New Child Care Subsidy: I fear efforts to close the gender pay gap could suffer

There is some trepidation among parents as the start date for the new Child Care Subsidy kicks in.

We know there are benefits for a number of two-parent working families.

But we already know that many families won't qualify for the subsidy because parents won't meet the new work, study or volunteer test. And we already know that many families have found the process of registering complex and, in fact, for some, just too damn hard.

All these are serious concerns that could lead to parents not qualifying for support, which will punish their children by denying them access to early learning.

But there are also real dangers that the new system will undermine the ability of professional women to continue their careers and will further entrench the gender pay gap.

This is about the woman I was 25 years ago, with young children, trying to continue a career.

I had worked full time as a journalist and then media relations advisor until my first child was born. A few years of being self-employed part-time led to, before my children were at school, a full-time venture. But would that be viable under the latest childcare subsidy system?

According to KPMG modelling, a mum who is professionally qualified, and works three days a week with two children in long day care, ends up only a little bit better off financially if she increases her weekly workload from three to four days.

Using a salary of $100,000 a year on a full-time equivalent basis, and assuming her spouse earns the same full-time salary and that childcare is $120 a day, the extra day's work results in the professionally trained woman effectively working for less than the minimum wage.

But going from four days a week to full time is worse. After tax and extra childcare costs, the family's disposable income is actually reduced – the family is going backwards financially.

Now, I am the first to argue that working is not simply about the money. Being able to keep working in your profession as a mother of young children is both a blessing and a curse.

You feel the guilt and struggle with sleep deprivation, yet at the same time have these wonderful moments when you aren't defined by whatever food remnant remains on your blouse. In fact, for me it meant I got to wear work clothes and feel like I wasn't only defined by my ability to get a child fed, bathed and in bed.

And I got the satisfaction of improving my professional standing and laying the groundwork in my business so that as my children grew, I was well placed to expand and grow.

But how much harder would that have been had I known that not only was I costing the family in terms of stress, but that my decision to work full time was also going to send the family financially backwards for those years of childcare? It's a pretty strong disincentive.

While you'd like to think families would try and look at the incomes both parents bring in as a single combined amount, it's hard to escape the cold hard fact that less money to spend is purely the consequence of one parent's extra days' work.

These work disincentives not only reduce the earnings for a woman in the short term, but flow through our finances for the rest of our lives.

This sort of policy makes it harder for professional women to close the gender pay gap.

What does the disincentive lead to in terms of professional standing and promotion prospects of a woman? And what are the financial consequences for women's superannuation balances?

At the very least, it risks putting some of us back behind the starting line, and means there's an even bigger gap to make up when we do return to work full time, presumably when we no longer have the heavy costs of full-time childcare.

What You Really Need For Baby’s First Weeks

Wear

5 short-sleeved onesies or undershirts
3 long-sleeved onesies or undershirts
7 one piece sleepers – zip or snap
2 pairs soft cotton pants
6 pairs socks or booties
1 light cardigan or hoodie
1 snowsuit or bunting bag for a winter baby
3 pairs scratch mittens
Swaddle and Cuddle

2 thick cotton blankets
8 thin muslin receiving blankets
3 “swaddlers” with straps

Feeding

1 Boppy pillow, or similar
15 burp cloths (to also use as bibs)
2 Lansinoh cream/ointment (for breastfeeding)
1 breast pump (optional if not returning to work shortly after birth)
6 pairs of nursing pads
2 – 3 nursing bras
6 four-oz. bottles (if formula feeding…1 – 2 or buy as needed if exclusively breastfeeding)
6 eight-oz. bottles (if formula feeding…buy as needed if breastfeeding)
1 bottle and nipple brush
bottle drying rack
Formula (if planning to exclusively bottle feed – check the expiration date and don’t buy too early!)

Diapering

If cloth diapering:  4 dozen reusable diapers, 8 water proof covers, 6 snap closures OR about 3 dozen all-in-ones
If disposable:  1 box Newborn size, 1 box size one
diaper pail
changing pad
2 boxes disposable wipes OR 12 washcloths designated as diaper wipes
1 diaper rash cream, paste or spray

Bathing

1 plastic bath or sink bath insert (optional)
12 washcloths NOT used for diaper station
baby soap or wash
2 hooded towels (optional…you can always use the family towels)

Sleeping

1 approved crib, bassinet or Co-sleeper with appropriate mattress
3 waterproof pads
4 fitted crib sheets
2 sleep sacks
white noise machine (optional, but often useful)
(If bed-sharing follow the Safe Sleep 7 Guidelines, available at www.llli.org.)

