spend on disposable nappies will just keep going up as they grow and learn. So, by using reusable, sustainable nappies, you are saving thousands on the cost of nappies.
Modern nappies come in a variety of styles but they are basically the same shape as a regular disposable nappy. They have either velcro or press stud-closing tops with no safety pins required.
They can be ‘sized’ (newborn through toddler) or can have a one-size-fits-most situation. Some come all in one with absorbent layers included in the nappy or you can even easily add boosters.
Once a washing routine is established, they are simple to clean. Breasted baby’s poo washes right out in one cycle. Once the baby is on solids you flick the poos of into the toilet, use disposable liners or spray.
Modern nappies are much better for the environment. Disposables can take 200-300 years to complete decompose in landfill, with the average baby contributing a massive 700kg of used nappies to the tip.
Some people argue that the extra electricity and water used to wash cloth nappies increases their environment impact. However, the amount of water and electricity used to wash reusables is much less than what is used to produce disposable nappies.
Tyoub Reusable Swim Nappies are made from a lightweight material, they are water-safe and food grade safe. Made from rPET recycled fabrics the outer layer is made from post consumer recycled plastics, such as diverted single use plastic shopping bags and plastic packaging. This is an achievement that we are very proud of.
Modern nappies reduce expose to numerous harmful chemicals found in disposable nappies. These chemicals can influence unwanted rashes that are extremely uncomfortable for bubs. It is also reported that cloth nappies help prevent nappy rash and assist in infant toilet training.
Tyoub has an adorable collection of reusable swim nappies available for bubs and tods of all sizes. Our collection has been produced using super comfortable, sustainable fabrics and are made to be easily cleaned in the wash.
Simply browse our wonderful collection of baby swim nappies to find the colour your bub loves the most. We know your bub will love swimming in our ultra-comfortable and safe swim nappies, and you will have a much easier time cleaning these than the constant re-applying of disposable nappies.
]]>This year has been an exciting year of serendipitous meetings and the universe has really conspired to bring the knowledge to the seeker. It began in earnest at the inaugural Australian Circular Fashion Conference. It was a fascinating day with world class speakers from leading on environmental fashion brands; Eileen Fisher, Mara Hoffman and FilipaK. The compelling presentation by industry experts speaking about fashion pollution in land, water and air by Christian Dreszig from Bluesign technologies stating “The quality level of circular economy matters”. The facts startling, frightening and obvious to everyone there, that a fashion revolution is what’s needed and inevitable. There were so many take-aways from the presenters and we can’t wait to attend in 2020.
Before attending the conference, we had come across a research project that had won an H&M Foundation award for denim production by the Institute for Frontier Materials at Deakin University, in Geelong undertaken by Professor Xungai Wang and his fellow researchers. The denim research is brilliant, even though Tyoub is a swimwear brand and we focus on synthetic fibres so meeting the experts from The Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre was marvellous.
Through this meeting we were invited to the first of a series of lectures from Deakin University and the City of Geelong titled A Clever and Creative Future. The presentation that really struck me was given by professor Matthew Barnett who addressed two key areas that are vital to achieving a circular economy, product design and material design. Professor Barnett used the analogy of a toaster in three design scenarios.
Example 1. The Indestructible Toaster. Made of aluminium with a single function easy to repair commercial style toaster. Ticking all the boxes at first glance, it’s designed to last, made from recyclable material and can be repaired. This toaster will last a life time!
Example 2. The Modular Toaster. This theoretically would come as a set of components whereby the consumer can add on extra slices as needed taking it from a 2 slice to 8 slice toaster, by clipping on additional parts. The manufacturer has a return model for recycling parts and are therefore closely monitoring the product, which addresses the life cycle assessment of toaster and stewardship of the disposable parts.
Example 3. The Cheap and Cheerful Toaster. This toaster is made to be recycled, the toaster is designed to blow apart and easily disassemble in a low pressure recycling chamber. It is basically a fast fashion toaster!
As obvious from these examples, so many questions can be asked and a great deal of insight and understanding into consumer intelligence and behaviour can be gleaned. We like to break these down into four pillars; Production, Distribution, Consumption and Rebirth. As Tyoub is a swimwear brand we are going to move swiftly forward to The Future Fibres Hub.
