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Bricks build confidence

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LEGO® DUPLO® Research shows that children who are encouraged to use their imagination and express themselves creatively grow into strong and resourceful individuals.

My first bedtime books

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The EB team has compiled their favourite bedtime reading books for children, perfect from babies to school age.

Your child's first words

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Your baby’s first word is a big milestone – it’s a sign that she’s becoming independent and entering the next phase of her life. And of course, no matter what her first word is, it’s a very exciting time for celebration!

How to choose the right toys for small children

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LEGO® DUPLO® Finding the right toy for a small child can be a challenging task. But before you spend an afternoon searching the toy section, there are a few things to consider ...

Review: LEGO DUPLO My First Range

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SPONSORED FEATURE by Amity Dry There was much excitement when Amity Dry's children recently received items from the LEGO DUPLO My First Range. She shares what she - and her kids - thought of the brick sets.

Your child's first steps

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Learning to walk is a huge step (no pun intended!) in your baby’s development. From those first experiences of standing while holding onto something for balance, through to the initial hesitant, skaky steps, your child is making giant leaps towards life as an independent little person.

My first Christmas

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Essential Baby members have shared their little ones' first Christmases with us. As we approach the festive season, take a look at these cuties ...

How to play with your baby

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The first time your child learns a new skill at playtime is very exciting - for both you and your baby! Play is important to your child's development for a variety of reasons - here are some simple ideas for you to try at home.

My first sibling

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Justine Davies There's no doubt that introducing a new sibling into your family is a major life change for your first-born, but there are ways you can help make the transition to older sister or brother easier.

Return to the classics: what makes an 'evergreen' toy

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LEGO® DUPLO® Not sure how all those new interactive toys work? Or even if your child will play with them? When in doubt, return to the classics.

Your child's first tooth

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Most babies start teething around the age of five or six months. It can make them cranky and sore, but there are a few things you can do to help your child as the teeth start to erupt.

Review: LEGO DUPLO

Amity Dry

SPONSORED FEATURE by Amity Dry LEGO DUPLO is one of those wonderful kids’ toys that are everlasting; a toy that brings back memories of your own childhood. Amity Dry and her children tried out the latest products.

Your child's first sleepover

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Perhaps it's your anniversary and a night out is in order, or you're off to hospital to have your next bub. No matter the reason behind it, your toddler's first sleepover is always a big milestone. Here are a few tips to ensure everyone has a restful night.

My first family holiday

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Amber Robinson Travelling as a family unit is a whole world of difference to travelling solo. Late nights and adventure sports may not be on the agenda but family travel has its own set of rewards.

My favourite friend: why kids love animals

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LEGO® DUPLO® Children and animals are a match made in heaven. Not only do children have a natural affection for furry, four-legged creatures, but they can also learn a lot from their animal friends.

Your baby's first bath

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EB staff writers There's a lot to consider when it comes to bathing your new baby, but there are some general rules for making the experience a pleasure for everyone.

Your child's first birthday party

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Leearne Hynes Organising any party can be loads of fun, but when it came to organising her son’s first birthday party, Leearne Hynes was beyond excited. She shares her party tips.

Our first family portait

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Justine Davies Browse a professional photographer’s portfolio and you'll see image after image of happy, relaxed, smiling families. Photographers make it look so easy. The reality, however, can be anything but!

My first pet

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Justine Davies Whether they have fur, feathers or scales, pets hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians.

Preschool building toys

Explore the LEGO DUPLO My First Range

The LEGO DUPLO My First Range combines building using basic bricks and role play that focuses on familiar everyday themes. Children can build and role play on the farm, in the supermarket, at the fire station or at the zoo!

My First LEGO DUPLO sets

LEGO DUPLO

DUPLO is all about giving your child the opportunity to build, create, and develop while discovering so many ways to play!

Win LEGO DUPLO prizes

WIN!

You could win a family holiday to the value of $5000, thanks to the LEGO DUPLO range of preschool toys - plus there are runner-up prize packs to be won!

Colouring Activities

LEGO DUPLO colouring activities

Celebrate the fun of LEGO DUPLO with these activities for younger kids.

Download now: Essential Kids Activity Finder app

Got bored kids? Quickly find the best activities for kids wherever you are in Australia with the Essential Kids app.

Helping families keep up-to-date

We know you're busy. That's why we've made it easier to connect with us online.

Video: Convos with my 2-year-old

It’s a simple premise: a dad re-enacts the conversations he has with his two year old daughter – but the daughter is played by a grown man. And the results are very, very funny.

ISOFIX child seats finally approved for Aussie families

At last, a new Standards Australia revision now allows for ISOFIX child restraints.

Warning on NSW mumps outbreak

NSW Health has warned of a current outbreak of mumps across the state, urging members of the public to check their vaccination status.

Shower tragedy shows need for postnatal help

The tragic case of two young boys who died while their mother was only metres away has highlighted the need for ongoing awareness of postnatal depression.

Family cycling: options for carrying kids on bikes

Whether your child is on a special seat on your bike, is sitting in an attached trailer, or is 'helping to pedal' on a half bike, there are lots of options to keep everyone comfortable and safe while cycling as a family.

Why the Mirena IUD wasn’t right for me

For many, the Mirena IUD is a brilliant contraceptive option. For me, however, it was a dreadful mistake – and I've since learnt I'm not alone.

The babies who sleep in boxes

In 1938, the Finnish government began giving parents-to-be packages to help them care for their babies, supplying them with clothes, nappies, and a box that could be used as the child’s bed. Today, the tradition is still going strong.

The ultrasound you can touch

In parents’ ever-increasing search for the perfect memento of their pregnancy comes an ultrasound you can touch.

Losing (then refinding) my 'me'

Somewhere along the journey, someone removed my ‘me’ identity and replaced it with ‘mum’. Here's what I've learnt about finding my 'me' again.

The Kate Winslet double standard

Gossip sites went into meltdown over news of Kate Winslet's pregnancy to her third husband. Amy Gray looks at why people judged her so harshly while so many others go unscathed.

Discount IVF can come at a cost

It has a lower success rate than the usual IVF process, but a new stripped-down version of the fertility treatment can cost less than half as much as the full service.

It's time to pay our foster carers properly

Why do the ordinary people who go to extraordinary lengths to help give children a better life often end up out of pocket?

Lisa Curry trying for a baby at 51

Lisa Curry may be 51 years old, but she’s not letting that get in the way of trying for a baby.

Free: 'The First Year' ebook

Check out our new interactive ebook, part of the brand new SMH Shortbooks series, for free!

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Competitions

Win a Safety 1st Custodian Plus car seat and travel pack

You can win a Safety 1st car seat featuring Air Protect side-impact technology and a travel pack, valued at $290.

Win a Cosmopolitan pram from Mountain Buggy

You could win the stylish 4WD Cosmopolitan pram from Mountain Buggy, valued at $799.

Jay Laga'aia 'Ten in the Bed' giveaway

You could win one of 10 copies of the album Ten in the Bed by Jay Laga'aia.

Win a Babyography voucher!

You could win 1 of 4 $50 vouchers to spend at babyography.net.au.

It's party time!

Planning the perfect party?

Find everything you need to plan your next kids party. Essential Kids has ideas for kids party themes, free printable invites, cake ideas and tips for party games.

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