Mums in Australia... some questions for you!

[madcows]

Hi there,
I'm coming out to Melbourne in a couple of weeks for 3 weeks with my 9 month old. I have a few practical questions for anyone out there:
Is it easy to get organic babyfood? what about organic formula? what sizes do the nappies come in (want my sister to get some of these before we arrive). Anyone recommend things to do with a 9 month old? Any very warm swimming pools to take her to?
Probably lots more, but that is a start!
thanks!
mc

[MelbourneMum]

hi there

where will you be in Melbourne? There is a great Organic Food and grocery chain store called Macro, they have just about everything. There is one just near us in Black Rock but I could easily find out if there will be one near you if you let me know where you will be. Its expensive but worth it.
Nappy sizes range depending on kilo's. Just tell your sister how much your baby weighs and she'll be able to easily figure it out. Loads of indoor swimming centres all over the place. Most sports centres have indoor swimming pools which are heated and you can just pay casual entry.
Things to do will depend on the weather really. If you think she is old enough to appreciate it, there are some lovely city farms about, the botanic gardens have a gorgeous children's playground and that is also just a lovely relaxed place to go for a picnic. There is SO much to do.... you'll be spoilt for choice

[eidsvold]

you can get Heinz organic food - you can also get the frozen/fresh baby food in the yoghurt section of the supermarket. As melbourne mum said - nappy sizes are in kgs - huggies or babylove - best brands - coles own brand is fine as well.

as to swimming - wait till you get here and then get her a good sunsuit for swimming - we got a size 0 for our 8 month old ( she was at the time) and it did her for ages afterward.

suncream - sunsense is fab for baby skin - sensitve range.

Think there is organic formula in the supermarket - I tend to shop in Coles.

You can do a each online for Coles or woolworths - they do online shopping in parts of VIC and NSW. you could then see what is available.

Aldi nappies are fine too. Huggies sensitive wipes are great. You can get nature baby nappies from COles along with wipes.

I will have a look when i go shopping this week and see what I can find - small coles so a larger one would probably have a greater range.

[madcows]

thanks for all these. My sister is on the look out for organic baby food - she mentioned a v good organic food shop, so maybe it is the same one you mentioned. We'll be in Glen Iris, and will be relying on public transport, so am really hoping there will be a swimming pool I can reach easily.
thanks again!
mc

[eidsvold]

okay - checked out Coles whilst shopping yesterday - have organic formula - Bellamy. Also have organic baby rice and snacks, and organic jarred food too.

I think they may in the frozen section have pureed vege foods etc in cube style. Will check for that one next week when shopping - just that I had the 3 dds yesterday.

[tangox3]

There is a lovely pool complex in Ashburton, next suburb to Glen Iris. It is on High Street and you will be able to get the bus right there or a train (then a short walk) if that's the closest.

We go there all the time (have 2 ds, 3 and 11m) . It has a hydrotherapy pool that is like a warm bath. Perfect for the littlies. Great facility, family changing rooms with showers etc.

Safeway and Coles both stock organic baby food. There will surely be one close to you as they seem to be everywhere!

Hope you have a great stay!

[lispy]

I've found organic baby food and formula at a corner shop so that's no problem, coles and woolworths sell the eco nappies you get in europe as well. You should get some great sun, you'll have a ball.

[lispy]

just quickly, you can also buy the fresh baby food in the cold fridge section of coles and woolworths. These shops are everywhere.