The TOP 10 BEST Baby-children-s-clothing in Barrine QLD

Miss Meg's is a unique boutique selling pre-loved, vintage, upcycled, recycled, retro clothing, pre-loved handbags, shoes and hats, locally-made jewellery, homewares, handmade cards, local art and much, much more. Miss Meg's is located in Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands. The beautiful range of items available has to be seen to be truly appreciated! Local Original Art Handmade Cards New & Vintage Clothing Jewellery Accessories Delightful Homewares Bric a Brac and so much more...

Need something to help you look sharp at work? Platypus Patch Embroidery specialises in supplying high-quality embroidery and designs to all areas within the Tablelands region. Based in Yungaburra, we use speciality equipment, such as industrial embroidery machines, digitising programs, vinyl cutters and heat presses, to provide expert embroidery services. We stock, supply and create a wide range of products including work clothes, badges, patches, caps, bucket hats, jackets, clothing, towels and bags to ensure you are decked out, from head to toe. To give you an even larger variety of options, our fully stocked store also offers promotional items, as well products from major brands Biz Collection, JB's Wear, Aussie Pacific and Grace Collection. No matter what you do in business, start dressing to impress your clients and take the fist steps to branding your business. Come in and visit out store at Platypus Patch Embroidery in the Tablelands or give us a call today.

A fully furnished and self contained holiday cottage in the Historical Yungaburra Village. Stay for a few nights or a few weeks. The cottage is close to the famous Yungaburra Markets and would suit couples or small families, children and babies welcome. Wood heater, lovely gardens, queen bed and two singles. Moderate tariff with discounts for longer stays.

MELS MANCHESTER MAD is a locally owned and operated Australian business. We pride ourselves in offering our customers the best quality in thousands of designer or licensed products for great everyday prices and with exceptional service that you would expect from a family owned and operated business. We solely operate online 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We are at your service 24/7. Mels Manchester Mad also offers a free Design Service so if you need a hand updating a room choosing a gift or redoing the whole house. Just email us at melsmanchestermad@gmail.com with the colours you would like or send us a photo and we will email you suggestions free of charge with no obligation ,we are here to help. Are you selling your home and need help sprucing the place up to make sure you get the best sale price? Let Mels Manchester Mad make it easy. Mels Manchester Mad also do commercial building and hotel/motel and unit new or renovation makeovers with great pricing for bulk ordering. Mels Manchester Mad has new stock Arriving Daily and has so much to choose from if you don't see what your looking for just email and we will list it for you we sell... Linen, Manchester, Tablecloths, place mat runners, gift lines, rugs, mats,sheets, bedspreads, cotton, faux fur, silk, polyester, wool throws and bedspreads. We stock Elements mink blankets, a large range of Bath rugs and mats in bamboo wood cotton acrylic silk and leather mats and rugs with many sizes and colours to choose from. The latest designs in Curtains, Runners, Bedspreads, tableware, tablecloths, place mats runners, Floor Rugs, Mats, Designer Cushions, Shower Curtains, Throw rugs, Sheets, leather rugs, Wooden bamboo mat bath & floor mats, Iflops, back packs, soft toys, dinki di cuddles and swirl collectibles and lots of other animals, koala, kangaroo, dog, rabbit, dolphin, turtles, monkey, gecko, snake, cow, lion, tiger, emu, tree kangaroo, fish, crocodile,bears, seal, frog and dogs. We also have Potpourri cubes, balls, flowers and wooden birds. We have lots of CA Australia licensed Gear including Footy AFL, NRL, Cricket, A-league soccer, Collector Bears, Sleeping bags, Beach Towels, Sheets, cushions, blankets, Tablecloths, Place mats, bean bag covers, hand towels, face washers, baby rattles,pot holders, tea towels slippers and dressing gowns all available in your favorite teams. So check out www.melsmanchestermad.com.au today for quality you can afford!

Baby/children's hand and feet stone sculptures.

