Coalition refused to allow MP to return home to sick daughter
Jonathan Swan Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has been campaigning to improve his image among women, so why was a mother's request denied?
Twins home in time for special day
MELISSA DAVEY It was surprise enough for Arlene Gorey when, just seven weeks pregnant, she found out she was having twins. But it was an even bigger shock when they entered the world at just 27 weeks gestation.
Cleft lip and palate in babies
Melody McCabe and Melanie Mahoney It's estimated that about one in every 1000 babies is born with a cleft lip, and one in every 2500 babies with a cleft palate. One mum shares her story.
When First World problems rule over common sense
Amy Corderoy and Melanie Mahoney It's almost unbelievable: when it comes to immunisation, health authorities are warning about prestigious postcodes such as Vaucluse and Mosman in the same breath as remote and disadvantaged communities.
Vitamin D deficiency linked to food allergies
Kate Hagan Children deficient in vitamin D at age one are more likely to have food allergies, Melbourne researchers have found - but only if their parents are born in Australia.
The gift that saved little Allie's life
Joni Scanlon A rare liver disease and a shortage of organ donations last year meant toddler, Allie Mathews, spent seven months waiting for a new liver.
Little Luca's life-saving surgery
Mairi Manley In less than two years, baby Luca has been through more than most people ever do - but he's nowhere near giving up.
Cradle cap: the facts
Staff writers Cradle cap is common in newborns and babies. Here are the symptoms and how to treat the condition.
Broken hearts: heart disease in babies and children
LAKSHMI SINGH Treena Appleby was 19 weeks pregnant when she learnt that her unborn son had a dangerous heart condition. She wasn't alone - six babies are born with a heart defect every day in Australia.
Baby acne: the facts
Staff writers Baby acne, sometimes referred to as milk rash or newborn acne, is common in infants. Here are the signs and causes of the skin condition.
When your baby won't sleep: is it reflux?
PINKY MCKAY Some babies with reflux will have no trouble with it; for others, the condition can make every feed - and even rest times - uncomfortable and painful. Pinky McKay shares some coping strategies.
Anti-vaccination network told to change its name or be shut down
Rachel Dunlop The heated battle between Australia’s anti-vaccine lobby, the Australian Vaccination Network (AVN), and those fighting against its misinformation took a positive turn late last week, with the New South Wales Department of Fair Trading ordering the AVN to change its name or risk being shut down.
NSW in whooping cough epidemic
AMY CORDEROY A whooping cough epidemic has led NSW to record its highest number of new cases of the disease.
Mum leads campaign against infant fruit juices
A Newcastle mum has led a successful campaign to stop Woolworths selling a controversial drink for babies and toddlers.
Boys' sickness traced to an old crystal decanter
Amy Corderoy A mother's milk is supposed to give her child the best start in life. So Alicia* was horrified when she discovered her milk was slowly poisoning her baby boys.
Watch amazing footage of nurses evacuating NICU babies during Hurricane Sandy
Staff writers Dramatic footage shows nurses keeping babies alive after NYU hospital is flooded.
Premature babies thrive if parents take it easy: study
Kate Hagan Training for parents to recognise and respond to signs of stress in premature babies from as young as 30 weeks could improve their brain development, according to studies.
The circumcision debate
Staff writers In the light of new American research on the benefits of circumcision, SBS program Insight speaks to doctors and parents on both sides of debate.
Amber teething necklaces a choking hazard, warn authorities
AMBER ROBINSON Experts are alarmed at the use of teething necklaces made of Baltic amber beads, saying they present a choking hazard.
Gut bacteria key to eczema puzzle
A reduced variety of gut bacteria in newborns who are at high risk of developing allergies could determine whether those children develop eczema, a study shows.
Where there's a Wil, there's a way to beat a rare respiratory condition
Kate Hagan It's been a long journey fraught with complications, but 14-month-old Wil Schneider is finally on his way home after spending most of his short life in hospital.
Australian vaccination schedule
When you have a newborn to look after there will be plenty of doctor's visits, health and development checks and, of course, vaccinations. This is the most recent schedule for the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Why Red Nose Day matters
CHRISSIE SWAN Chrissie Swan is clowning around, all in the name of a good cause.
Is my baby eating and drinking enough?
You might be worried your child isn't getting enough to eat or drink – especially if you think he’s smaller than he should be for his age. But chances are you don’t need to worry, and that your child is getting all he needs to grow up healthy.
The invisible danger that can cut off a baby's toe
Peter Jean A baby is brought to the hospital emergency department with excruciating pain in a red and swollen toe. The parents and doctors are mystified by what's causing the issue - until the bizarre culprit is found. (Warning: graphic images.)
Adverse reactions: Why some parents fear vaccines
Benjamin Law Despite the widespread health benefits of immunisation programs, some parents remain pointedly resistant to letting their children be jabbed.
Should anti-vaccination organisations be listed as charities?
