Karitane - Early Parenting Support from Birth - 5 years. Together we'll know what to do.

Karitane – supporting families to thrive

For over 100 years, Karitane has supported families across NSW with expert, evidence-based parenting support for children aged birth to 5 years. Whether you’re navigating sleep challenges, feeding questions, toddler behaviour or adjusting to life with a new baby, our experienced team is here to help.

Families in the Illawarra can access support locally through our Parenting Centres in Shellharbour and Warrawong, as well as a range of virtual services available anywhere in NSW from the comfort of home.

Parenting Centres – Shellharbour and Warrawong

Karitane's local Parenting Centres in Shellharbour & Warrawong, provide personalised support from experienced Child and Family Health Nurses and clinicians who can help with:

• Sleep and settling
• Feeding and nutrition
• Establishing routines
• Toddler behaviour
• Adjusting to parenting, including support around stress, anxiety or postnatal challenges

Parents can self-refer to access support and work with their team to build practical skills and confidence in caring for their child. Learn more about Karitane's local Parenting Centres in Shellharbour & Warrawong here.

Volunteer Family Connect – Shellharbour

Karitane’s Volunteer Family Connect program supports families in the Shellharbour community by connecting them with trained volunteers who provide practical and emotional support during the early years of parenting.

Volunteers can assist with:
• Building parenting confidence and skills
• Establishing routines that work for your family
• Connecting you with local services and supports
• Getting out into the community – such as visiting the park, library or local groups

Karitane's volunteers are compassionate, non-judgmental and trained to support parents as they adjust to life with a new baby or young child. Learn more about Karitane’s Volunteer Family Connect program in Shellharbour here.

Residential Parenting Service – Campbelltown

For families needing more intensive support, Karitane offers a Residential Parenting Service in Campbelltown, just a short drive from the Illawarra. This live-in program provides several days of personalised support to help families work through challenges such as sleep, feeding and settling with guidance from a multidisciplinary team. Learn more about Karitane's Residential Parenting Service in Campbelltown here.

Campbelltown is also home to Karitane's Toddler clinic here. This free service is available in-person and virtually.

Virtual Parenting Support – available across NSW

Karitane also offers a range of virtual services accessible anywhere in NSW, allowing families to receive expert support without leaving home.

These include:
• Virtual Residential Parenting Service – intensive multi-day online support
• Virtual Breastfeeding Clinic with Child and Family Health Nurses and Lactation Consultants
• Parenting webinars with practical tips on topics like sleep, feeding, starting solids and toddler behaviour

Parenting advice when you need it

If you have a quick parenting question, you can also call the Karitane Careline (1300 227 464) to speak with a qualified Child and Family Health Nurse.

Karitane is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity committed to making parenting support accessible for all families.

Learn more about our services or access support at karitane.com.au.