After a few email exchanges with the very generous and helpful Dr Marzieh Parhizkar we were invited to visit the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and the Institute for Frontier Materials. We had the wonderful opportunity to present and discuss Tyoub’s reusable swim nappy and the material life cycle of the swim nappy that we have prototyped and produced. We know that 80% of environmental impact is decided at the design stage and being an independent brand we have the advantage of flexibility at design stage. We also wanted to closely look at artificial, recycled, changeable and experimental material for children’s wear in a broader range of activewear. We are also committed to using regenerated fibres for our swimwear range and have chosen to partner with Aquafil who produce ECONYL® - a premium regenerated polyester and nylon LYCRA® from recycled ocean fishing nets and post-consumer plastics.
We presented our reusable swim nappy to eight of the most brilliant textile engineers and researchers. The range and depth of their collective knowledge is outstanding. The highlight of our day was a tour of the laboratory and viewing IFM’s equipment including an electron microscope and atom probe. IFM is on a mission to “re-design materials for a circular economy” and “impart materials with extraordinary functionality” this to me is both inspiring and encouraging.
The Future Fibres Hub at Deakin University are open and welcoming to industry partnerships and work with brands such as Draggin jeans and HEIQ materials, as well as 50 active industry partners in 10 countries. This is a world class facility on our doorstep! For Tyoub this would be the ultimate collaboration and is what we work towards achieving every day. It is only through excellent research, innovation and the industry’s ability to scale up the ideas from the laboratory that circularity can be achieved. We hope that IFM might be presenting at the next Australian Circular Fashion Conference, because that would certainly be invigorating to the fashion industry in Australia.
Circular Economy Graphic credit to Circular Flanders community
]]>Remember these three important elements of choosing your child’s swimwear.
Swim sessions, no matter how fun, can make a tod grumpy if they’re wearing an ill-fitting swimsuit. Too-tight waistbands, crotches that ride up and give you a wedgie, and shoulder straps can cause rashes and unsightly red marks on kids’ sensitive skin. You might be drawn to cute designs and prints on a swimsuit, but learn to check the tags first to what the swimwear is made of. Nylon and polyester is often considered two of the most comfortable fabrics for swimsuits. Both materials are soft silky stretch fabrics, made for movement in water. Both are also colour fast and chlorine resistant so the prints stay brighter for longer.
For girls swimsuits, one should also consider the straps: are they adjustable, with a bra slider to lengthen and shorten over the shoulders. Is it a cross over the back, or can they be tied in a soft bow halter-style around the tod’s neck? The skinnier the ties are harder they are to un-knot, so straps may be a more suitable option. Are they more comfy in a two piece or one piece suits? For boys, consider purchasing trunks or board shorts in several lengths for different protection and coverage for activities in both beaches and pools. It’s also a good idea to have them change into fresh clothing in-between drying time of previously worn swimwear.
Keep in mind that certain toddlers in the process of potty training cannot express when they need the toilet, especially once they’re in the water. To avoid embarrassing occurrences, consider getting swimsuits with poppers at the crotch area or buttons for easier diaper changing. Our new Tyoub Zootie onesie has snaps in the inner leg seam for easy diaper changes in sizes 0, 1 and 2.
Toddler girls can do with two piece swimsuits because a one piece makes for harder manoeuvring. You may want to get your little girl a variety of swimsuit bottoms to go with a few tops, so that you always have a fresh supply of them whenever you need to change her nappy. Your little girl might find she prefers one piece suits once she has become fully potty trained. Boy toddlers can have a number of comfortable board shorts or swim trunks available every swimming session to go with ever diaper change. Our Tyoub reusable swim nappy is slim enough to be worn underneath board shorts and under our swim bloomers and baby bathers, all engineered to fit a nappy underneath.
There are swimsuits available which offer a great deal of sun protection in much the same way sunscreen does. There are also suits that provide buoyant panels stitched in to add flotation security for your child when swimming in the pool or at the beach. They are more expensive than regular swimsuits, but provide extra safety and peace of mind for parents.
Sun protection swimsuits work to provide optimal coverage for a toddler’s skin, especially the single piece varieties. These typically come with SPF 50 protective which great for tods’ sensitive skin. For the rest of the exposed parts including the arms, face, shoulders and legs, ensure you keep a good deal of sunscreen to beat the burn. A quality sunhat never goes astray, either.