Diversified, SOT, Activator, Thompson techniques. Chiropractic Care tailored for each individual. A team environment where we really do care about your health and wellbeing. Also access massage and orthotic therapy. We care for many families, children from newborn up, middle aged, the more mature and even provide gentle care for expectant mums in all stages of pregnancy. Because of the diversity of our practice, we confidently care for people diagnosed with osteoporosis and post operatively (spinal surgery etc). We spend an entire hour with our new patients so that we can thoroughly get to know them so we can provide the best possible care at all times.

Rebecca is passionate about makeup, using only the highest quality, high end products on her clients. Based in Atherton, and also fully mobile, Rebecca endeavours to make sure her clients have a wonderful experience when they choose her. Available for all occasions, including, weddings, formals, engagements, photos shoots, baby showers, anniversaries, special occasions, and everything else! She also offers one-on-one and group workshops with clients to teach them how to apply makeup. Rebecca is very flexible and will work to achieve whatever you desire. www.facebook.com/rebeccaturnermakeup

If you're passionate about bikes, come in and see our expert team at Extreme Motorcycles in Atherton. We specialise in all-terrain bikes however, we ride, race and work on all types of bikes no matter the make or model. We sell and service ATV and SSV motorbikes including Polaris, Honda, Seadoo, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha. We also stock a range of quality motorcross products including boots, helmets, gloves, clothing and more. If you're in the market for a new bike but can't afford a new model come in and take a look at our second-hand bikes. We have an extensive range of pre-owned bikes that are still in tip-top condition. Equipped with modern diagnostic tools our workshop offers repairs, servicing and spare parts. When you need warranty book servicing or spare part fitting, choose Extreme Motorcycles. Come in and see our extensive range today in Atherton.

Hi, we're Tableland Workwear, and we're your one-stop shop for all your workwear needs! We've got everything you need to stay safe and comfortable on the job, from slip-resistant boots to hi-vis clothing and safety gear. We stock only the highest quality products from the top brands, so you can rest assured that you're getting the best possible value for money. Our convenient location in Tolga makes it easy to drop in and pick up what you need, even for our customers in the surrounding Atherton Tablelands and Gulf Country regions. We know that finding the right work uniforms can be a hassle, so we make it easy for you. Come in and see us today or give us a call and we'll help you find what you're looking for.

At Tablelands Family Day Care we aim to provide comfortable, safe, and home based environments for children to learn and grow based on their individual needs. Service areas are: Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda, Kairi, Ravenshoe, Cooktown, Mourilyan, Mirriwinni, Innisfail, Tully, Ingham, Forrest Beach. We are always looking to add areas so please enquire about your area. Based in Tolga our team of educators offer a 1:4 ratio of children to educator to ensure your child gets the specialised attention they deserve. Our childcare services are available before and after school, on school holidays, as casual, part time or full time care, as well as overnight and on the weekends. Tablelands Family Day Care is also looking for people who love working and caring for children to become Educators. If you would like to work from home and earn an income while caring for children then this may be a new career for you. We offer great support, low fees and ongoing consultation to help you support your business. What are you waiting for? Call us today for a free information pack!

Our Family Stores & Salvo Stores have a wide range of recycled products. Our pre-loved range of quality goods includes clothing, accessories, furniture, home wares, electrical, books, toys & manchester.

At Domestic Violence Service Tablelands we work to keep you and your family safe in times of need. Aiming to prevent domestic and family violence, we provide crisis support and counselling for adults and children. Community education programs are facilitated by our staff, and we provide information and referrals for other support services where required. The counselling staff at Domestic Violence Service Tablelands will always treat you with dignity and respect. All information is kept confidential, unless there are concerns for your safety or the safety of others. Anyone from any background is welcome to use our service, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, religious and personal beliefs. Interpreters can be arranged if required. Our services are free of charge. Appointments are preferred, however if you are in an emergency, no appointment is required. At Domestic Violence Service Tablelands, we are committed to bringing family and domestic violence to an end in the community. Call us today.

