Parenting

Toddlers and technology

All tech and no play for our tots

ALEX MCCLINTOCK Oliver Roach is 20 months old but he already knows how to put on and play a DVD. He is among a growing band of toddlers teaching themselves to use computers, games consoles and other devices.

Dress-ups for real

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

Kids in hot cars

Children come first at new ABC, owners vow

Curse of a certain surfer

Children with better educated mothers watch the least TV

nutrition

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.

behaviour

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. And then they turn two!

Sleeping

Night time tips for toddlers

RICHIE YOUNG A sleeping routine for your toddler doesn't need to be treated as a military-precise regimen, but can be a positive cornerstone for a healthy lifestyle.

A-Z of home safety

When it comes to children and safety there is a lot to think about and it can be easy to overlook a potential hazard for your baby or toddler. Read our article and see if you've got everything covered from A-Z.

Bribes, rewards and praise

PINKY MCKAY What is the difference between a bribe and a reward? A bribe is something offered before the task in order to get your child to do what you want him to do and a reward (the second example) is something that happens after the event.

Fuss-free toilet training tips

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

Getting rid of the dummy

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

Your toddler's playtime

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. Armed with some ideas for toddler play, you can make the most of each precious day.

Encouraging your pre-schooler to rest and sleep

CAROLE It is to every family member’s advantage if we can encourage sound resting and sleeping habits in our youngsters. We all need to be calmed and rejeuvenated from the many experiences and stresses we have each day.

Baby steps: Shoes for babies and toddlers

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

Food allergy and food intolerances: the difference

DR ANNA PHAM When my son was 6 months of age, in order to return to work, we weaned him off the breast and introduced him onto formula milk. Fortunately, he did not suffer from “nipple confusion” and gladly accepted the bottle containing formula milk.

A child's right to be safe: teaching self-protection

FAMILY PLANNING QUEENSLAND Self protection skills are one way to help children to be safe or know how to find safety.

Tips for choosing a family-friendly car

You've agonised over the stroller, now it's time to figure out which car is going to fit you, your new baby, other children and stroller with ease, style and safety.

Your second baby: tips for surviving

Advice on caring for babies is often geared towards first-time parents. When you have a toddler zooming about, that old ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ line may have you throwing your hands up in despair.

The value of reading

CAROLE DISSELDORP By reading to our children, we are fostering curiosity, imagination and creativity and increasing the chance of academic success and positive life experiences.

Your toddler’s turning two!

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.

Nursery Rhymes

A nursery rhyme is a traditional song or poem taught to young children, originally in the nursery. Learning such a verse assists in the development of vocabulary, and several examples deal with rudimentary counting skills.

How to beat night terrors

ALLISON TAIT Night terrors and nightmares - while both presenting as similarly noisy and sleep-depriving - are two different things. Night terrors tend to occur in the early part of the night when the child is in a deep sleep phase - much like a sleep walker.

'Breast is best' support

Mothers will be encouraged to feed their babies only breast milk for the first six months as part of an ambitious new national breastfeeding policy.

Back to school

From labels to lunchboxes and stationery to sunscreen - here are some great back to school ideas

Reinventing your childhood for your children

The kids were bursting knowing they would be able to ride on the street! Being allowed to take your bike on the road!

Girls around the world born into inequality

My new daughter’s health and bubbly personality has highlighted for me the inequalities in our world, particularly for girls.

Mortgage free in four years

I clearly recall the day we decided to pay off our mortgage. My husband and I were sitting in the computer room with a cup of coffee.

Win a night out at FindABabysitter.com.au!

We have several $200 Visa gift cards up for grabs, so start organising your child care for 2010 for your chance to win.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is often a real challenge mothers face with their newborns. Find out information and advice.

Is it wrong to judge a child based on their name?

2 Judge, or Not 2 Judge . . . What do you think of “unique” names and “creative” spelling?

Eating and drinking while pregnant

Are we too paranoid? What is your attitude towards eating and drinking while pregnant? Did you take the risk with listeria foods?

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.

Find a Babysitter

Never be stuck without a babysitter again! Australia's No.1 Babysitter and Nanny Directory is easy, affordable and effective.

Find A Babysitter

Essentials Editor's Pick Mum in Profile Feature Member

Child care waiting list too long?

Our recent survey revealed that 1 in 5 mums are waiting longer than 18 months. Recruit a qualified local carer with Australia’s largest Babysitter and Nanny directory.

About Essential Baby

Essential Baby is the place to find great information, resources and support relating to conception, pregnancy, birth, baby, toddlers, kids and parenting.  Find information about conception, pregnancy, maternity, baby names, contact information for baby support services and more. You can shop online for baby clothes, maternity clothes, maternity accessories, breastfeeding clothes and nursing wear, nappies, mothers bags, baby toys, nursery products and more.  You can also access our very active discussion groups to talk to others about conception, pregnancy, birth, baby and parenting.