Parenting

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Using numerology to name your baby

Rosemaree Templeton A favourite preoccupation of parents-to-be is the discussion of possible names for the baby. Some parents already know during the pregnancy whether the little one will be a boy or a girl, while for...

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,...

Dining out - is it possible with kids?

The junk food rules

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

Gender selection

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

Find a babysitter

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

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

Our large families: EB members share

Susan's family of seven boys

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

Sleep solutions for parents

Does motherhood get in the way of a good night's sleep?

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!

Pot-belly luck

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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...

Our million-dollar babies

Baby with piggy bank

Antony Lawes Parents may well regard their children as priceless but new research has put a dollar value on bringing up babies in Australia.

Motherhood and fashion: have you let yourself go?

Tired new Mum

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

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

In search of the best working model for children

Working Mums

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,...

Opportunities for babies and toddlers in a time poor society

Clock baby

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

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.

Baby talk - Promoting rich language and thinking skills

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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...

Encouraging baby's physical development from 0-2

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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 mum

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.

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.

Seven secrets to surviving your baby's first year

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Jodie Benveniste Jodie Benveniste, director of Parent Wellbeing, shares seven ways to cope with the highs and lows of raising a baby.

Free tickets! Pregnancy, Baby and Children's Expo

If you're in Adelaide March 19-21, come along and display a yellow ribbon to show you're part of the EB family.

Aurora's gluten-free life

Karen's baby was diagnosed with Coeliac disease and couldn’t ever eat gluten again. She could never just go out with her friends for pizza or live a normal life...

Specialised pregnancy support groups

If you are experiencing pregnancy-related problems, rest assured you can find support on Essential Baby.

Find a nanny you can rely on

Search Australia's largest source of child care with over 48,000 profiles of nannies & babysitters. It's easy and it really works!

Take our quick survey

Have you travelled with the kids in tow? We'd love to hear your feedback.

The bedtime shuffle

Putting kids to bed is one of those exercises that seems to get harder the more you practice it. A lot like golf, only far less fun.

Who's your favourite child?

My favouritism towards my children is variable and transient. My love, however, is solid and given freely and unconditionally, to each one of them.

Aurora's Gluten Free Life

Eating gluten with coeliac disease can lead to health issues of all kinds, so a proper diagnosis is essential.

Weekly guide to your pregnancy

Find out what changes are happening to your body and see how your baby is developing each week of your pregnancy.

Public or private hospital?

I could be out of pocket by going private - money that I could otherwise use for my maternity leave. Is it really worth that cost or should I think about going public instead?

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

They're a hugely unsettling time, so a little planning will go a long way.

New child restraint laws FAQ

Read our frequently asked questions to find out more about the introduction of new national child restraint laws for 0-7 year olds.

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Plan a date night with your partner

Date nights are essential for the health of your relationship and family life. Take the time out to just relax and enjoy one another's company. Find a local babysitter today!

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