Occupational therapy services (over 20 years experience specialising in children). Community and clinic based services available. Assessment of real life skills with practical strategies for overcoming challenges in your child's daily life. Assessmetn to explore/support diagnosis e.g. autism, ADHD. Therapy sessions targeted towards your main concerns, using high quality, down-to-earth materials. Peaceful solutions for challenging behaviours, e.g. tantrums, sibling rivalry, anger management. Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) consultations/support/resources. Advocating natural health care and its impact on children's learning difficulties. Online shop and small, unique shop based at therapy clinic with top quality handmade and wooden toys, crayons/pencils/writing materials, organic health products, parenting/health books and more - all carefully selected products that we would be happy to use with our own families and children.

A little bit of everything for women-Clothing, accessories, jewellery, gift lines, bags and candles.

Atherton Discount Drug Store is a 15-year old business which provides Tableland chemist prescription service and other healthcare solutions at the lowest prices possible. Our 25 employees can extend exemplary customer service in various areas of health care. Among these services are in-store medication reviews, blood pressure monitoring, and other health clinics solutions. Atherton Discount Drug Store is also an access point for the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS). Medication packs, first-aid kits, and home health aides can likewise be sourced from our store. Besides our NDSS access point authorisation at Discount Drug Store, customers can rely on the extensive inventory of healthcare products that we meticulously maintain. The healthcare product brands that our shelves carry include ResMed and Xantrax VLCD Meal Replacements. We offer more than medicines and healthcare solutions. Our store also sells products on beauty and skin care, baby care, foot care, and therapeutic skin care. Established since 1999, we are a well-known Tableland chemist prescription service company.

Tableland Freestyle Tae Kwon-Do hold classes at Merriland Hall Atherton Show Grounds on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. 4:00pm - 5:30pm - All belts, Age 9yrs + 5.30 TILL 7pm - All belts, Age 14 + 7.00 - 7.30pm BLACK BELT ONLY Monday Afternoons at Malanda High School Hall 4.00pm - 5:30pm - 14 yrs + All Belts Beginners welcome in both classes Children aged from 9 years onwards are welcome to attend. Affordable rates with discount to families. $150.00 to Enrol includes uniform + 8 lessons. Thereafter $60 per month or $150.00 per term. Tableland Freestyle TaeKwon-Do is a registered member of Martial Arts Australia

If you need trusted professional advice on an illness, to improve your energy levels, assistance to lose weight, advice to better manage a skin condition, support to better control your bladder, to check with a health professional that your children are OK or just help to get healthier - ask Calanna. Often people may not be aware of the possible causes for their health issue, which is why we have an extended whole health team on board to help. Our Dieticians, Naturopaths, and Nurses may be able to pick up on undiagnosed intolerances, imbalances or root causes in the body which, once corrected, can have you feeling a whole lot better and enjoying life more. When you feed, fuel and manage your body properly it is amazing the difference you will notice in your whole health and vitality. Find us in Atherton. Contact us on 07 4089 2900.

S & K Raw Materials and Earthmoving offers you comprehensive earthmoving and landscape supply services. Having more than fifteen years of experience in the industry we are capable of any project you may require. We are available from Monday to Saturday and service the entire Tablelands region.

