Caring For Baby

Support groups for parents of babies with disabilities or special needs

Should you have a baby who has a disability or special need, you're certainly not alone. Essential Baby has a range of support groups where you can meet parents in a similar situation, ask advice,...

Planning for the first six weeks of a baby's life

The first six weeks of a baby's life are a hugely unsettling time, so a little planning will go a long way towards keeping the rest of the household running.

Dining out - is it possible with kids?

Hey Bambini Most parents dread taking their young children out for a meal. Images of food flying every which way, dummy spits over mum’s choice from the menu, drinks spilt all over the nice white table cloth,...

It's goodbye Mia and Jack, hello Isabella and William

After a five-year reign, Jack has lost its stranglehold on the title of NSW's top name for newborn boys, replaced by William. And the top girl's name - Isabella.

Finding the right babysitter or nanny

Gill South The first time we leave our babies with someone other than close family, is always a big step. So how do you go about finding the right babysitter?

Babymoon travel boom

Rachel Browne Pre-baby getaways are a growing trend in tourism, with operators tailoring packages specifically for expectant couples.

More newborns tipping scales at over 4kg

Australian babies are becoming increasingly big bundles of joy, and health experts warn it's not always something to be happy about.

Our large families: EB members share

With seven, eight and 10 children under their respective wings, Essential Baby members Leanne, Susan and Tanya offer an insight into their large families.

Pot-belly luck

Bella Ellwood-Clayton A friend of mine's mother is encouraging her to have children while she's still "young". Not because she might have more energy dealing with the terrible twos, totalitarian threes and frightening...

Motherhood and fashion: have you let yourself go?

Amber Robinson "It's a shame so many mums let themselves go", mused the young, childless hairdresser attending to my mop last week. "You see them around here all the time in tracksuit pants.

Cutting both ways

The thought of circumcising their baby appals many parents today. But what if it could potentially save their life? Sarina Lewis investigates.

Sleep solutions for parents

Jodie Benveniste How many parents out there long for a decent night’s sleep? Plenty! So why are there only sleep solution books aimed at kids? Parents need one too!

In search of the best working model for children

Carol Nader It's an issue that has long been debated - does a mother's return to work in the first year of her baby's life have any adverse consequences? There has been some concern about what impact, if any,...

Baby talk - Promoting rich language and thinking skills

Kathy Walker Early stimulation equals better brain function and easier acquisition of language skills. Brain studies now more than ever highlight the importance of exposure, practice and stimulation of...

Opportunities for babies and toddlers in a time poor society

Kathy Walker It was predicted in the late 70’s that Australia would, as it entered the 21st century, be a nation that had high level of recreation time, less working hours than many other OECD countries and a...

Miracle beginnings

Raquel Bosustow Baby miracles change people. But in the midst of such joy, when you’re experiencing a baby miracle, life can sometimes deal what appears to be a very cruel blow.

Encouraging baby's physical development from 0-2

Kathy Walker It seems we give our children less chances to play, to climb, to do some rough and tumble. We are often too careful and don’t give children enough time to practice these skills

Working mothers busy but happy

Working mothers don't have enough time in the day and feel guiltier than stay-at-home mums, but they're just as happy, a new study shows.

Breastfeeding helpline launched

ABA 1800 mum 2 mum utilises the real-life experience of over 200 trained volunteer counsellors each week who help other mums with issues including expressing and storing milk, weaning, supply and what to...