]]>It is known that unintentional drowning varies with age, and that children between the ages 0 – 4 are more likely to drown in pools, bathtubs/toilets/buckets and falling into open water (lake, river, pond). Research shows the drowning event was least often witnessed in the 0 – 4 year old age group, as no-one was around when the child fell into the water. There is no splashing and screaming, toddlers just sink very fast.
Tragically the typical scenario is that, when the child is discovered and retrieved from the water, a resuscitation might be possible. The emergency services are called and life saving care given, however once admitted to hospital the child dies. An average of 30 children over the past 10 years, under the age of five drown each year in Australia.
But with many unfortunate accidents occurring in Australian waters for kids aged 0-17, it’s easy to see why structured classes are important in our water-loving nation. Most children age 4 years and older can learn to swim, at the very least propel themselves to the surface and get to the edge to hold on or find a step to get out. Many incidents occur when children are left in the water unsupervised, so having your child take part in swimming lessons will provide them with a protective barrier against an unfortunate occurrence.
Actively supervising babies and toddlers means holding them in water and never being out of arms reach near the waters edge. Don’t rely on water wings, foam vests or noodles to keep children safe. Young children can drown in as little as 25 seconds, when near water Ignore your PHONE.
A common questions asked by parents is “when should my child start swimming lessons?” A better question to ask is “Which swimming club should we start at?” Many swim programs offer lessons from baby to adult. As a mother to 3 girls I learnt CPR and did a basic First Aid course for children, I can highly recommend doing this, when it comes to drowning doing something like chest compressions, mouth breathing and the basic ABC is always better than doing nothing.
Given Australia’s beach-loving lifestyle, the likelihood that a child will be exposed to a water environment is very high. If you live near the beach or lake, or lucky enough to have a pool, you already have a good reason for wanting your kids to be confident in the water from an early age. However, it is recommended that your child begins independent swimming lessons around the ages of 3-4 years for a variety of reasons.
These include:
At any time that you’re concerned about your child, trust your instincts and call the doctor and health services. If your child is ever battling to breath head straight to your nearest emergency room.
]]>Here are several reasons to keep those swimming lessons in full-swing for your child, even when it's time to bring out the scarves and gloves again.
In order for children to learn to swim, they need to be able to practice and grow their skills appropriately. As with any sport, practice makes perfect. A child who is given the chance to do this year-round will have a far greater chance of success over one that has little time in the water. Not only do regular lessons keep skills at their peak, it also prevents the complacency with technique.
Children learn by repeating tasks regularly. Allowing them to improve their long-term skills and muscle memory means you can better their chance at success in the long-run.
Continuing lessons through the winter months and building upon their skills enables children to learn how to handle themselves in the water. Accidents happen quickly and quietly at any time of the year, however children who are confident in their abilities will naturally be calmer in an emergency. Most swim schools teach kids about water safety and how to react in the case of an emergency, so attending regularly will ensure your little one is kept up-to-date in the most effective methods.
In more extreme cases, a child who is taken out of lessons for an extended period can potentially develop a fear of the water overall, which may prevent them from achieving goals in the future.
Once the weather gets cooler, we tend to stay indoors. This also limits the amount of activity that children participate in, on average. Luckily, swimming can be done indoors, making it an easy way to keep the heart rate up, no matter the season.
Being stuck indoors means it's harder to create activities to continually entertain our kids around the home. Swimming lessons give you a reason to get out and about, and keep little minds busy.
Pro tip: If you're worried about the temperature of the water when temperatures drop, head to your local heated pool. Most of these are indoors, meaning you can prevent the kids from being exposed to the cold air before they have a chance to dry themselves off.
]]>The incredible crocodiles are the main attraction. We were treated to an amazing display of their strength and snapping action at the famous Mount Franklin Crocoseum! Lucky for us, the Irwin family were in on the day and so Terri and Robert hand fed the crocs, what a treat! If you get to the zoo early, there is a Kids Story time located in the Crocoseum boutique, it was at 10am but check what’s planned for the day you’re there.