Since the early 1940's the little jewellery store on the corner of the main street of Atherton (now known as Arabella Jewellers) has been the renown local, family owned jeweller and watch repair shop. From 1949 to 1975 Arabella Jewellers was know as 'Westcott Jewellers' and then 'Saunder's' from 1975 to 2007. Prior to 1942 the shop was owned by Ray & Gwen Sampson who opened the shop in the early 40's during the first world war. American soldiers were here on the Atherton Tablelands and the Sampsons opened the store in order to sell the soldiers jewellery and gifts to send to their families back in America. After the Sampsons owned the jewellery shop they then went on to sell the business to Miss Pink's who owned it until 1949. It is definitely safe to say that the history of the building where Arabella Jewellers is now located goes back over nearly 90 years in the jewellery industry. Arabella Jewellers has now been owned by Debbie and Darryl Day for over a decade, offering a wide range of bespoke fine jewellery including gold, silver and wedding/engagement rings. Arabella also has an in-store qualified jeweller and gemmologist who offers a range of services including jewellery repairs and restorations, watch repairs and custom made pieces. We also have a Master Jeweller who can make beautiful one-off pieces. Arabella Jewellers is driven by the passion, creativity and dedication of the Day family and aims to bring that little bit of sparkle into your life, no matter what the occasion.

Want to add a floral touch to your next birthday? Perhaps you're getting married or having a baby? Whatever the occasion A Touch of Class Florist Atherton will help you celebrate. Our qualified, highly creative florists specialise in thinking outside the box to bring you gorgeous, unique and affordable floral arrangements. We pride ourselves on using top-quality, fresh, local flowers to produce perfect arrangements. Our team has more than 40 years of combined experience over 3 generations making our skill, knowledge and experience immeasurable! From a simple bouquet or bunch to an elaborate box or gift basket, our florists can help you choose the perfect way to show someone you care. We even use floral foam to help extend the life of your flowers. Ask us about the All-Oasis package to get the most out of your arrangement. A Touch of Class Florist Atherton delivers to the local area and across the Tablelands. Call or visit and let our team of floristry experts beautify your day!

Millers is an Australian brand that was established in 1993 and today is one of Australia's largest women's apparel retailers with over 200 stores in Australia and a further 17 stores in New Zealand. Millers offers an extensive range of clothing which includes casual, smart, evening, active, weekend, work, swim, and sleepwear. We focus on understanding the latest fashion trends from around the world and interpreting these into effortlessly wearable items for the everyday woman. Our success is attributed to our dedication to delivering exceptional products and customer service. Shop from the comfort of your own home, see the latest fashion trends and get style inspiration 24/7 online.

Discover a pain-free existence with Enable Chiropractic Gordonvale. Our expert chiropractors are dedicated to helping you overcome discomfort and injury, so you can live life to the fullest. Whether it's headaches, back pain, joint issues, or more, we offer a range of treatments such as massage, adjustments, and exercises. Our caring approach caters to all, including pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. Plus, we accept major health funds, GP care plans, concession cards, and Department of Veteran Affairs referrals. Experience effective, affordable care today.

Welcome to ENRG Apparel, a prestigious fitness clothing brand in Gordonvale. We offer a stunning collection of functional and stylish activewear for both men and women. Our range includes T-shirts, tank tops, and jackets, all meticulously crafted to provide utmost comfort, support, and style during intense workouts and outdoor pursuits. With a strong focus on quality and performance-enhancing features, ENRG Apparel is the ultimate choice for fitness enthusiasts and athletes seeking to Energise Your Soul.

Local business servicing the Cairns area with a variety of Backhoe & Excavator equipment hire. At Quabba S & S T Backhoes, Excavators & Truck Hire, we specialize in providing top-quality earthmoving and excavation equipment for hire throughout QLD 4865. With years of experience in the industry, we understand the diverse needs of both residential and commercial projects. Our wide range of machinery includes backhoes, excavators, trucks, and more, all available for hire with or without experienced operators, depending on your project requirements.

