Mattress safety

Many pillows and mattresses now have underlays or toppers that mould with pressure and body heat to the shape of the user, usually called 'memory foam'. These are very dangerous for babies as they can restrict breathing – baby must never sleep on one. Keep this in mind for naps at friends' houses, or when travelling. Most new mattresses have been treated with chemicals or insecticides. Any mattress for a baby should be custom-designed to exactly fit the safety-rated crib or cot, and all new mattresses should be taken out of delivery plastic and other coverings and aired in a safe place until any odours and 'outgassings' have disappeared, before use. Outside in sunshine is ideal if you can manage the bringing out and in at night-time. Wash any removable covers and try to dry them in sunshine.

For up-to-date safe sleeping info, always check with
http://www.sidsandkids.org/safe-sleeping/

 

More info on teaching kids to read

Teaching Kids to Read by Fay Tran
A sensible book by an Australian specialist literacy teacher explaining the tried and true ways to help kids (or anybody) learn to read. You can order it at your local bookshop.