Welcome to your third trimester – the countdown to meeting your baby is on!

This is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy planning for the arrival of your new family member.

Congratulations on the (early) arrival of your little bundle of joy!

Your baby has entered the world earlier than planned and suddenly there are new things to consider – such as finding clothes to fit your tiny tot!

When you return home, you may receive ongoing care, information and counselling from your hospital if you need it (via their 'Hospital in the Home' program).

The hospital will notify Council when your baby arrives home. You will then receive a text message to confirm your first home visit with your Council Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Nurse. If you or your child need extra support, your nurse will refer you to one of our Enhanced MCH Nurses who provide a more specialised service.

You can also join these independent groups and support networks:

• Life's Little Treasures Foundation (Facebook group, counselling, tips for family and dads, where to buy clothes)
• Miracle Babies Foundation

It's the moment you've been waiting for - your baby is finally home-bound. Congratulations!

While this is an exciting milestone, it's often a daunting time too. As you settle into your new normal, try not to take yourself for granted - it's easy to do!

Don't forget that Council has many services to help you along your journey and you'll have regular appointments with your Maternal & Child Health (MCH) nurse.

The hospital will notify Council when your baby arrives home. You will then receive a text message to confirm your first home visit with your MCH nurse.

It's your baby's second week and you’re likely still getting used to juggling visitors, broken sleep and dedicating hour after hour to doting on your new addition!

When you’re not in the cycle of feeding, sleeping and nappy changes, you can enjoy your baby during this early stage by:

• walking with your baby – motion replicates the swaying feeling babies experience in the womb

• singing and talking to your baby – your familiar voice is a comforting sound

• giving lots of cuddles – enjoyable for both parent and baby!

Your baby is still adjusting to life outside the comfort of the womb and chances are they’re still getting used to daily tasks, such as being undressed.

Remember that your baby needs plenty of love and cuddles!

Some partners may also be preparing to return to work during this stage – try to provide each other with the support needed during this transition.

Your baby is learning every day, everywhere. They are fascinated by the world around them. Everything they see, hear and touch helps their brain grow and develop.

Your baby is constantly learning about the world around them and starting to communicate with you in new ways.

Remember to keep talking, smiling and laughing with your baby – and enjoy watching them soak it all in!

Giving your baby love, attention and interesting experiences at this particular age will do wonders for their development.

Your baby may now be ready for food – especially if they're reaching for yours!

Introducing solids is that start of an exciting new season for your baby. Enjoy this special time as they learn new tastes, smells, textures and flavours. 

It’s playtime, baby!

At this stage, you’re probably noticing that your baby is go, go, go!

They’re learning about the world around them every day by touching, tasting, smelling, listening, watching and moving around. Another way babies learn is by having conversations with you.

Encourage your baby to move as much as possible – playtime on the floor, a trip to the local pool or even helping them perform actions to songs during a free Council Baby Rhyme Time session.

Your child is becoming more social and learning to feed themselves. They enjoy sharing in family meal times.
By now your child will likely have a few baby teeth. Cleaning and caring for their gums and teeth early on will help them to develop healthy dental habits for life.  Baby teeth can appear in any order, with all 20 baby teeth usually arriving by the time your child is three years old.

Your child is now very busy, emptying drawers and 'helping' you clean.

Play is vital for your child’s development – why don’t you try some new play time ideas?

Your baby would love to explore and play with other babies too – now’s the perfect time to join a playgroup and meet other families!

Your child is learning to become independent.

They love sharing their interests and enjoyment with family, friends and people in the community.

Your child is becoming more independent and adventurous.

Now that the time’s come to make sure your child is enrolled in kindergarten, you’re probably keen to prepare them for this transition. One of the ways you can do this is by reading to your child, so try to include story time as a daily activity.