A gift for new residents of Hafnarfjörður
A symbolic gift for newborns in Hafnarfjörður
We warmly welcome newborn residents of Hafnarfjörður to the town!
Hafnarfjörður offers new parents a gift for new arrivals in the children's section. Hafnarfjörður Library which is the perfect place for new parents for reading, education, relaxation, chat and socialising. The gift is part of an initiative to further establish Hafnarfjörður as a family-friendly community and to formally welcome newborn residents to the world. Parents receive a postcard from the town shortly after their child's birth, which they need to bring with them when collecting the gift.
A warm welcome!
Gift contents
The gift includes clothing for the baby, a cuddly toy and two books, one for the parents and another for the baby. The books are „The First 1000 Days“ by Sæunn Kjartansdóttir and a Mimi book to read to the baby. The Mimi books are four in total, and the specific Mimi book included with the gift varies. The children's clothes come from the Icelandic company Móa, which aims to design and produce stylish and original clothes for active children. When deciding on the contents of the gift, environmental considerations, practicality and gender neutrality were the guiding principles. The contents of the gift may be subject to change, but the above principles will always guide the selection of products. Please note that the contents of the gift cannot be returned.
Mói is an Icelandic clothing brand that aims to create stylish and original clothes for active children. The clothing is designed with free play and plenty of movement in mind, and with the goal of making the world a better place through sustainability. The company does this, for example, by ensuring its production is certified, in other words, that it is both socially responsible and organic. The baby gift set includes: a bodysuit, a hat, a bib and socks.
Research shows that the first 1,000 days of a child's life – from conception to the age of two – have a decisive impact on their future health. Affective and sensitive interactions during this time lay an important foundation for the child's development as a cognitive, emotional and social being. The first 1000 days is an accessible handbook for parents based on attachment theory and the latest research in neuroscience and psychoanalysis.
The Mimi books are about the protagonist, Mimi, who tells short stories using simple, spoken signs to encourage children's word formation. The communication method Mimi uses is unique in that the signs are adapted to the needs and mindset of children. The signs are based on simple, natural gestures, which are then used in a targeted way to support spoken language. Once word formation is achieved, the symbolic communication gives way to the use of words. Mimi Saga publishes educational materials in the form of books and online courses, which are useful for children, parents, and professionals alike.
The cuddly bunny is a white rabbit from the brand Jellycat. The rabbit was purchased from the wholesaler Skjaldbökuna, which sells a wide range of children's products made from harmless and natural materials. Jellycat soft toys were first produced in London in 1999, with a strong emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship and materials. The products are certified to the European safety standard EN71 parts 1, 2 & 3.
Important information
Objective Infant and young child protection of the Capital Area Health Service is to promote the health, well-being and development of young children through regular health checks, along with support and health education for their families. The emphasis is on supporting the family and monitoring the child's development from birth to school age. Child health surveillance is available to all parents free of charge. The service is organised by area, and parents should contact the health centre that serves their local area. It is a good idea to let the infant care service at your health centre know once the family has returned home. At Heilsuvera, there is a wide range of Helpful material for parents on development, health and care
The family-friendly town of Hafnarfjörður
The Hafnarfjörður Library offers a wide range of services and various facilities for reading and courses. There is also an internet café with access to a printer, Wi-Fi and photocopying. Parent Mornings are held in the library's multi-purpose room on Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm during the winter timetable. The Parent Mornings are intended as a pleasant social get-together and a place for parents to meet with their children and chat over coffee and refreshments.
A variety of informative talks are regularly offered on topics related to childbirth and parenting, and the library also holds a wide selection of books on children and parenting. We also encourage new parents to find out about the activities Hafnarfjörður Museum of Local History and Port city. Free admission to all Hafnarfjörður City museums.
Á Map of Hafnarfjörður A wealth of information regarding the town's activities and services can be found. For example, you can find information about playgrounds, sports pitches and bouncy castles. The map is updated daily and always reflects the latest information.
The area around Hafnarfjörður has a variety of walking and cycling routes, which are ideal for outdoor activities for the whole family. The routes are part of the town's transport network, which has expanded considerably in recent years. There has been a greater emphasis on improving access for pedestrians, runners and cyclists.
Hafnarfjörður is a beautiful town, a gift from nature. The town is built in a horseshoe shape at the head of the fjord, but the Hamarskotslækur stream runs through it to the sea. A great number of natural phenomena and interesting places can be found within the Hafnarfjörður municipality.
The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður pays monthly home-based payments for eleven months of the year to the parents and guardians of children who are not in a nursery or with a day-care provider from the age of 12 months until the child turns 30 months. Payments cease if a child starts nursery school or goes to a day-care provider before then. No payment is made for July. The monthly payment is based on the standard subsidy for 8 hours of care with a day-care provider.
Daycare providers are self-employed, and the City of Hafnarfjörður oversees and carries out the legally mandated supervision of their activities. Parents contact daycare providers directly when seeking a place for their child. It is recommended that parents speak with two or more childminders before making a decision about placement. Childminders are responsible for enrolling children themselves. The City of Hafnarfjörður subsidises placement with childminders outside Hafnarfjörður, should parents choose to take their children to a childminder outside the city.
The nursery school is the first stage of a child's education and the beginning of their school journey. There are enrolment regulations for Hafnarfjörður's nursery schools, which allow children to be offered a place from the age of 15 months (depending on their month of birth). The main allocation of nursery places takes place each spring for places that become available when the oldest year group starts at primary school. Enrolment also takes place in February, subject to availability. Other allocations are made on an ongoing basis throughout the school year, as playgroup places become available due to moves or other reasons.
In Hafnarfjörður, there are 3 swimming pools, each with its own unique character and charm. Thus, Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar is characterised by its history and tranquil atmosphere, Ásvallalaug by its family-friendly environment and heated pool for younger children, and Suðurbæjarlaug by its beautiful outdoor area and open-air pool. Swimming is free for children and young people aged 17 and under.
There is a vibrant and flourishing cultural and artistic scene in Hafnarfjörður, which has been reflected, among other things, in the number of annual and well-attended events. The City of Hafnarfjörður's website features a calendar of all the events in which the city is involved in some way, and even more besides, as registrations are open for the city's events calendar.
The Hafnarfjörður Leisure Grant is intended for all children and young people aged 6–18 who are registered in active sports and leisure activities. It is a monthly grant to reduce participation fees. When registering online with sports and leisure clubs, either in or outside Hafnarfjörður, parents and guardians can choose to use the grant and deduct it from participation fees.
The right to social security involves an effective system that ensures all individuals' basic needs are met. Hafnarfjörður works to ensure the financial and social security of its residents and provides financial assistance for the upkeep of individuals and families who are unable to support themselves and their dependants without assistance and who are registered residents of the municipality.
The role of child protection is to ensure that children living in unacceptable conditions, or children whose health and development are at risk, receive the necessary assistance. Child protection seeks to strengthen families in their parenting role and to apply resources to protect individual children where appropriate.