Baby Development
Lisa Wilkinson says parents are 'crazy' for allowing kids access to iPads
Lisa Wilkinson has slammed parents who expose their toddler children to technology.
Why you should never tell a parent to 'just wait and see'
When I became a parent I learned to fear many things – trucks, motorbikes, sunny streets with no shade, any kind of renovations and especially lawnmowers.
Children inherit intelligence from their mothers
Mothers have always been good at passing on advice, now it seems they are also likely to be the ones responsible for how intelligent their children are.
When your babies miss their milestones
Babies grow at different rates. They're all wonderful little creatures who do things in their own time.
How do you discipline your young baby? You don't
My 7-month old baby is a holy terror - it seems like I'm always saying "No" to him, but he just ignores me.
Babies are cleverer than we think
Eight-month-old babies know when they need another's person help – and act accordingly, finds new research examining the way infants develop their early communication skills.
Breastfeeding
Laziness and other (non-judgmental) reasons I breastfeed my baby
At the end of the day, how I feed my babies, and the reason behind it just doesn't matter. What matters is they being fed.
Is it becoming more common to breastfeed another woman's baby?
Once upon a time, in an age where breastfeeding was the norm and formula hadn't been invented, women fed each other's babies. Some say the practice could be on the rise again.
Life with a Baby
Mum's trolley warning after baby contracts salmonella
A mum of five from the Gold Coast has warned parents to be more mindful of the germs on trolleys after her 10-month-old son contracted salmonella after a shopping trip.
Three-month-old baby says 'I love you'
Every mother remembers the very first time their child says 'I love you' back to them.
Baby Care
What is infant reflux and will it get better?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a condition that affects up to half of all babies under three months of age.
Frightening moment a hospital worker catches a newborn with one hand
Leaving hospital for the first time with your baby is a big moment for all parents, but this father's excitement quickly turned to terror when he accidentally dropped his newborn out of a carrier.
'Think before you kiss a baby', mum warns
Coldsores may not be harmful to adults, but the herpes virus that causes them can be very serious for babies, and in some cases it's fatal.
The US has banned antibacterials in soap. Should we do the same?
Australia should follow the US example and ban some antibacterial chemicals from everyday soaps as they could be causing serious health problems, scientists say.
Colic in babies: what it is, and how to treat it
Colic can affect up to 20 per cent of babies - and what works for one baby may not work for another.
The simple thing about nappies we've all been getting wrong
While we are busy juggling the big stuff, it is easy to overlook some of the details - like this nappy knowledge.
Baby Sleep
Too many parents still putting babies in unsafe bedding
A study found that a whopping 91 per cent of four-week-old babies had been placed in cots with unsafe bedding.
Putting your baby to sleep: some good news
What parents don't need to stress about is that their methods will cause more harm or have long-term negative consequences.
The doll that promises to help your child sleep better
Parents are clamouring for a doll that helps send little ones off to sleep by "sounding a bit like Darth Vader".
The bedtime bottle: will it really make your baby sleep?
How often have you been told "Just give your breastfed baby a bottle of formula at bedtime to make him sleep"? But does it work?
Researchers claim controlled crying 'does no harm'
The short and long term consequences of controlled crying are under the spotlight with new Australian research suggesting no harm results from the practice.
The luxury of merino wool sleep bags and PJs for babies
Baby will sleep soundly in the amazing winter sleep products from Merino Kids.
Baby Food
Keep your growing kids healthy
Our tips to help you support your kids through some of the most common children’s health challenges.
Tips for dealing with mealtime fussiness
It can be frustrating, worrying, and turn into a battle of wills - but it doesn't have to be like that
The hidden dangers in your children's food
Terms like 'natural', 'organic' and 'wholegrain' make us think that a food is healthy, but really they can be used to mask the truth of what lies below.
Baby Health
Meningococcal vaccine shortage prompts concerns during peak season
The recent death of a child in Western Australia from meningococcal disease and a worldwide shortage of a vaccine for one strain of the bacteria is spreading fear among parents as health authorities warn to be on the lookout for symptoms.
Why I didn't realise my children were allergic to milk
I don't know how I could have missed it, but it took almost eight months before I realised that my twin girls are allergic to cow's milk.
Doctors on alert for deadly brain disease in lakes, rivers
Doctors are urged to be on alert this summer for a very rare but deadly brain disease in children that is contracted by swimming in lakes and rivers.
Early introduction of eggs and peanuts may reduce risk of allergies
New research published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows the early introduction of egg and peanuts is linked to lower rates of egg and peanut allergy.
A wedding of hope and joy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital has celebrated its first wedding, a very emotional event for all concerned.
Antibiotic use when babies linked to allergies
Babies given antibiotics in the first two years of life are more likely to develop allergies as adults, according to an extensive analysis of past clinical studies involving nearly 400,000 people.
Education & Play
Early touchscreen use may help fine motor skills in toddlers, study finds
If you're feeling guilty about giving your little one the iPad so you can have a few moments' peace/do the laundry/catch up on some work - here's some welcome news.
How colour can affect your baby's development
Colourful kids spaces don’t only look great, but can assist in learning and behaviour, too.
10 beautiful books to buy now for later
These books make a great idea for baby showers, christenings, naming days, and early birthdays too.
Your one-year-old is more creative than you might think
Even one-year-olds can be very exploratory, experimental and creative.
Baby's water survival video divides viewers
Is it responsible parenting, or is this baby being subjected to unnecessary distress? That's the question dividing viewers of a video showing a six-month-old girl fending for herself in a swimming pool after being enticed to fall into the water.
Baby's future imagined in cute photo series
A French dad has captured his 3-month-old daughter, June, in a series that shows her in outfits of different professions in order to show the possibilities ahead of her. The dad, Malo, says that he, his wife and a few friends work quickly to avoid tiring the baby out.
Baby Products
Safety recall of two strollers sold nationally
A safety recall notice has been issued for two nationally available Mamas & Papas strollers following concerns that, under certain conditions, a latch may slip, causing the seatbacks to tip over and an infant to fall from the pram.
May Gibbs' 'Gumnut Babies' turns 100 with a special centenary edition
It's time to celebrate the centenary of May Gibbs' very first book release, Gumnut Babies.
Spotlight on Plum at the Essential Baby and Toddler Show
In the lead up to the Essential Baby and Toddler Show, we're putting the spotlight on some of the exhibitors.