Justine Davies The Australian Vaccination Network (AVN) has been variously described as a pressure group, an anti-vaccination lobby group and a provider of misleading and inaccurate vaccination information. Now it has had it's charitable fundrating status reinstated.
Meningitis: what you need to know
It’s a disease that strikes fear into the heart of most parents, as its symptoms are frustratingly vague and it can become very serious very quickly. On World Meningitis Day we look at the causes, signs and treatments of the potentially fatal illness meningitis.
The baby fog: parenting support
Brooke Tasovac Illness, feeding issues, growth spurts and wonder weeks can all make you feel that your child will never have a good night’s sleep, but there are options available to support you during - and after - these times.
The baby fog: illness
Brooke Tasovac Out of all the issues that can arise in the first twelve months of your baby’s life, sickness is likely to be the most stressful. There are a variety of common illnesses that affect babies, but the good news is that the vast majority of them are relatively harmless.
This is why we need to vaccinate: Kaliah's story
Chelsey Charles "If you're against vaccination, or just aren’t vaccinated, I really hope my little girl’s story changes your mind."
Pain and fever in young children
SPONSORED FEATURE A fever is a higher than normal body temperature, and is usually a symptom of an infection or illness such as a cold or flu. You can quickly and safely treat your child's pain and fever with over-the-counter products.
Why are food allergies on the rise?
Annabel Karmel Food allergies are on the increase and scientists aren't sure why. Best-selling children's cookbook author Annabel Karmel looks at the latest study results and how you can get around some allergies.
Homeopathic vaccine warning
Julia Medew and staff writers Doctors are warning parents not to trust homeopathic whooping cough vaccines in the midst of a deadly epidemic.
New research says foreskins have got to go
Mark Metherell The ban on the circumcision of boys in many Australian public hospitals has come under fire from 12 medical experts, who say the latest international evidence shows the procedure reduces risk of infections, cancer and painful conditions.
Autism detected at just six months old
Liz Szabo Changed in brain development have been detected in autistic babies as young as six months old - half a year or more before parents typically begin to notice symptoms of the condition, researchers have found.
The cut
Should you circumcise your child?
Hygiene, looks, STIs, trauma and sexual pleasure. Luke Malone looks at the pros and cons of circumcision.
Nutrition – what your baby needs
No matter how much new information researchers discover about infant nutrition, the fact remains that breast milk has always been, and will continue to be, the perfect way to feed babies.
Mealtimes with young children
Karen Hardy Mealtimes with young children can be a challenging part of parenthood, but they can also be a source of immense joy, fun and satisfaction.
The age of intolerance
Paula Goodyer A new Melbourne study has shown that one in 10 Australian children has a food allergy, and that there has been a fourfold increase in emergency visits for severe allergic reactions.
Rebuttal
Vaccination a victim of its own success
Dr James Best When deciding whether to vaccinate their children or not parents have to weigh up the risks (of side effects) and benefits (prevention of disease). Unfortunately, younger parents are unable to remember the days when infectious diseases such as polio terrorised communities.
Warning on baby slings after boy's death
Rachel Wells The death of a newborn boy while being carried in a baby sling has prompted the consumer watchdog to consider mandatory standards.
In the blood
How to handle every parent's nightmare
Kerrie McCallum The discovery of a lifelong, life-threatening illness is every parent's nightmare. But as Kerrie McCallum learns, diabetes is not the end of the world.
How to vary your baby’s diet
Cherie Lyden A varied diet for a baby, once solid food is established, is essential.
Chrissie Swan: Why I'm banking my baby's cord blood
CHRISSIE SWAN Anyone who's been told they're expecting a child would have to agree that nothing can fully prepare you for the feelings you get, the lessons you're about to learn and the immediate feeling of responsibility that transcends the minute you see that telltale line on the pregnancy test.
Nutrition for premature babies
Cherie Lyden Nutrition for premature babies or otherwise nicknamed ‘preemies’ is essential for growth and development. Their nutritional needs differ to full-term babies and it’s essential that they receive the right nutrition!
Feeding your baby on a budget
Cherie Lyden Feeding your baby shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips to help keep costs down!
Guide to baby bowel movements
Brooke Tasovac Because there are many things that can affect a baby’s bowel movements, here's a simple guide.
Boost your baby's iron uptake
Cherie Lyden Babies are born with their own stores of iron, which they obtain from their mothers during the final months of pregnancy. After a few months, they'll need to replenish those levels.
'Cocoon' strategy to fight epidemic
Kate Hagan Parents of newborns should immunise themselves against whooping cough as reported cases of the highly contagious disease have doubled to more than 4000 in Victoria this year, health authorities say.
Tools
Baby Growth Chart
Check your baby's length and weight for their age against the World Health Organization's standard growth charts for children aged 0-3 years.
Forums
Feeding your Baby
From first milk to first solids and beyond
Babies Born Early
The issues facing parents of premmies
