2012 calendar to raise vital funds in support of SIDS and Kids Hunter Region. 

SIDS and Kids Hunter Region are a not-for-profit organisation that provides ongoing bereavement support for those affected by the death of a baby or child during pregnancy, birth, infancy or childhood (for example: miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, accidents, illness, drowning).

The organisation also provides support for parents who have experienced the death of an older dependant child.

All monies raised go directly to SIDS and Kids Hunter Region to enable them to continue their support services to families of the Hunter Region. 

Swish Lily DOES NOT make any profit from the sale of this calender. Kristy Rinkin Photography (www.kristyrankinphotography.com.au) has also very generously donated her services in the creation of this calendar, which has included approximately one hundred hours of photography and editing.  

Your assistance by purchasing this calender will greatly help in allowing SIDS and Kids Hunter Region's vital support services to continue.

Purchase this calender featuring gorgeous photography now. 

For new Mums, settling your new baby can be a challenge at times and more often than not it is in the middle of the night when you don't have access to help.

Here is a list of settling tips that I have used in the past for my babies or tips that have been passed on by friends.

• First of all checking that babies nappy is clean and dry; ensuring they aren't hungry and are the right temperature.
• Slings are fabulous.  You can carry your baby close to you and still have your hands free to get things done.
• Singing softly and gentle rocking in a darkened room.  I also did lunges while singing so I got some exercise in at the same time.  Great for the butt and legs especially as they get bigger.
• A warm bath followed by a gentle massage with some calming Massage Oil.
• Going for a walk in the sunshine with baby snuggled in the pram.
• A drive in the car
• Swaying and cocooned in a hanging baby hammock.
• Baby swaddles help them to feel secure and wrapped up snugly prevents them from waking themselves.
• A moses basket on a rocking stand allows you to rock baby gently when they need settling.  And the Sleepi Spaces range is fabulous as it is the right height for you to gently rock while it is placed beside your bed.
• Lying baby on their tummy accross your knee while sitting and gently patting their back.
• Soft rhythmic background music.
• Sometimes I also found that static noise helped such as the tv or vacuum cleaner.

If you can recognise when baby is getting tired and get them to bed before they become overtired this helps alot.  Signs of tiredness include:

• Jerky movements
• Rubbing eyes
• Pulling ears
• Fussing and wimpering

Most importantly, enjoy every second with your baby.. Because before you know it they won't be babies anymore.

Can you add any more tips to the list?  Please leave a comment below and share.