After the show, we enjoyed some cooling off from all that excitement at The Laughing Frog Waterpark. Where there is a HUGE frog who gushes water and a HUGE crocodile water fountain, who spurts water from its nose. Of course, we couldn’t keep the little ones from running in and out of the water. Thank goodness Tyoub swim nappy’s came in handy! It’s always a good idea to keep one of our swim nappies in the car or your change bag, especially on holidays, as you never know when the opportunity will present itself for a splish-splash-play.
There are also the softer and more cuddly animals and getting up close to a koala is a definitely on the top 10 Highlights of the day. Taking a stroll through the Koala Walk and seeing these gorgeous little bundles of fur chillin’ out in the eucalyptus leaves is so relaxing. They must be the most zen animals on earth. Don’t forget to pick up a bag of nibbles for the roos! The red kangaroos can be hand fed and will patiently stand around for a photo and a pat, sometimes it all gets too much and they have a little lie down right in the middle of the path.
If you’re feeling a little peckish then there are lots of watering holes, so to speak… try the Crikey Café for a burger, fresh salad or sandwich. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available. Do take a refillable water bottle to keep you hydrated!
If after lunch you’d like to settle down to a show, then head over to the Tiger Temple get there early as seating is limited. Another fun area for young families is the Farmyard. Like with all animals children need adult supervision, this is a wonderful learning experience, but lets make our interactions with animals be respectful, kind and gentle. There is hand sanitiser at most exit gates for keeping hands germ free.
The park is beautifully kept, there is ample shade and seating, playgrounds and parents room. The path ways are pram and wheelchair friendly and most areas have ramp access. There is so much to do and see, like with any good day out, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it! Sunny Coast we will be back again soon.
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Children over the age of six months are recommended to use some form of sunscreen. However, it should be applied alongside other measures such as the use of sun shirts, hats and the utilisation of shady areas.
As for application, make sure your entire family has plenty of it slapped on – no matter how much the kids might protest against it. Moreover, even if the sun is seemingly hiding and it doesn’t seem bright or hot enough, it’s still important that you efficiently apply enough lotion before, during and after swimming.
Pro tip: For maximum protection apply after every session in the pool, and two hours in between last doing so. Even if your choice of lotion labels it as waterproof, reapplication is crucial for consistent, effective coverage.
It should also be used generously. Each application should include at least 50mls of lotion; not using enough may mean you don’t give it the best shot at working.
Lotions, whilst messier, are easier to apply. They also allow you to ensure a consistent, even layer of coverage. As the skin tends to absorb lotions less, these are typically the more popular option.
Additionally, sprays can leave you with patches that are not completely covered, which renders them ineffective against the sun’s rays. There’s also the issue of children likely inhaling the ingredients when the spray is applied – side effects of which still haven’t been explored.
Luckily, there’s a simple way to test the suitability of any product on skin before applying it to a larger area. Simply place a small fingernail-sized patch on the inside of your little one’s wrist at least 24 hours before you will be using it in full-swing.
Monitor the area for any rashes or irritation. If there is no reaction, the product is safe to use. However, if any irritation does occur, contact your family doctor immediately.
Above all, always check the label before purchasing any type of product, to better understand the ingredients included and the directions for usage. When in doubt, slip, slop, slap every two hours and consult your GP if your child experiences any issues along the way.
]]>We took our place amongst the stallholders at 6am on Sunday morning, beside the gorgeous Cindy from Mama&Boo Collective. It was so exciting, it felt like the circus had come to town and within the hour we were greeted by the rising sun through the palm trees and the fig leaves, and we marvelled at the size of these huge trees.
The craft market has been running for over 20 years and is a great place to find truly unique, handmade and local arts. There is also an abundance of fresh pineapples, freshly pressed sugar cane juices and freshly cracked coconut to keep you satisfied.
We had a really great day trading, so many parents and grandparents loved the practical and environmentally friendly Tyoub Swim Nappy and sustainable swimwear. We actually sold out of the yellow and had only 2 royal blue left at the end of the day.
The adventures continued for us on Monday with a trip to the Mossman Gorge. It is a picture-perfect forested boardwalk, complete with swing-bridge and crystal-clear lime green waters tumbling over ancient granite boulders and swirling in deep dark pools. The Kuku Yalanji people generously share their stories and Dreamtime legends with guided walks and tours.
