Books to help toddlers prepare for a new baby
![The new baby](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/02/04/7185410/Thumbnail1005330250gmjpy0image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gmjpsa.png1454545698857.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Worried about how your toddler will handle having a sibling? These fun and colourful picture books will help them get used to the idea.
Creative pregnancy announcements
![Eviction Notice - we need the cot.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/29/7171878/Thumbnail1005188443gmgobwimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gmgod7.png1454028104829.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Announcing that you're expecting can be a time to express your creativity, sense of humour and imagination. Check out how other parents and parents-to-be have broken the news to friends and family.
Dad of four girls faints at gender reveal for fifth baby
![Julio Pena and his wife Kari are expecting baby number 5.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/28/7170034/Thumbnail1005160871gmg30cimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gmg33b.png1453956259697.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers It was all too much excitement for this dad.
Baby names
The bias behind 'unisex' baby name trends
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KASEY EDWARDS It used to just be one of those quirks reserved for celebrities, but now giving baby girls a traditional boy name is on trend.
Giving your baby a double-barrelled surname ... or not
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Ariane Beeston Being double-barrelled already, there was no question of joining my already lengthy surname with my husband's when we had a baby.
Best new prams of 2015
![2015 Prams](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/25/7162735/Thumbnail1005029426gmdkn7image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gmd9o2.png1453698206056.jpg-90x60.jpg)
A round-up of the best new prams on the market, and where you can find them in stores.
Unusual celebrity baby names
![Lara & Sam named their child Rocket Zot](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/21/7154401/Thumbnail1004911929gmar5uimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gmar09.png1453425024456.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Celebrities love to use their imaginations when it comes to naming their kids! Here's a gallery of some of the most memorable monikers in show biz families.
Victoria's top baby names of 2015
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/20/7151621/Thumbnail1004865836gm9slgimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gm9rfw.png1453253701633.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers The Os have it again: for the second year running, Olivia and Oliver have taken the top spots for baby names in Victoria.
The 26 most popular names of geniuses
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/19/7148955/Thumbnail1004821299gm8tbcimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gm8t2r.png1453162934181.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Amy Croffey Researchers found that Mary and John are the most popular male and female names of academics.
Baby names since the 1900s: the endangered, the resurrected and the long gone
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INGA TING The future looks bleak for John, Robert and Susan, while William, Jack and Ruby are back from dead.
The vagina speaker that plays tunes to your unborn baby
![The Babypod claims to be the most effect way to trasmit sounds to a fetus.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/09/7129312/Thumbnail1004523182gm2f23image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gm2f1q.png1452305938581.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers A speaker designed to be inserted into pregnant women's vagina is taking pre-natal care to a whole new level.
Secrets that soften the need for a 'baby deposit'
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/05/7120349/Thumbnail1004385372glzh6zimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glzgpo.png1451955579156.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Vivienne Pearson It has been confirmed: having a baby is expensive. But take heart from secrets that make the reality less scary than figures show.
Bryan - you are the father
![Bryan Starr learning he's going to be a dad.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/04/7118457/Thumbnail1004349514glyw9gimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glyp1m.png1451876075950.png-90x60.png)
Staff writers Bryan Starr was excited to have a photo with Darth Vader and a few stormtroopers during a recent trip to Disney World.
Watch grandma's reaction to surprise baby introduction
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/28/7108028/Thumbnail1004211752glvqqqimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glvqqw.png1451269918979.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers Eva Goeb got the shock of her life when her son Donny and his wife Miranda walked in the door on December 20.
The best gender reveals of 2015
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Suzi Catchpole We've chosen our favourite four gender reveals of the year.
Name-O-Matic: the good and bad news about that baby name
![The Fatherly Name-O-Matic tells you lots about your favourite baby names.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/11/7077143/Thumbnail1003679685glkctaimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glkc79.png1449809525229.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole It's all fun and games until your favourite baby name comes up on the FBI Most Wanted list.
