Australia's most family-friendly workplaces

Mother and son

Brooke Wells Who are the country's top family friendly employers, and what benefits do they offer to their workers? Essential Baby investigates.

Downside seen in parental leave

pregnant_computer_90x60

Adele Horin Women workers are likely to suffer discrimination as a result of new workplace rights that enable them to take two years of unpaid parental leave instead of 12 months, according to a prominent feminist academic.

Do you really need to work?

need_to_work_90x60

Gill South Every day mothers are making important decisions about whether or not to return to paid work. For many, working outside the home - either part time or full time - is a financial necessity. For others, their work is part of their identity and their self-worth.

Leave for new dads a step still too far

New dad

Katharine Murphy The Productivity Commission wanted to give fathers two weeks' paid leave with their new babies - but that idea is on the backburner as the Government looks to contain the cost of its 2009-10 budget spending.

Rudd Government delays paid parental scheme to 2011

Pregnant at work

Melina Cruickshank The Federal government has delayed their 2007 election promise of a paid parental leave scheme for another 18 months, and restricted it to primary carers earning less that $150,000. On Essential Baby, working mothers are questioning the delay as well as the means testing.

Slipping into a life more comfortable

Michelle Walsh

Model turned fashion designer Michelle Walsh discovered she was pregnant with her first child while working on the television series Escape With ET.

Study shows benefits of early maternity leave

Bridie Smith Women who start maternity leave at least a month before their baby is born are less likely to have a caesarean delivery according to US researchers, who also found mothers who delay their return to work breastfeed for longer.

Mum's in Business

Working mums

Be inspired by Australian mums who have created their own businesses.

Feature Members

Read more Essential Baby Feature Member articles here.

Fast & Easy Recipes

My Food

EB presents easy family recipes for busy mums and nutritional information to grow healthy kids. Find a recipe for tonight's dinner, tomorrow's breakfast, or a healthy snack!

Forum

Working Mum?

Are you doing the working Mum juggle? Chat with other working Mums in the EB forums.

FORUM

My Business EB forum

For business owners to share advice and offer support with each other.

The accidental attachment parent

"Attachment parenting has set me up for ... well, I'm not going to say failure, but for a very difficult time," says one mum.

Baby love is worth the expense

Amidst all the arguing over which paid parental leave scheme is best for parents, is anyone talking about what's best for babies?

Immunisation, fever and pain relief

Find out the benefits and risks involved with protecting your child from harmful diseases.

Free: 'The First Year' ebook

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

One mum's 'biggest mistake' offers lesson for all

A mother sparked conversations around the world when she declared, in a national newspaper, that she wished she'd never had her two children. But her story can teach us a valuable lesson on parenthood.

Ask an expert: My child is suddenly resisting toilet training

My child is resisting the toilet training process. We got off to a good start, but now she’s refusing to use the toilet. What can we do now?

Johnson's Baby 'how to' videos

We've learned a lot since we launched our first JOHNSON'S® baby powder way back in 1894, so we've put together this collection of 'how to' videos to get you started on your exciting journey.

New dads are sexy and they know it

While most women wouldn’t associate being a new parent with feeling more attractive, it seems men see it differently: they think they’re better looking than before they were dads.

Advertisement

Find a Nanny or Babysitter

Search by Postcode

Find a Babysitter

  • Daytime nannies
  • Casual babysitters
  • After-school care
  • Live-in nannies

Competitions

Win a Little Rascals nappy service

Lighten the load when you win a Little Rascals Nappy Service!

Win a Grandparents Survival Pack

You could win a copy of Parental Guidance on Blu-ray and DVD and tickets to Madame Tussauds Sydney.

Win a Call the Midwife Series 2 DVD Prize Pack!

You could win one of 20 Call the Midwife Series 2 DVD prize packs.

Win Logitech gadgets for your home

Win the UE Boombox to listen to music wherever you go, or a TV Cam HD to Skype loved ones right from your TV!

Win a Mamas & Papas Baby Bud

You could win a gorgeous innovative Mamas & Papas Baby Bud!

Preschool activities

Free downloadable printables

Colouring sheets, educational activities and more.

Advertisement
Advertisement