S & ST Quabba Backhoes, Excavators and Truck Hire is a leading supplier of experienced Cairns earthmoving hire equipment and services. With more than 35 years combined industry experience, we can offer professional advice, skilled operators and quality machinery for your next Cairns earthmoving or excavating project. Our business is locally owned and operated and we have been established since 1993. We supply backhoes, trucks and excavators with professional and ticketed operators where required. The services we offer include: general earthmoving and excavation, plant hire, roadworks, drain clearing, trenching, swimming pools, subdivisions, sewerage, water mains, storm water, levelling to grade, digging to grade, water tank pads, compact to specification, backfilling bridge abutments and pipe headwalls, house pads and foundations, stone pitching , batter trimming, electrical and communications pipe works. We have developed a large clientele base during our years in operation and receive regular referrals from our many satisfied customers. Some of the clients who have contracted our services are the Cairns City Council, Stockport NQ, BMD Group, McIlwain Civil,Mulgrave Central Mill, Main Roads, Ergon and LDI Construction QLD. Whatever your earthmoving requirements are, our team of Cairns excavation specialists can get the job done, quickly, professionally and safely. We service Cairns and the surrounding region. Contact us today if you have any queries with regard to our wet or dry hire services or our equipment specifications. Our rates are competitive for short and long-term hire. We can also supply a no obligation free quote if required.

*Cat boarding facility. *Each Puss has their own space. (Cats do NOT share units unless they are from the same family.) * Special diets and medications catered for. We stock a great variety of Fresh, Raw, Tinned and Crunchies for your cats. If they have special requirements please tell us, and we will do our best to cater for this. *Pick up and delivery service available. *Airport pickup and Drop off Available. *Vet visits catered for. *Day Stay available. (Fee Applies) *Let your precious cats holiday with us while you tend to your life and work commitments. Locally owned and operated. We have lived and worked in Gordonvale for 12 years. Owners live on the Premises. CAT BOARDING FEES: 1 cat - $19.00 per day 2 Cats - $38.00 per day (If housed in separate units) 2 Cats - $36.00 per day ( If housed together in the same unit) 3 Cats - $51.00 per day ( If housed in the same unit.) 3 Cats - $57.00 per day ( if housed in separate units). (NO DISCOUNTS OVER HOLIDAY PERIODS.) Daily Boarding Cost begins at 9:00am (If your Puss/s are picked up prior to 9:00am there is no charge for that day.) Long term rates are available. Please ask for details.

Judo is the authentic Japanese style martial art and Olympic Sport. At Southside Judo Club, we appreciate and uphold the true value of Judo instruction in a structured safe supportive team environment while also having fun. We aim to cater for social and competitive Judo participants. We particularly focus on the value of Judo participation with children. To this end, Southside Judo Club at Jigsaw Martial Arts Centre promotes and provides: Fun, Fitness & Friendships Self Defence Respect Self Confidence Self Discipline Psychological resilience Co-ordination & balance Social & Competitive behaviours Child safe learning environments Experienced instructors who are checked & approved Call us, all visitors and enquiries are always welcome!

Discover The Vale Emporium, an enchanting boutique nestled in the heart of Gordonvale, a captivating sugar town just a short drive from Cairns. Immerse yourself in our exquisite collection of Australian-designed Threadz, Clarity, and Gordon Smith clothing, crafted from luxurious natural fabrics, perfectly suited for our tropical climate. Explore our range of coordinating earrings, necklaces, and scarves, effortlessly enhancing any outfit. Unearth delightful gifts, as well as ever-changing home and garden collections, including rugs, art, mirrors, cushions, linens, and occasional furniture. Let Susan guide you through personalised styling and colours, offering her expertise in interior design. Join us soon for an unforgettable shopping experience!

Welcome to Genius Childcare, an exceptional Child Care Centre nestled in the charming suburb of Gordonvale. We pride ourselves on our nurturing and stimulating environment, where children flourish and learn through play. With a team of highly qualified and passionate educators, we offer a holistic approach to early childhood education. Our commitment to individualised care, innovative programmes, and safe surroundings ensures that every child receives the attention they deserve. Discover the genius within your child at Genius Childcare.

Years of yearning to become a photographer and many moons of photographing her own children, Rebecca decided to turn her life long Passion into a Profession...

