![Jared Buhanan-Decker with baby JJ.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/5/o/t/h/image.related.landscape.380x253.gs5ovs.png/1476855647206.jpg)
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5 things you do differently with your second baby
There are some significant differences in the parenting experience when you've already done it once.
![child with pierced ears](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/6/r/2/m/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.36r2g.gmxjx2.png/1457004682374.jpg)
Ear piercing: what age is best?
What is it that shapes our opinions on what’s an 'appropriate' age for our children to get their ears pierced? Parents share their views on how young is too young when it comes to piercing.
![cake smash](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/a/l/z/h/image.related.landscape.120x80.2alvg.gmxjx2.png/1457004682374.jpg)
![Penelope Cruz](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/1/a/5/l/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.32v3i.gmxjx2.png/1457004682374.jpg)
![Water safe ... Children can start a structured swimming program, accompanied by a parent, as young as four months.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/a/l/4/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.2al1i.gmxjx2.png/1457004682374.jpg)
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Latest
![Dads in the US will have better access to baby change tables.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/1/6/8/p/image.related.landscape.300x200.gs16a6.png/1476314238942.jpg)
President Obama makes life easier for dads faced with a dirty nappy
Obama has signed a law requiring all public federal buildings to include baby change tables in both women and men's bathrooms.
![<i></i>](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/0/3/a/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.gs036k.png/1476229087202.jpg)
5 ways parenting is not what I expected
"Parenting is exactly as I expected," said no one ever.
![The letters from 18-year-old Abby's time capsule.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/x/f/i/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.grxfjp.png/1475815734392.jpg)
Teen declares 'letters from heaven' the best birthday gift ever
In September 1999, a one-year-old girl's parents came up with the perfect gift idea for their daughter. Now, 17 years later, that gift has been truly appreciated.
![Junior 'baby bear' has an incredible head of hair.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/u/c/y/f/image.related.landscape.300x200.grucvb.png/1475567755849.jpg)
Adorable eight-week-old baby has the best bouffant hair
This gorgeous bub is just eight weeks old, but he boasts an incredible head of hair.
![<i></i>](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/t/u/s/w/image.related.landscape.300x200.grtulb.png/1475472790752.jpg)
When your baby suddenly turns into a fussy eater
All the food they used to devour they now squish up with their chubby little hands and throw on the floor.
![Logan when ill, and (right) in healthier times.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/r/j/d/v/image.related.landscape.300x200.grrj4e.png/1475551886642.jpg)
Mum's trolley warning after baby contracts salmonella
A mum of five from the Gold Coast has warned parents to be more mindful of the germs on trolleys after her 10-month-old son contracted salmonella after a shopping trip.
![Does this baby say 'I love you'?](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/r/5/n/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.grr5tx.png/1475116335516.jpg)
Three-month-old baby says 'I love you'
Every mother remembers the very first time their child says 'I love you' back to them.
![Leaving the door open to Catholic schooling came up time and again.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/q/8/9/2/image.related.landscape.300x200.grppfz.png/1475120302853.jpg)
![Baby Madeline is a fan of her big new friend.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/m/w/y/h/image.related.landscape.300x200.grl4b3.png/1474599971157.jpg)
Proof that grandparents can't be trusted to buy presents
A baby pictured with a gigantic teddy bear has gone viral after being posted on Twitter by her bemused mum.
![Science makes is difficult for anyone to ignore a baby's cry.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/m/4/n/p/image.related.landscape.300x200.grluot.png/1474519552838.jpg)
Why it’s so hard to ignore a baby’s cry
Have you ever been sat on a flight with a crying baby in your vicinity, wondering more and more with each successive wail how much longer you can stand the sound? Or maybe you've been a parent, barely able to resist for a second before running to soothe your precious infant's ear-piercing distress? Most of us have been there at some point in our lives. But what exactly is it about a baby's cry that makes it so hard to ignore?
![It can be difficult dealing with the opinions of family members.](/web/20161021163119im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/l/9/s/e/image.related.landscape.300x200.grhik4.png/1474435934223.jpg)
Dealing with criticism of parenting choices
Question: I know infant feeding is a big and controversial topic. How do we move past it? How can I explain to family that formula feeding is in fact best for my family? I don't feel guilty at all, but my in-laws feel as if I should.
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