Baby Names

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Baby names, tips and advice

Australia's top 100 baby names of 2012

Essential Baby has compiled the data available from government records around the country to bring you the list of Australia's top baby names of 2012.

A no-stress guide to baby names

MCT There's no way around it - every baby needs a name. It isn't always an easy decision, but with these tips it can be a fun one.

Traditional vs unique

Richie Young Are traditional names a thing of the past? Following in the celebs' footsteps, more and more parents are being daring when naming their babies. How do you decide which way to go?

Celebrity baby names inspired by places

Looking for naming inspiration? Look no further than the nearest atlas (or, in more modern times, Google Maps). Celebrities are leading the charge when it comes to naming children after places around the world; here are some of their picks and their cute offspring.

Baby name checklist

Richie Young Whilst your child can change their name by deed poll in the future, it's probably not what you want to envision when thinking suitable names. Here's six points to consider as you're narrowing down your shortlist.

Most unusual names of 2012

US parenting site Baby Center asked parents of babies born in 2012 what they named their children. More than 500,000 people responded, and the site then compiled a list of the most out-there names. Each name on this list wasn't a one-off; to make the cut, at least two children must have been given that name in 2012.

Beating baby name anxiety

Donna Webeck For some parents, naming a baby is a challenging but fun process. For others, it just brings anxiety and stress. But there are ways to cope with the indecision and decide on a name you're happy with.

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Free: 'The First Year' ebook

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

My Favourite Baby Names

Create a shortlist of the names you love by selecting the star icon.

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Download now: Essential Kids Activity Finder app

Got bored kids? Quickly find the best activities for kids wherever you are in Australia with the Essential Kids app.

Hospitals on the lookout for dangerous new virus

A virus that can cause paralysis in children has been circulating in NSW and has recently spread to Victoria. Learn more about it, including its symptoms.

Why 'surrender' is not a dirty word

Perhaps the biggest lesson motherhood has to teach us is a quality that's closely linked to trust – and that is that we also have to surrender.

Helping families keep up-to-date

We know you're busy. That's why we've made it easier to connect with us online.

'I have pelvic girdle pain'

On some days, the crippling pain means I am in agony just climbing the stairs, getting out of the car and even getting out of bed. I can no longer push my son around in his buggy, I can't take him to the park alone, and I can barely lift him out of his cot.

Myths and realities of domestic violence

The brutal treatment of Nigella Lawson by her wealthy husband has shattered a few myths we hold about intimate partner violence.

Officials hope to ban bottles in Venezuela

Venezuela's Congress will next week discuss legislation that would ban bottle feeding, in an effort to encourage breastfeeding and reduce the use of baby formula in the nation.

'My Imaginary Well-Dressed Toddler Daughter' is the best thing to ever happen to Pinterest

Quinoa is a particularly well-dressed child who enjoys haute couture, meditation and all things chevron. And she's the imaginary star of a very funny Pinterest board.

Video: Convos with my 2-year-old

It’s a simple premise: a dad re-enacts the conversations he has with his two year old daughter – but the daughter is played by a grown man. And the results are very, very funny.

Second time around: reusing baby items

A UK study shows that one-fifth of mothers have accepted hand-me-downs for their children. We look at what items are safe to pass on, and what should be thrown away.

Losing (then refinding) my 'me'

Somewhere along the journey, someone removed my ‘me’ identity and replaced it with ‘mum’. Here's what I've learnt about finding my 'me' again.

It's time to pay our foster carers properly

Why do the ordinary people who go to extraordinary lengths to help give children a better life often end up out of pocket?

Free: 'The First Year' ebook

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

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Today's Top 10 Baby Names

No. Girl Names Boy Names
1 Gilbarta Marley
2 Ava Archer
3 Chloe Liam
4 Evelyn William
5 Gabriela Ethan
6 Annabelle Lachlan
7 Lexi Ryan
8 Zoe Bentley
9 Claudia Bradlee
10 Elsa Brannon

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