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Most young families coming in from all over the world naturally have concerns and anxieties about what life in Jakarta will be like for them. Health and safety issues. What about the standard and availability of food? What to bring with them from home and what is available once they get here? Where do they start? Being pregnant, having small babies and young toddlers doesn't mean there's an easily defined network to break into, not like school aged children where there's an instant collection of same aged kids with parents, activities and networks already set up. So our small team of volunteer, expat mums decided to research and compile a guide specifically for families with kids under the age of 5.

Divided up into 7 chapters the Under 5's Guide to Jakarta covers topics for newcomers detailing contacts for clubs and associations, websites, orientation programmes and where to learn Bahasa Indonesian. Health and Safety naturally covers the clinics and hospitals but also tackles the issues of mosquitoes, water, home and pool safety. Reflecting the needs of the community blood donation, allergies and counselling services have also been included. The Keeping Them Busy chapter has some great ideas on activities, listing classes, days out, play schools and kindergartens and lots of tips from other parents about travelling with small children. Don't know where to buy books, bicycles or birthday cards? The shopping section covers it all. Food, Glorious Food! Family friendly restaurants and hotels, organic produce, allergy support groups and even cooking lessons. All of the supermarkets, food stores and warehouses have been reviewed giving lots of details of what's on the shelves. For those expecting or considering getting having a baby, a whole chapter covers not only the resources in Jakarta such as support groups and midwives, but all things maternity; where to get pampered, buy clothing, find a nanny and guides to having a baby in Singapore and Perth. This only highlights a few of the many topics covered within the pages of this, the definitive handbook for parents with young children.

Not only is this an essential resource for the expat community, the proceeds from the sale of this guide will be going towards a great cause, namely the Yayasan Balita Sehat or Foundation for Mother and Child Health. Providing health and educational programmes for malnourished children and their mothers in urban Jakarta.

Copyright 2006 ___ pages

The Family Guide to Jakarta: The Essential Handbook for Parents can be purchased at QB Books, Ak'sara, ANZA House, JICC, and the Well Baby Clinic. The cost is Rp 200,000.