Having a baby? Here’s how your local council can help
But here’s something you might not realise: your local council can actually be a pretty handy resource for new parents.
From baby rhyme time and playgroups to first aid courses, parenting programs and immunisation clinics, councils across South Australia offer all kinds of family-friendly programs designed to help you feel connected, supported and a little more confident in those early years.
And the best part? Most of them are free or low cost! So if you’re having a baby, have a newborn at home or are simply looking for ways to meet other families, have a look at what’s happening at your local council.
Immunisation clinics
Keeping up with your baby’s vaccinations can feel like yet another thing to add to the parenting to-do list, but some councils provide community-based immunisation clinics, making it easier for families to access childhood vaccinations close to home. Councils can also help connect families with regional health authorities and local services.
Check your local council website to find an immunisation clinic near you
Community centres and parenting programs
Sometimes you don’t need another activity to keep the kids busy, you need a little support for you.
Community centres and councils offer programs that can help parents navigate everything from relationships and communication to meeting other local mums, dads and carers.
It’s worth checking your local council’s community centre or family services pages to see what’s available in your area. There can be far more happening than you might expect.
- FISCH Circle of Security Parenting Program – Burnside Library
- Fleurieu Families – City of Victor Harbor
- Words Grow Minds – Woodcroft Library
- Strengthening Families – District Council of Peterborough
- Being a Dad Workshop – Kapunda Library
Baby and toddler playgroups
There’s something pretty special about finding a group of other parents who are also navigating the joys (and sleep deprivation) of raising little people.
Baby and toddler playgroups give children the chance to play and socialise while giving parents a chance to meet other local families in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
And you don’t need to arrive knowing anyone. In fact, that’s kinda the point!
Are one of these near you?
- Sensory Hour at Glenelg Library
- Little Rock n Read at Goolwa and Strathalbyn Libraries
- Wallaby Workout Community Playgroup – Walkerville Rec Centre
- Intergenerational Playgroup – City of Prospect
- Giggles & Wisdom Intergenerational Playgroup – Gawler Library
- Let’s Play with Music – Murray Bridge Council
- Child Care on Wheels – District Council of Robe
- Coffin Bay Playgroup
- Baby Bounce – Loxton Waikerie Library
Exercise Groups for Mums & Bubs
Getting out for some gentle exercise can be a great way to look after yourself, get some fresh air and meet other new mums and you don’t need to find childcare! Many Adelaide councils offer free or low cost mums and bubs exercise programs, with pram-friendly walks, gentle fitness sessions and other activities designed for mums and little ones.
- Mums & Bubs Mat Pilates – City of Team Tree Gully
- Mums & Bubs Mat Pilates – City of Murray Bridge
- Mums & Bubs Pop Up Fitness Classes – City of Burnside
Baby rhyme time at your local library
If your idea of a library used to involve finding a quiet corner and reading a book, prepare for your next chapter.
Local libraries are fantastic places for babies and toddlers, with programs featuring books, songs, rhymes and plenty of interaction.
These sessions aren’t just about keeping little ones entertained either. Singing, talking, reading and playing together all help support early communication and literacy skills — and they’re a lovely, low-pressure way to get out of the house and meet other parents.
- Baby Time – City of West Torrens
- Family Storytime – North Adelaide Library
- Baby Chat – Burnside Library
- Baby Bounce – Marion Cultural Centre
First aid courses for babies and children
Because nothing makes you feel more like a parent than being responsible for a tiny person who seems determined to put absolutely everything in their mouth.
Learning basic first aid for babies and children can give parents and carers extra confidence when dealing with those unexpected bumps, burns, fevers and accidents that inevitably come with family life.
- Baby and Child First Aid – City of Burnside
- Baby and Child First Aid – Berri Barmera Council
It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need but you’ll be very glad to have the knowledge if you do.
Baby water acclimatisation
As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to introduce your baby to the water. Many council-owned swimming pools and aquatic centres offer baby water acclimatisation classes, while local splash parks provide a fun way to enjoy the water together. These classes help babies build water confidence, learn basic water safety and develop early swimming skills.
Find out more about council swimming pools.
Your local council is much more than rubbish collection, rates and roads. There’s often a whole range of services available to support parents, kids and families.
This article originally appeared on Kids In Adelaide.