Couple's home run of a gender reveal announcement
![Monique Tello and Steven Statter at the big reveal.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/10/7073488/Thumbnail1003679260glkbuyimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.glkbvg.png1449720302095.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers When Monique Tello and Steven Statter decided to announce the gender of their baby, they knew they wanted to do something unique.
The new Instagram baby name trend
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/12/02/7053199/Thumbnail1003346520gld76timage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gld74o.png1449016247784.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers Of course, some of those were already names, but we would probably say that Kelvin wouldn't have risen in popularity on its own.
How more mums are passing on their maiden names
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/12/7004740/Thumbnail1002592298gkx26gimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkx162.png1447291206219.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Alison Bowen Giving a baby a mother's maiden name can be a way of balancing out parents' last names.
The most popular baby name in the world right now
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/10/6998589/Thumbnail1002500679gkv2usimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkv2h3.png1447128396556.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers The numbers have been crunched and the results are in.
Hot baby name predictions for 2016
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/05/6987396/Thumbnail1002345178gkrqq1image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkrqhm.png1446767203067.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers According to one parenting site, 2016 will see the rise of some unusual names, with some uncommon old-fashioned monikers thrown into the mix.
Baby showers the second time around: okay or not?
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/11/04/6982703/Thumbnail1002273302gkq75wimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gkq712.png1446591895117.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Josefa Pete Love or loathe them, it seems throwing a baby shower for your second pregnancy is right on trend.
Getting ready for a new baby: your checklist
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/13/6925058/Thumbnail1001403582gk7k0uimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gk7jy6.png1444692790939.jpg-90x60.jpg)
JO HARTLEY As an expectant mum, there are so many things to consider and organise before your baby arrives. By making a list and working your way through it, things can seem less daunting.
Quiz: How much do you know about baby names around the world?
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/08/6911980/Thumbnail1001273648gk4rotimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gk4row.png1444353341519.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers Think you know baby names? On top of the latest trends, and know a bit about banned names around the world?
Your choice or theirs: the tug-of-war over baby names
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/10/04/6899341/Thumbnail1001073821gk0rz7image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gk0hi5.png1444118465357.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Alyson Krueger They had just decided on a name they both agreed on, but then the grandparents threw in an offer of $10,000 in exchange for choosing something else.
64 baby names based in nature
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/09/28/6883887/Thumbnail1000880372gjwc9kimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjwc8k.png1443409076056.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers Looking for a baby name with a nod to nature, or one with an organic meaning? Check out our list to get inspired.
The nature naming trend
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/09/28/6883774/Thumbnail1000878578gjwb4timage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjwauq.png1443409350922.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Vivienne Pearson The biggest joy of our daughter's name is that people really light up when they hear it (pun intended).
Packing the hospital bag: have I forgotten anything?
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/09/24/6874219/Thumbnail1000759468gjtrbgimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjtqy4.png1453953213680.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Jule Scherer At first I thought I wouldn't really need that much for a few days in hospital. Now I've got three bags packed.
Baby shower food ideas
![Yoghurt pots](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/15/7141493/Thumbnail1000467580gjnhqfimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjnhq4.png1452830312460.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Having a baby shower? We've found some interesting food and styling ideas to help you along the way.
Baby Shower Games
![Baby Shower Games](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2016/01/15/7141537/Thumbnail1000467369gjnhkiimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjnhk9.png1452831093942.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Are you looking to find some games and activities to play at your baby shower, here are some fun and silly games that will "break the ice (or waters)".
The aggressive baby name trend on the rise
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/09/10/6836969/Thumbnail1000280235gjjhiqimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjjh63.png1441860533084.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers A rising number of US parents are seemingly inspired by the current environment, giving their babies violent or weapon-related names.
Kids naming their baby siblings
![Children naming sibs](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/09/06/6825100/Thumbnail1000121403gjg2lximage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjg2m3.png1441500080632.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole When the kid names the sib, the outcome isn't always bad. Did your older children have any input into your new baby's name?