Health and Hygiene

infant nail clippers
1 baby-specific or rental, near-natural free and clear laundry detergent
1 soft bristle infant hair brush
1 baby comb
1 infant thermometer
1 bulb syringe

Travel

approved stroller
car seat (have it installed BEFORE you leave the hospital)
pack and play (optional)
1 – 2 slings or soft baby carriers

Extras (all optional)

changing table
rocking chair
diaper bag
sun shade for car
2 – 4 pacifiers
rattle
toys
mobile
floor gym
Don’t Forget

Food plan for parents!
Support and help!

What is a Postpartum Doula? Safety and Comfort Tips

We asked a WBC superstar…

“My name is Patti and I have been a CPD for almost 3 years, although it feels like much longer because I worked in the hospital postpartum/newborn nursery unit for 23 years prior to WBC. For all those mamas that asked, Can I take you home? Now I’m following the them home!
What is a postpartum doula? That’s actually a difficult question. I think a postpartum doula is love and support. Not only do I absolutely LOVE my job but everything about my job spells love. You teach and empower a new mama to love her baby not just emotionally but in everything she does. We are all about supporting a new mama and papa in their new role as parents, as well as supporting who they were before they became parents…..which brings us back to LOVE!!”

And a former client…

Sarah, Minneapolis, Mom of Twins, Full-Time Advertising Executive

“A GODSEND!!  Ha ha.  They were a helping hand when we needed it most – especially with no family in the area. They became our family. I felt cared for, was given such wonderful words of encouragement and had complete trust in my babies’ well being while they were in the doula’s care.”

If you plan to take your baby to a foreign country, and particularly if you are going to spend time with your baby in hot climate, some precautionary steps are needed.

Babies get dehydrated and overheated quickly. The sun’s rays are dangerous to a baby’s skin and for any baby not breastfeeding, there is the risk of food poisoning.

Below you’ll find tips on how to make your baby comfortable and safe in hot weather.

Stay out of the sun

Baby skin is very thin and delicate and can’t handle the sun very well. Babies younger than 12 months really should not be exposed to sun at all. Keep your baby in the shadow and protect him with thin clothes and hats. Sunscreen cream is really a last resort solution, as it can contain harmful substances. If you really need to use sun screen, use on especially made for babies and with really high sun protection factor.

If you haven’t yet bought a mosquito net for your baby’s stroller, consider buying one that contains UV protection for your child.

Or, actually even more convenient if it is the sun rather than the mosquitos that are the main problem, buy a sunshade for your stroller.. These are a great invention that allow air to flow into the stroller much better than most mosquito nets.And many of them do protect from mosquitos as well.

Avoiding hot spots

If your baby lies or sits in a car seat or stroller, check often how warm he is. Both strollers and car seats can become very hot. Putting a thermometer in the stroller next to your baby can be quite useful. Babies younger than 4 months, are at the highest risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and being overheated is one possible cause.

In addition to the risk of SIDS, your child can get heat stroke.

Simple Steps That Can Help You To Treat Dry Skin In Newborns

Newborn baby's skin is susceptible to dryness. For nine long months, they were immersed in the amniotic fluid in their mother's womb. When they come to the outside world, their skin is sensitive and fragile. It tends to get irritated when it comes in contact with the harsh environmental conditions like cold outdoor temperature, indoor heating, air conditioning, dry air, etc. Moreover, their sweat glands are not fully active. In such a condition, the skin surface is unable to retain the natural moisture and it becomes dry. You can get rid of this problem with right newborn dry skin care.

Newborn Dry Skin Treatment

The main aim of newborn skin care is to keep it clean and hydrated. Here are a few simple steps that can help you to treat dry skin in newborns:

Reduce the Frequency of Bathing: Like small children or adults, newborns do not need bathing every day. Their body is cleaned several times during diaper changes and their face is also wiped off after every feeding. So, bathing them on every alternative day or even twice or thrice in a week will be enough.

Decrease the Bathing Time: Bathing tends to make skin drier as it strips off the natural oils from the skin along with the dirt. As a result, the skin loses the natural suppleness and becomes dry. If you are bathing you baby for half an hour, cut it down to 10 minutes and not more than that. Most importantly, the bath water should be warm and not hot. Hot water is not good for their skin and makes it rough and dry.