Welcome to Talk Time Speech, a premier private speech pathology clinic in Edmonton. Our passionate team of speech pathologists specialises in working with young children, providing top-quality services that promote engagement and learning through play, laughter, and enjoyment. With evidence-based approaches tailored to suit your child and family, we offer in clinic services, home, kindergarten, and school visits. Join us in fostering your child's communication skills and overall well-being. Let's embark on this journey together!

Based in Edmonton, Hearing Australia has spent over 70 years bringing the delightful world of sound back to Australians. Our mission? To keep you connected to the people and moments that matter. As the nation's largest provider of government-funded hearing services, we cater to children, young adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, pensioners, and veterans. With 600+ locations nationwide, our dedicated team delivers world-leading hearing solutions accessible to all. Discover the difference for yourself, your family, and our communities. Audiologists at your service!

If you need trusted professional advice on an illness, to improve your energy levels, assistance to lose weight, advice to better manage a skin condition, support to better control your bladder, to check with a health professional that your children are OK or just help to get healthier - ask Calanna. Often people may not be aware of the possible causes for their health issue, which is why we have an extended whole health team on board to help. Our Dieticians, Naturopaths, and Nurses may be able to pick up on undiagnosed intolerances, imbalances or root causes in the body which, once corrected, can have you feeling a whole lot better and enjoying life more. When you feed, fuel and manage your body properly it is amazing the difference you will notice in your whole health and vitality. Find us in Cairns in Woree, North Cairns, McLeod Street and Edmonton. Contact your nearest store here: www.calannapharmacy.com.au/contact/locations/

Southside Aquatics Edmonton has been in operation since July 1998 Head Coach Gary Lenton has been coaching since 1992 and has developed a Professional Progressive Swim Program designed to Teach your Child important Swimming Skills that they will enjoy for life. Proprietors Gary & Desley Lenton welcome you to our Swim School and look forward to the opportunity of teaching your children to Swim. We do believe we are offering you the BEST Swimming Teachers and they will with the utmost care and attention teach your child very important swimming skills. We are very pleased to offer you not only great teachers but a purpose build Swim Pool designed specifically for Teaching Children to Swim from Babies through to Stroke Development.

Not sure where to take the family for dinner tonight? Look no further than Fuller Sports Club in Edmonton. We have a fully supervised kids area that is free for children whose parents are members. Kids also eat half price at our Bistro restaurant from 5-6pm daily! Our friendly team pride themselves on delivering expert service and facilities to members. As a member of our sports club you also gain membership to Brothers League Club. Enjoy the benefits of membership including exclusive prices and bottleshop where the prices are low. As a member you can also earn Gold Bonus Reward Points by playing the poker machines, or by swiping your card when buying food or drinks. These points are redeemable for cash, meals, or bottleshop items. We also have a membership handbook that includes exclusive $13.00 movie tickets. Come in to Fuller Sports Club in Edmonton for an enjoyable night of food, drinks, and entertainment.

Welcome to MV Sports Australia, located at Bentley Park, Cherrybrook Drive, 17. We are an establishment, point of interest, and store that specializes in cricket equipment. As the largest retailer of cricket gear in Australia, we take pride in offering a wide range of high-quality products to cricket enthusiasts. At MV Sports, we understand the passion and dedication that cricket players have for their sport. That's why we have carefully curated a selection of English cricket bats, cricket gloves, cricket pads, cricket clothing, cricket helmets, cricket kit bags, cricket balls, and other cricket essentials. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible gear that suits their needs and enhances their performance on the field. What sets us apart from other cricket stores is our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe that it's not just about selling the most expensive products, but rather understanding the unique requirements of each customer. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you in finding the perfect gear that matches your playing style and preferences.

Pay per visit, not per pet! We Visit your home where your pets are more comfortable. We value our service and we are sure you will enjoy the sight of their happy happy face/s when you return. We pride our selves on giving the best service possible and no wonder why we are leading the Cairns region with in Home Pet Care Services.