When you can't agree on a baby name
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/09/03/6818554/Thumbnail1000040155gjecdqimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjebx7.png1441255045859.jpg-90x60.jpg)
JO HARTLEY Any name I like he vetoes: it's too long, too short, too common, too rare. Yet he isn't really providing much inspiration himself.
How not to name twins
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/08/29/6805395/Thumbnail999865052gjakszimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gjakt8.png1453953250855.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Jule Scherer Call me boring, but I don't think that when it comes to choosing my twins' names is the right time to use a good pun.
So hot right now: double-barrelled baby names on the rise
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/08/26/6796536/Thumbnail999748053gj82j6image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gj82j9.png1440559915964.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Suzi Catchpole It's one way to make your baby stand out from the pack – giving them not one, but two first names.
Is it okay to name your baby with a sense of humour?
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/08/25/6794050/Thumbnail999708468gj78c4image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gj77zo.png1440496788277.jpg-90x60.jpg)
MEGAN BLANDFORD My husband was sure that Danger was a good option for a boy. And as the pregnancy progressed, it actually started to sound really good.
Honest words from first-time mums
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Nicole Thomson-Pride I didn't want to say anything negative to my pregnant friend, but I wish I'd been more honest.
Video: What I wish I'd known before having a baby
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/08/23/6788536/Thumbnail999585128gj5mgtimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gj4ktk.png1440297413056.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers Like many conversations about babies, it starts with talk of snot and poo.
Top baby names for England and Wales in 2014
![george](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/08/18/6775135/georgie-90x60.jpg)
Telegraph with staff writers George has overtaken William in the official rankings of most popular British baby names - and Game of Thrones is still having an impact on parents.
Making room for two in the bed
![There's a lot to consider when deciding where your twins will sleep.](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/08/17/6771203/Thumbnail999390276gj0ek4image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gj0eh0.png1453953265022.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Jule Scherer Mum's room or their own room? Cot or bassinets? Deciding where twins will sleep can be tricky.
The funny things kids say when you're pregnant
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/07/24/6711881/Thumbnail998619480gijvouimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gijvq0.png1437714461944.jpg-90x60.jpg)
JO HARTLEY Since becoming noticeably pregnant, my son has taken more of an interest in the sibling he'll soon have.
30 French baby names
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/07/14/6683065/Thumbnail998236064gibo2uimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gibnvk.png1436843458772.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Ariane Beeston French names are always in fashion, but a few have risen in popularity in recent years.
Family shares awesome drone baby announcement
![baby](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/07/10/6675447/Thumbnail998137713gi9kd2image.related.thumbnail.320x214.gi9jzl.png1436502541384.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers Looking for a creative way to share some big news? Look to the skies, like this family did.
28 names for babies born in winter
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/06/23/6636467/Thumbnail997484223ghvk7kimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.ghvjr3.png1435039367794.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Melanie Mahoney Looking for some baby name inspiration for a bub born during the colder months? Here are 28 options from around the world to consider.
The truth about birthing a big baby
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Dr Erin Bowe When told that they are having a 'big baby', many women have a lot of fears. But those fears are often unfounded.
Baby names on the verge of the top 1000
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Pamela Redmond Satran What about the baby names right below the top 1000, hiding just out of sight?
10 foods for a healthier pregnancy
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/06/03/6584255/Thumbnail996748989ghfsneimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.ghfsfx.png1433306996079.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Nicole Thomson-Pride Knowing what foods to eat throughout pregnancy can be worrying, so here's a list of foods every pregnant woman should consider adding to their shopping list.
What you need to know about pregnancy and health insurance
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/05/22/6553789/Thumbnail996365605gh7kwjimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gh7kmd.png1432271065899.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Staff writers It's not just waiting periods that couples need to consider - there are other factors to consider when thinking about health insurance.
7 things you might not know about postnatal depression
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20160207083430im_/http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2015/05/21/6549197/Thumbnail996310250gh6e8himage.related.thumbnail.320x214.gh6dwq.png1432184764274.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Megan Blandford Despite its widespread nature, there is still a great amount of mystery surrounding PND - and it's important to try unravelling as much of that as we can.
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