Use Right Soap: Do not use any soap meant for the adults on the skin of newborns. They contain harsh chemicals that can damage their skin. Select a baby soap that has high moisturizer content and is fragrance free. Do not keep the soap on your baby's skin for a long time. Scrubbing of the newborn skin with soap should be strictly avoided.

Apply Moisturizer: This is the most vital step of newborn skin care and should be done twice a day. After taking him or her out of the bath, pat dry the skin with a soft towel and then apply baby skin moisturizer. It should be applied within minutes so that the lotion or cream can hold the moisture which is left behind on the skin surface. Use a thicker variety of moisturizer cream on the dry skin as it works better as compared to thin lotions. Avoid those creams that contain perfumes as the fragrance is nothing but harsh chemicals. Instead of creams or lotions you can apply natural oils. Olive oil or grape seed oil moisturize the baby skin very effectively.

Rinse off Saltwater: If your baby's skin is exposed to salt or chlorinated water, then it should be rinsed off with plain tap water immediately. It can happen if he or she is exposed to swimming pool water or ocean water. The salt and chlorine have a drying effect on the skin.

Keep their Body Hydrated: Your newborn baby cannot drink water to keep him/ her hydrated. The only source of water for them is breast milk. Whenever they are hungry, breastfeed them properly which will also quench their thirst and keep their body in a hydrated state.

Protection from Weather: Along with the skin care, protection of the skin with proper clothing is very important. In winter, the feet and hands tend to become dry and chapped and so mittens should be used to keep them covered. In the summer, keep them away from direct sunlight so that they do not get sunburns. If you live in a dry weather condition, use a humidifier in the room where your baby spends most of the time.

This newborn dry skin care regime can bring about improvement in the skin condition. However, if you notice some red patches or flaky skin, then it could be some skin disorder. No need to panic, they usually go away on their own after a few weeks. If they tend to get aggravated with time, consult your pediatrician.

Baby's Health Care-Every Mother Can Do It

Most often when we talk about baby care tips is what you mean health care advice for the baby. Everyone has a staff to teach the wisdom of raising children of their days. They want to ensure that they benefit from their experience. That is not bad. Listen carefully to what some say is not appropriate for today.

Many people still use vasoline petroleum jelly for a variety of baby care needs. Honestly, we do not kill. However, we know more about the petroleum products now that they did when many of my brothers were babies. Today petroleum products are not recommended for baby care. Your baby's skin is still under development. You can find many more natural products to gentle baby care.

If you are a new parent and have never held a baby before they are soft. Support your baby from top to bottom. Your baby's neck muscles are not strong enough to withstand the weight of his own head, but it does not drop his head. You can apply for health care of people in hospital the coach so you are not removing the baby around the feet or arms by default.

The first baby care tip that every mother will need to follow is learning about how to bathe their babies. Normally, you will be advised that your baby only needs to be bathed twice or even thrice in a week, or whenever he or she becomes dirty enough to warrant giving them a bath. Other than that, there is also a need to give the baby sponge baths following a change of diapers and also after the baby has eaten a meal.

The second important baby care tip that you will need to follow has to do with how the baby should be cared for when he or she is being given a bath. It is absolutely not advisable to leave the baby on his or her own for even a single second while he is in the bathroom. Mothers and parents and baby caregivers must always be within arms length of the baby while he is in the bath.

A third baby care tip that you will have to follow is learning how to prevent your baby from suffering from diaper rash and from suffering from skin irritation. The simplest solution in this regard is to ensure that you change the baby's diapers either prior to or after feeding him and also soon after he has relieved him. There is nothing quite as bad as letting a baby sit in dirty diapers because that is a sure way of causing him to suffer from skin irritation.

The fourth baby care tip that mothers and parents need to learn about is learning to buy diapers for the babies. It is recommended that the diapers should fit him or her without being too tight or too loose. Too tightly fitting diapers are sure to cause irritation to the skin, especially near the thighs and also around the stomach.

Besides following these and other baby care tips, as a mother and parent you also need to do your best to bond well with your newborn baby. There are also many other useful baby care tips worth learning about, and if you are interested in knowing how to address different aspects of proper baby care, you must then make it a point to read books and magazines as well as go online and search for more information in this regard.

