Right from pregnancy & childbirth to their first tentative steps, there are so many aspects of parenthood that need to be discovered. For example, registering with a Mother's group, doctor and clinic; feeding, sleeping & settling issues to deal with; baby items to purchase; taking babies shopping and to other public places; finding local activities to help a baby develop new skills.

The Babies Section has many pages devoted to helping you find your way around the local area with your new baby and helping you with the activities mentioned above. Access each section using the menu on the left hand side of the page or by using the blue underlined links you find on each page.

• NEW: Food Allergies & Eczema- information on symptoms nand treatments from The Children's Hospital at Westmead
• Managing Your Finances & Having A Baby
• Immunisation Programme for Babies and Children - New payment structures for Maternity Immunisation Allowance.
• Healing Hands -The Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
• Pregnancy & Childbirth
• Shopping With & For Babies
• Feeding
• Sleep & Settling
• Health & Safety
• Activities
• Baby-Friendly Venues
• Childcare
• Resources & Links

Having a baby

Having children can be a wonderful experience. But it's also very expensive.
Have you thought about how you will cover the extra costs on a reduced income?

The best way to plan for your family's future is to make a budget and think about the following:

• The cost of having a baby
• Managing on a reduced income
• Your super plan

The cost of having a baby

Costs of having a baby can include:

• the possibility of needing a bigger home;
• nursery furniture,
• high chairs and strollers;
• childcare;
• baby food and skincare products;
• disposable nappies and baby clothes.

It's important you plan your finances as much as possible to cover these and other costs because it is likely you will be on a reduced income.

Managing on a reduced income

Whether you are a couple having children or becoming a single parent on your own, having children will have a major impact on your finances. One change you'll need to adjust to will be the loss of income of the main carer, as most mothers take some time out of the workforce when a child is born.

If you are employed, find out if you have access to paid maternity leave (or other parental leave entitlements as a condition of your employment), to help you plan the length of time you will be off work. And check whether you are eligible for any government payments. Contact Centrelink on 13 61 50, or visit the Centrelink website.

You will need to plan how to meet your everyday living expenses, plus new expenses.

Use FIDO's budget planner to help you to manage your money.

Remember to include expenses you don't currently have.

Your super plan

Super contributions paid by your employer on your behalf will cease if your salary or wages payments do. Remember to allow for anticipated periods out of the workforce when you plan your long-term super goals.

If it's possible, talk to your spouse about them contributing to your super. This can have tax benefits. The Australian Taxation Office can tell you more.

Contact your super fund to discuss your plan.

If you hold life or disability insurance cover through your super fund, check whether it will continue if your employer stops making super contributions.

More information

A free and independent, community based financial counsellor may be able to assist you if you are having trouble planning or managing your finances.

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