Raising eco-babies
DIXIEBELLE & EB MEMBERS The way we live, eat, drink, travel, shop, communicate and live our lives affects our eco-footprint. These days everyone is being urged to make changes to their lifestyles to reduce the impact we have on the Earth. Raising babies and children are among the most important things we will do in a lifetime, and doing it as environmentally friendly as possible, may be the most important thing we can do for their future.
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 others there remains that added element of wondering right up until the moment of birth.
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.
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, offer and receive support.
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, forks dropped on the floor, along with those neatly folded napkins.
Babymoon travel boom
RACHEL BROWNE Pre-baby getaways are a growing trend in tourism, with operators tailoring packages specifically for expectant couples. With adventure holidays off the cards, couples opt for a relaxing break with foetus-friendly food on the "womb" service menu and maybe a pregnancy massage as well.
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?
News archive
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 million-dollar babies
ANTONY LAWES Parents may well regard their children as priceless but new research has put a dollar value on bringing up babies in Australia.
News archive
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 fours of her future.
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, mothers' return to work is having on their babies' cognitive development and social and emotional welfare.
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. It's like they've just stopped making an effort."
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.
Features archive
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 high level of well being and happiness.
Features archive
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
Features archive
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 experiences when children are young.
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!
Features archive
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.
Feature members
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.