How To Understand If Baby Is Cold

As parents, you’ll be able to pay an extended time distressing over your child’s health and attempting to work out the precise reason behind that runny nose or incessant coughing! Well, what you would like to know that babies being as delicate as they’re, they’re vulnerable victims to potent viruses. therefore it’s traditional for them to urge frequent colds typically. All you would like to try to to is stop fretting and educating yourself additional on the disease and ways in which of warding it off. a typical cold is typically triggered by a viral infection that hits the higher respiratory tract of your baby i.e., his nose and throat. Babies run a risk of catching cold as a result of they’re typically surrounded by elders who don’t continually follow the essential hygiene of laundry their hands. conjointly the probabilities of obtaining a chilly will increase throughout monsoons or cold weathers. it’s traditional for your baby to urge eight to 10 colds within the initial 2 years of his/ her life. Since common cold is kind of common for babies, it’s possible that one infection might linger on for many weeks. conjointly a chilly may be a sign of another infection too. scan on to understand additional on common cold.
Common Causes cold in Babies
Common cold is nothing however viral infections caused by rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, enterovirus and coxsackievirus. Once a baby has been infected with a particular quite virus, it always develops immunity against it. but there are many different harmful viruses and your baby still runs the danger of catching cold each currently and then. a number of the common causes of cold are listed below:
* Your baby will transmit cold by direct exposure with somebody who is already infected.
* The virus also can unfold if a sick person touches his mouth or nose and then touches your baby while not laundry his hands.
* Your baby may additionally catch cold by returning connected with contaminated surfaces like toys, utensils, clothes, etc.
* Allergy and passive smoking also can speed up the intensity during which your kid gets affected.
* Cold weather will instigate cold connected issues. The air is typically dry throughout fall and winter and spending time outdoors will create your baby liable to cold.
Symptoms cold in Babies
Most colds are nothing but an unnecessary bother. but it’s vital to notice the signs of your baby when he/she develop cold. Here are some common symptoms to examine out for when your baby has cold.
* the primary sign of cold is typically a runny nose followed by sneezing and coughing.
* Your baby might get fever as a result of infection.
* There is also congestion of nose which can in flip result in respiration issues.
* can refuse to nurse or show lack of appetite.
* Become cranky, irritable and lethargic.

How To Bottle Feeding Easy

Have you been worried about container feeding your baby? Are you concerned for the kid? After that here are some tips which will help a person within feeding bottle to your baby. Numerous moms consider container feeding their own baby as a Huge job, forgetting the fact that baby feeding needs a lot of treatment.
These types of tips may also be useful when you are making baby feeding easier for you personally.
Importance of Cleanliness
The very first thing you have to keep in mind while container feeding your own baby is the fact that the bottle should be absolutely clean. The actual containers should be rinsed within tepid to warm water prior to they are used for that baby. The actual openings of hard nips of the feeding container ought to neither be too large or as well little.
Should the holes are too little, be sure you sanitize the nipple first and then broaden the outlet for that baby in order to feast upon it properly. If the openings of the hard nips are extremely big it can result in leakage within the bottle getting used for bottle feeding.
Safety Precautions
Ensure that you use comfortable milk with regard to baby feeding. You should keep your feeding bottle in tepid to warm water before passing on for your baby. Avoid the utilization of microwave in order to ensure that there are absolutely no warm spots which may harm your own baby.
For those who have ready milk ahead of time, then it is better to shop it within the fridge. Ready milk ought to be directed at the baby inside 24 hours, after which it the milk isn’t intended for consumption of the baby.
At the time of baby feeding, make certain both hands tend to be absolutely thoroughly clean. It’s not better to use the remaining milk for baby feeding as it is very harmful for the baby.
At the time of traveling, make use of clean bottle with regard to feeding your baby and don’t put together food for the street. Instead carry hot water in a thermos and put together the food then there.
Subsequent this kind of safe and hygienic feeding tips for your baby, you’ll ensure proper growth, development along with a wholesome existence for your baby.