The Daintree Rainforest is expansive and as you cross the muddy fast flowing river on the ferry, you feel as though you are stepping back in time. To a time of dinosaurs and prehistoric crocodiles. Our eyes were peeled for the flash of blue that gives away the Cassowary and the Ulysses butterflies. We treated ourselves to a delicious Daintree Ice Cream Company. All natural and simply unforgettable. As we sat in the lush gardens eating ice- cream, the hardest part was we couldn’t decide on a favourite flavour, wattelseed gelato, Davidson plum, and Jackfruith mmm!.... finished with silky coconut at the bottom of the tub! Heavenly!
All this in just 5 days! This doesn’t even begin to explore what this region has to offer, with the natural wonders of the world on its doorstep. The Great Barrier Reef with tours leaving daily from Port Douglas, and Cape Tribulation. I have fallen in love with this tropical paradise and it’s easy to find reasons to want to come back again and again.
]]>We discussed mostly the average age that they had started their babies swimming and most felt that 6 months was about right. Very young babies are unable to regulate their body temperature for the duration of a 30 minute lesson until they are about 4-5months old. Also an immature immune system is something to consider. Most were continuing their swimming program into winter, in preparedness for Summer!
Drowning was definitely the biggest concern for parents and some families spoke openly about their home pools and fencing, with self-closing and self-latching pool gates. This was one reason to get their kids enrolled early to start water familiarisation. Drowning is still the leading cause of accidently death of children aged 5 and under according to Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2018. We all know how genius toddlers are at climbing, so our parents top tip was never leaving a deck chair, pot plant or outdoor table near the fence as a booster over the fence. Don’t give them a leg up and over!
Apart from Environmental concerns about contributing to landfill with disposable swim nappies, the next big concern was cost and how this added expense to the outlay when considering weekly swim lessons. With one Mum saying, “What a waste of money, when it’s only worn for 30 minutes and then thrown into the bin.” Our advice is simple, don’t spend your disposable income on disposable diapers!
We chatted and laughed about trying to reuse disposable swim diapers, but there are huge drawbacks, they get soaked with chlorine water, they smell strongly of chemicals when wet and take ages to dry! When eventually they do dry; they are bent out-of-shape, rough and tear. The disposables also lose their elasticity, making them ineffectual at containing solids. So Many real concerns here!!!
We also noted that some swim schools still insist on using disposable swimmers, even under a reusable swim nappy in case of leakage. We all agreed that most parents know if their baby is prone to the odd poop in the pool. I had a friend who’s little guy did a number 2 every time they got in the water, (even the bath had to be quick and timed - so not directly after a feed). Timing is everything, keep the snack till after the swim!
I understand that there are some pointless swim nappies out there, believe me after 3 children in swimming lessons we have tried them all! And when developing the Junior Champion Swim Nappy I researched and tore apart many an inferior product, some reminded me of a plastic shower cap and others were just pull on trunks with no hope of containing a little log. Most didn’t do the job they advertised they were made to!
One thing is for certain, Mums and Dads love to give their children the best start in life! They will buy beautiful shoes, toys and clothing - the best of the best! Parents will go out of their way to find the best activities and swimming schools for their little ones. It’s not only about the bonding, it’s pride in their kids achievements and learning vital life skills. From babies blowing bubbles to pre-schoolers swimming their first 5 meters. Watching them grow from Starfish to Dolphins. Swimming is the real deal!
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
]]>Shine Cambodia is a not-for-profit charity, located in Otres. They have been working relentlessly towards providing children and families with educational support, social care and family support, as well as health and wellbeing programs. By providing free education for underpriveleged rural children aged 5 to 16 years old, by ensuring that these young learners remain in school, and giving them better outcomes in the future.
Students from Haileybury College are aiming to raise $30,000 for Shine! As part of their fund-raising efforts Haileybury College in Brighton East, will be holding A Night in Cambodia! As the youth volunteers turn their school hall into a Cambodian theme evening of fun, entertainment and prizes. Buy tickets here. https://shinecambodia.
Among the amazing prizes to be won will be a Tyoub gift voucher! We are so delighted to have been asked to be a part of this amazing event and we wish Shine all the very best in their endeavours. If you would like to get involved or donate please contact Shine at their website. https://shinecambodia.org/
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