Parenting

Modern parents just potty about toilet training

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.

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

Kids in hot cars

Children come first at new ABC, owners vow

Curse of a certain surfer

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.

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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