Keeping pre-schoolers safe around water
A new partnership between YMCA Auckland, Plunket Auckland, and Auckland Council is offering half price swimming lessons for preschoolers at eight Council owned and operated pools.
The Benefits of Movement for Babies
Scientific studies have shown that your child's future development is highly dependent upon the way they use their senses in the early months of life. Grab some tips on how you can help your newborn, baby and toddler get moving.
What a Serve of Food Means for a Toddler
Grab our free printable below to see precisely what a serve of food means for a toddler.
10 tips for keeping families water-safe this summer
Summer is here and making a splash - but is your family water-safe? YMCA Swim School shares ten tips for swimming safe this summer.
7 tools that will get your child to listen to you
Parenting coach, Heather Lindsay, shares seven language keys to help influence children to listen better and cooperate.
Dads do matter
Toddlers need their dads ... and research convincingly shows that they need them for more than the 30 minutes a day that some studies show they spend.
Basic vanilla muffins
This is a great basic recipe to get the kids started on baking - and decorating.
Banana teething biscuits
Perfect for teething babies and have a beautiful banana bread flavour.
Bacon cheeseburger pasta
This pasta dish has few ingredients, and is suitable for all ages from toddler up. I told my children that it was like bacon cheeseburger pizza but I don't tell them I have hidden veggies in there!
Babys first vegetable purees
After baby rice comes the introduction of vegetables. Build your confidence with this step by step recipe for baby vege puree.
Babys first smoothie
This is a delicious baby smoothie that is a variation of the grown-up one. Baby tummies may not be up for cow's milk when they first start solids but yoghurt is so much more baby friendly. Wizz it up with some berries and watch them ask for more please!
Baby trifle
A baby style trifle that has no cake layer.
Baby crispbread
Budget friendly snack for baby to chew and suck on.
Baby bolognese
A great way to introduce toddlers to this classic.
Baby banana pancakes
These tiny bite-size pancakes are more banana than pancake which babies don't really mind and mums love getting another serve of fruit in for the day.
Apricot topping
This is a great sauce for kids of all ages to have on desserts (leave out the honey for the under 1's)
Apple juice
A really flavour packed and pulpy concentrate that has no added sugar. This apple juice recipe can be served to babies from 4 months of age. It has no added sugar and can be easily diluted. It is gentle on little tummies.
Toilet training: getting started
Toilet training is an area of raising toddlers that too many parents get in a knot about. Here's some tips to help you out.
Nutella fairy bread
This Nutella fairy bread is great for birthday party platters and any occasion where the kids are hungry!
Chicken, cheese and vegetable patties
Fussy toddlers will really enjoy these delish chicken, cheese and vegetable patties. Pop one in a bun for a tasty burger or eat on it's own in your fingers. Either way, these tasty morsels will be a huge hit!
Creamed rice with spiced apples
Creamed rice is an old family favourite. Topped with apples lightly spiced with cinnamon this makes a delicious dessert that's also suitable for toddlers.
Carrot and sultana salad for toddlers
Take a carrot and some sultanas, put them together and what have you got? A simple toddler-friendly salad, that's what! Heres a nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened salad with lovely textures that toddlers can feed themselves with their fingers.
Cheeseburgers
Make these cheeseburgers for a fun family dinner that everyone will love! Adapt the fillings to your family's tastes and maybe serve with some fries for your own homemade takeaway!
Chicken and corn chowder
There is something truly special about the combination of chicken and corn - without being too heavy and hard to digest, it is filling and nourishing, which makes it perfect for little tummies. Try this simple chowder recipe that's been created just for babies and toddlers.
Baby bacon and spinach frittatas
Preparing your own baby food is simple and budget-friendly. Start with purees and move onto finger foods like these mini bacon and spinach frittatas. Perfect if your child has been introduced to eggs and is more interested in handling their own food now than having you feed it to them.
Meatball macaroni and cheese
This unusual pasta bake has layers of yummy meatballs, creamy sauce and pasta for a filling dinner that the whole family will love. Make two and pop one in the freezer so you always have a tasty meal to hand.
Easy chicken casserole
This simple chicken casserole combines the wonderful tastes of fresh herbs and vegetables such as pumpkin and carrots with tender chicken breast pieces to make a casserole everyone will love, including toddlers and babies.
Fish and potato pies
These little pies are perfect for a toddler meal, creamy mashed potato with mild flavoured fish means the entire family can enjoy it, watch them clear their plates
Berry smoothie for toddlers
Little ones have more taste buds than adults, so this simple smoothie doesnt need any sugar or other ingredients added to make it a tasty, healthy treat for toddlers.
