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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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What do YOU think of the new forums?

Complete a quick survey for your chance to win one of three $100 Coles Myer vouchers.

'Revelation moment' for Madeleine McCann investigators

Police have described a 'revelation moment' in their investigation of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, which changed their theory as to when the child may have been abducted.

Safe gates save lives

Every year, an average of 33 children drown in Australia - and many of these tragedies occur in backyard pools. A new campaign looks at how to make your pool or spa safer for kids.

Win a dream bedroom for your little dinosaur!

To celebrate our partnership with the Baby & Toddler Show in Sydney. You have a chance to win your child’s dream bedroom, thanks to Dinosaur District!

Staying at home for the love of it

It's easy to feel superior about our parenting choices, but how much is due to our ideals and how much due to circumstance?

The tattooed mum trend

Many parents now get tattoos as a way of honouring their children. We talk to three mums who’ve inked themselves in the name of love.

Study: winter babies behave better than summer kids

Summer babies are more likely to struggle with sharing, concentrating, making friends and helping than those born during winter, new research suggests.

Video: Worst parking exit ever?

Drive in, reverse out. Sounds simple when it comes to parking a car, but this driver's exit strategy failed miserably - and now publicly.

Introducing Pregnant Pause

A new campaign is encouraging dads-to-be to give up alcohol while their partners are pregnant, aiming to raise vital funds for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Miscarriages break hearts, regardless of taboos

It’s understanding from strangers that has seen me through the sadness of a failed pregnancy.

Woman accused of impregnating maid with husband's sperm

A New Zealand woman has been accused of secretly injecting her husband's sperm into their maid in a bizarre Dubai court case.

Midwife on the run

The website of independent Sydney midwife Akal Khalsa is awash with glittering testimonials to her home-birthing abilities and pictures of newborn babies she has brought into the world. But Ms Khalsa has had a warrant out for her arrest since March.

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.

A cry in the night: breastfeeding after sexual abuse

This mum knew that the 'breast is best' mantra, but the innocent act of feeding dredged up terrible memories.

Free: 'The First Year' ebook

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

Tracking baby's moves may reduce stillbirths

A mobile phone app has been found to help mothers to be more aware of their unborn babies' movements, helping reduce cases of stillbirth.

Free-birthing on the rise

It’s a controversial practice that has been branded both dangerous and irresponsible, but there's a growing trend among Australian women who are choosing to birth at home, free from any medical intervention or assistance.

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Today's Top 10 Baby Names

No. Girl Names Boy Names
1 Keisha Leeland
2 Bryana Bruhier
3 Esther Finn
4 Leana Noah
5 Chantal Ambar
6 Grace Aiden
7 Sophie Bryce
8 Allegra Clarence
9 Amalie George
10 Chelsea Ira

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