Parenting

Toddler

Toddler bootcamp

Stiven Pucar Exercise for adults is essential for a healthier lifestyle but parents might find it hard to fathom that your toddler needs exercise also!

Toddler

Essential Baby Toddler Sub Index

Toddler snack ideas

The little engine of a toddler is constantly burning fuel, and your toddler will benefit from small meals spaced out during the day. Healthy, fun snacks will provide toddlers with energy to burn.

Your toddler's playtime

Childcare centres will be named and shamed

When you look back on your children's toddler years, you'll know that this wonder-filled time is over in the blink of an eye.

Navigating the toddler minefield

Dr Emma Little Many of us can't wait to get through that first year of our baby's life so that they are sleeping through the night, have predictable routines and can be a little bit more independent.

Your toddler’s turning two!

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This year you might want to give your toddler a real birthday party, but be realistic. The biggest trap birthday parents can fall into is expecting too much.

Transitioning your toddler to a big bed

Richie Young As your baby gets bigger and older, you’ll notice changes creeping into their sleep patterns and this will be your signal to help them begin their transition into a bigger bed.

Top toddler settling tips

Childcare centres will be named and shamed

Pinky McKay Your toddler’s delaying tactics at bedtime – needing a drink, one more kiss, a lost toy – are her way of saying, ‘I really want you to stay with me.

Modern parents just potty about toilet training

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Lissa Christopher The growing number of parents who delay potty training until their children are three or older may be doing them and the environment a serious disservice, an Australian study says.

Getting rid of the dummy

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Richie Young Choosing the right time to stop your child using dummies may be easier than you think.

Dress-ups for real

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Kellie Hush Toddler fashion has become serious business. It is a scary reality that Suri Cruise is now known as a style icon.

Fuss-free toilet training tips

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Lisa Wachsmuth Toilet training can be frustrating for parents and toddlers alike. Read Essential Baby's fuss free tips.

Baby steps: Shoes for babies and toddlers

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A guide to buying your baby and toddler's first shoes and what the experts recommend.

Encouraging your pre-schooler to rest and sleep

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Carole It is to every family member’s advantage if we can encourage sound resting and sleeping habits in our youngsters.

Curse of a certain surfer

Pool safety

Simon Webster With a three-year-old boy who makes it to the toilet for one poo in 10 and as such believes he is too grown up for nappies, we live in a constant state of anxiety, bordering on terror.

Blind eye to driveway danger

Reversing poses a danger to small children

Rachel Browne About a dozen children are killed in Australian driveways each year and hundreds more are severely injured, child safety experts say.

Stamp out bad behaviour in public places

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Laura Kiln With Christmas approaching fast, many parents are working out strategies to do all the festive shopping and cope with a bored toddler at the same time.

A flurry of activity

A family getaway at the snow

Jen Kelly Lake Mountain is a perfect run for families with young children, writes Jen Kelly

Selfish dummy mummies need consciences pricked

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Adele Horin Living in a suburb with lots of white, middle-class, educated mothers may be putting your child's health at risk.

Real-life Lara Croft defends her right to breastfeed

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Georgina Robinson A British glamour model and former real-life Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, says she will defy the "dirty looks" and breastfeed her toddler son for as long as he wants.

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.

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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