Essential Skills Swim School is a local business servicing the Cairns and Surrounding areas. WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD START SWIMMING LESSONS? There are a few different guidelines and opinions. However, the recommendation of the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association is that infants can start a formal program at 4 months of age. Some of the reasons for waiting until 4 months are to allow a medical history to develop, allow the infant's immune system to strengthen and allow bonding to occur with the primary caretaker. After 4 months, lessons in a gentle and developmentally appropriate program can, and should, be started right away. HOW LONG SHOULD MY CHILD BE IN LESSONS FOR? Swimming lessons are not an event, but rather a long-term process. Attending lessons as a regular part of a child's weekly routine through their infant, preschool and early school years is a great plan to ensure proper development of their aquatic skills. Starting early and continuing long term will allow your child to fully experience all that the water and the swimming lesson experience has to offer. While swimming lessons may help to address safety issues, lessons will also continue to refine the strokes helping the child to become a safer more efficient swimmer, and of course lessons are a fun, healthy activity for children. HOW CAN I INTRODUCE MY BABY TO WATER AT HOME? For most parents, the family bath is probably the best and most convenient place to continue developing the affinity that many newborns have with water. This can begin once the baby is home and the umbilical cord has healed. Often newborns are bathed in a sink or counter top tub. The bathtub is another option and should be used at every opportunity. Fill it up with warm water, get in with your child and let them enjoy the full benefit. The baby doesn't even need to go under the water at this early stage. Using a secure and gentle hold let them feel the buoyancy and the movement of the water over their skin. These early bath experiences should be free from stress and a lovely way to build rapport with the water. This is a special time for parent and baby and can allow additional bonding, even for dad! Mums may choose to breast feed their child in the tub to associate the water with a calm and relaxed feeling. Using a flannel and eventually a cup, the baby can be introduced to the sensation of water on their face. Starting from just a few months of age, lays a great foundation for joining a regular swim program later on. HOW DO CHILDREN LEARN TO SWIM AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE? Parents might question how children learn to swim when they are so young and what type of activities they will be involved in. Relating swimming to the process a child goes through when learning to walk can help us to understand. Walking is a complex, physically demanding activity that requires intense coordination and balance, yet children learn how to walk at a relatively young age and, for the most part, teach themselves. Learning to swim happens in very much the same manner with parents and teacher there to assist at each step of the way. GOOD REASONS FOR TEACHING BABIES TO SWIM (Written by Kochen, C.L. Ph. D and McCabe, J. B.A.; The Baby Swim Book, Leisure Press, 1986) Babies less than a year old accept the water more readily than older children. Fear of water is acquired as children grow older: the longer a child is kept away from water, the more likely the child will develop aqua-phobia. Babies can exercise more muscles in the water, they are less restricted by gravity and their ability to sit or stand. This increased strength often manifests itself in early acquisition of physical skills like walking. Swimming improves babies cardiovascular fitness. Although babies are limited in how much they can improve their endurance, swimming does have a beneficial effect. Early mastery of water movements gives children a head start in learning basic swimming skills. Water helps improve co-ordination and balance by forcing babies to move bilaterally to maintain their equilibrium. Warm water combined with gentle exercise relaxes and stimulates babies appetites. They usually eat or sleep better on swimming days. Doctors often recommend swimming as the exercise of choice for asthmatics. For many asthmatics, exercise produces bronchial hyperactivity. Swimming stimulates less wheezing than other forms of exercise, possibly because the warm, moist air around pools is less irritating to the lungs. Babies flourish in the focused attention their parents lavish on them during swimming. As babies learn how to manoeuvre in the water on their own their independence and self-confidence blossom. Swimming provides babies with lots of skin-to-skin contact with their parents that psychologists say may deepen the bond between parent and child. Learning to swim is not only a fun, healthy activity but a safety measure as well. (Drowning is the major cause of accidental death in Australia for under 5's. For each drowning, many more are left with permanent brain damage. - Learn to swim...its great!)