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Karitane

Karitane is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity offering free evidence-based support to families with children from birth to 5 years around the unique challenges of parenting including sleep and settling, feeding and nutrition, establishing routines, toddler behaviour and perinatal mental health. They offer both face-to-face and virtual services to support you every step of the way.

Vision and mission

Purpose — We are trusted early parenting experts empowering families and children to be healthy, confident and resilient.

Vision — Our impact will enable children to have the best start in life.

How Karitane can help

Karitane helps families experiencing parenting challenges. Their team of caring and highly trained professionals can help families with:

  • Sleep and settling
  • Feeding and nutrition
  • Establishing routines
  • Toddler behaviour
  • Adjusting to parenting
  • Perinatal Mental Health

How to access Karitane services

Parents can complete an online self-referral form here: www.karitane.com.au/referral. Once you’ve completed the form a Nurse will be in touch to discuss your needs and book you into the right service for you.

Referrals can also be made by child and family health nurses, GPs or health/ community professionals online at www.karitane.com.au/referral.

Do you have a parenting question about your 0 - 5 year old child? Call the Karitane Careline on 1300 227 464.

What services are available at Karitane?

Karitane's team guides, supports and educates families through a wide range of services including:

  • Parent Helpline
  • Parenting Centres (Located in Carramar, Oran Park, Shellharbour, Randwick, Shortland, Wolli Creek and Warrawong)
  • Residential Services (4 night, 5 day stay at our Early Parenting Centre in Campbelltown)
  • Virtual Home Visits
  • Virtual Breastfeeding Clinic
  • Mental Health Services
  • Toddler Behaviour Clinics
  • Community Programs — including Playgroups and Programs for Young Parents
  • Parenting Webinars
  • Parenting Courses

How much do Karitane Services Cost?

Karitane services are covered by Medicare, so there are no out-of-pocket costs to families.

Information lines / help lines

  • Have a parenting question? Call the Karitane Careline and speak to a friendly and experienced child and family health nurse on 1300 CARING (1300 227 464). Remember, Karitane is there for you every step of the way.
  • ForWhen — Mental health support for expecting and new parents. ForWhen provides new and expecting parents — mums, dads, and guardians — with a caring, supportive mental health navigation service, to guide you and your family throughout your perinatal journey, from conception, up until your child is 12 months old. It’s a national support line that connects you to the right service that can help you understand what you’re feeling and provide the guidance and support you need at the right time. All you need to do is call 1300 24 23 22 or visit forwhenhelpline.org.au.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: July 2024

Information from this partner

Found 19 results

Development

As a parent, you’re the best judge of your child’s development.

Read more on Karitane website

Becoming a Dad

Welcome to your ‘new normal’. There’s a lot to think about when you’re a new dad and as you adjust to fatherhood you need to look after your baby, yourself and your relationship. The role of being a dad is changing, dads are much more involved and this might be very different to your own childhood.

Read more on Karitane website

ForWhen Helpline - Mental Health Support for Parents

ForWhen is a new and free parent mental health service designed to help expectant parents...

Read more on Karitane website

Sleep and Settling

At Karitane, we encourage sleeping strategies that respond to your baby’s cues. Doing so will help them feel contained, safe and secure.

Read more on Karitane website

Adjusting to Parenthood

Becoming a parent is such an exciting time in your life! But as with anything, it comes with its share of stresses and challenges. The transition into parenting is one that occurs over time. Be kind to yourself. Always allow for space to grow and learn as parent. 

Read more on Karitane website

Crying Babies

Most babies have periods of crying which may last one to three hours, once or twice a day.

Read more on Karitane website

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and its related symptoms are much more common than you might expect. On average, up to 1 in 7 mums and 1 in 10 dads will experience post or perinatal depression and anxiety.

Read more on Karitane website

Routines

Every home is unique which means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to developing routines. What’s appropriate for the age of your baby and what works in your home is important when developing your routine.

Read more on Karitane website

Wellbeing and Mental Health

As a parent it is important to take care of your mental wellbeing and physical health as this has benefits for yourself and your children. When you are not feeling your best it’s difficult to be the parent and partner you want to be.

Read more on Karitane website

Travelling with Children

When you consider all factors involved, the thought of travelling with children can seem overwhelming! Try not to worry too much as it is a fun, rewarding bonding experience. Planning ahead can help your holiday run as smoothly as possible.

Read more on Karitane website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

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