Tips For Newborn Baby Care

Taking care of a newborn baby is not easy. Babies need proper care and nutrition to avoid getting sick and stay healthy at all times. First-time moms will surely need to learn the right techniques and ways on how to handle and care for their babies. Most of the time when people talk about Baby Care Tips what they mean is health care tips for the baby. Everyone has some particular personal wisdom to impart from his or her child-rearing days. They want to be sure you benefit from their experience. That is not bad. Just listen carefully; some of what they say is not appropriate for today.
1 - A bath two to three times a week is the entire baby needs until he/she can crawl around and get dirty. Of course you will want to give sponge baths after meals and after diaper changes to keep the baby clean. Giving baby baths to often can result in dry irritated skin.
2 - Ask fellow moms or your pediatrician on what clothes should be worn by your baby during the day and at night. Check the skin of your baby and see if your child is allergic to any particular clothing or fabric.
3 - Never shake a baby. Shaking your baby when playing or having him/her go to sleep is not right! Shaking can cause bleeding or damage to the brain and should never be done to your child. That can cause short or long term damage depending on how badly the infant was injured.
4 - You should never leave your child unattended or turn your back on them. Accidents often happen when babies are left alone or when you are busy doing other things thinking that your baby is just sleeping. Make sure to keep an eye on your child or instruct your babysitter to always monitor your infant.
5 - The best way to avoid diaper rash and irritation is to change the diaper before or after every feeding and as soon as possible after each bowel movement. Sitting in a dirty diaper for even a little while causes irritation. Use a diaper rash ointment after every diaper change to avoid diaper rash. Diapers need to fit snugly as to avoid leaks but not so tight that the diapers can cause skin irritation around the thighs and stomach areas.
6 - Shampooing your babies hair only needs to be done two or three times a week. Unless there is a problem with cradle cap that requires you to shampoo more. Always put cotton or cover your babies' ears with your hands as to minimize the amount of water that gets in his/her little ears. This can cause ear infections.
Newborn baby care is not so easy to all. It is a skill with the parents especially the mother to know how to take care of newborn baby.

How To Get Rid Of Your Baby Acne

Baby acne is really a situation that affects around 20 percent of all brand new born infants. The actual acne can happen because small red protrusions on your baby’s pores and skin. It’s commonly found to appear on the forehead, face as well as cheekbones.
Baby acne also called neonatal acne and may come in the actual weeks following baby’s birth. In some cases, the actual acne will be existing during the time of delivery of the baby.
Neonatal acne is regarded as triggered due the act of the hormones obtained by the baby from the mother while he continues to be in the womb. The endocrine system cross over the actual placenta, reach the baby and therefore promote his sebaceous glands.
Particular medicines used during pregnancy may also trigger this condition. The actual detergents accustomed to clean baby clothes as well as the chemicals contained in baby products like soaps as well as shampoos can cause baby acne formation.
The issue of baby acne could be resolved effortlessly in the event that treated at the proper time. You are able to deal with this problem successfully by following the actual below stated methods.
Keep your own baby’s pores and skin thoroughly clean. Clean your own baby’s face with warm water as well as fix it using a mild cleanser. Pat dried out your baby’s pores and skin and steer clear of touching the actual contaminated areas together with your fingers. Take care not to over clean as it can certainly lead to the drying out up of your own infant’s skin.
Do not decorate your baby within materials that may irritate their pores and skin. Gown him in pores and skin pleasant clothes like those made of 100 percent natural 100 % cotton. If your baby’s face has a tendency to become oily, after that perform clean his face occasionally utilizing a basic as well as thoroughly clean cells. Also do not press or even prick the acne.
The clothes and bed linen used by your own baby ought to be washed and cleaned completely. Whilst cleansing the materials, use mild detergents that won’t aggravate the actual baby’s pores and skin.
The condition of baby acne is usually seen to disappear after 3 months from the baby’s birth. When the acne persists, then your physician may most likely recommend benzoyl hydrogen peroxide carbamide peroxide gel like a medication. Do not ever make use of any over-the-counter products without consulting the doctor, as it might lead to negative effects.
Therefore through good care as well as treatment, adhere to what they deal with the problem of baby acne.

Tips for half- year old baby

　　About the age of six months your baby will be ready to eat solid food. This is because around the age of six months is when your child's mouth will change to cope with swallowing solid food. Another good way to tell if your baby is ready is when your baby has reached double its birth weight. If you happen to feed your baby solid food prior to this then your baby may have a hard time to digest the food.
　　You will need a few things before you start feeding your baby solid food like bibs, a bowl and spoon that is not breakable, and a food processor will come in handy. Naruto Guide
　　The very first solid baby food to try is rice cereal, it is low in protein and will not be likly to cause any allergic reaction. Mix the rice with breast milk or with formula and be sure that it is mixed thin, it will be simpler for you baby to swallow. After your baby is used to the rice you can try to add some vegetables to it, then fruit. Vegetables before the fruit because your baby may not like the vegetables after trying the fruit.
　　Any dairy made from cows milk needs to be avoided until your baby is one year old. After your baby has had cows milk for a month or more you can add other dairy products. It is best to put your baby on solid food gradually do not be in a hurry wait at least twenty four hours before you introduce a new food, this is to be sure that your baby is not having any reaction.
　　Remember that you need to let your baby be in charge. You will be informed by your baby whether or not it needs a top up or if they are still hungry.