Parenting guides
Practical, checked guides on pregnancy, newborns, babies, toddlers, school, money, health and family life for Australian families.
Planning · Pregnancy · Newborn · Baby · Toddler · Family life · Wellbeing · Health & safety · Money & support · School · Dads & partners
Family lifeSharing the invisible to-do listMake the thinking visible, then share ownership.Family lifeA ten-minute family planning check-inA short conversation to make the coming week more workable.Family lifeRaising a bilingual little oneTwo languages, everyday moments and a little connection.ToddlerSensory-friendly days outA flexible plan with space for quieter moments.WellbeingMaking space for yourselfA small return to the things that make you feel like you.WellbeingReturning to work, one routine at a timePractical handovers and room for the unexpected.Family lifeKeeping routines connected across two homesClear practical notes, with your child’s day at the centre.PregnancyBuilding your support circle before baby arrivesSpecific offers of help are easier to accept.NewbornA simpler handover in the newborn daysUseful notes without recording every second.ToddlerPlay without buying more thingsLet familiar objects become a fresh invitation.PlanningA family budget you can actually revisitA simple overview of regular income and expenses.Family lifeYour family’s first screen agreementStart with a conversation before the device arrives.PlanningPlanning your next family chapter togetherA conversation about hopes, practicalities and support.PlanningChoosing your family’s next prioritiesA short list of what matters makes the next decision easier.PlanningPreparing your home without buying everythingMake daily tasks easier before adding more things.PregnancyMaking room for questions at your next appointmentKeep the things you want to ask in one easy-to-find place.PregnancyPlanning visits that feel supportiveA clear invitation can make more room for rest and connection.NewbornAsking for help in the newborn weeksClear requests turn a kind offer into something useful.NewbornA practical bag for a short outingPrepare a reusable list so each trip starts with fewer decisions.BabyKeeping baby memories without another big projectSmall notes can hold the moments you want to remember.BabyA useful note for another caregiverShare the details that make an everyday handover clearer.BabyFinding a gentler rhythm in your dayUse a few familiar anchors without planning every minute.ToddlerMaking everyday transitions a little clearerA simple, repeatable approach to moving from one activity to another.ToddlerA grandparent day worth repeatingSimple rituals can create room for connection across generations.PregnancyHospital bag checklist for Australian parentsPlan separate bags for labour, the post-birth stay and the trip home. Ask your hospital what it supplies.NewbornFirst baby essentials: a practical Australian checklistPrioritise a safe sleep space, suitable clothing, feeding supplies and a safe way to travel.PlanningHow much does having a baby cost in Australia?One-off purchases may include a cot and child restraint. Ongoing costs can include nappies, food, transport, healthcare and childcare.Family lifeChild Care Subsidy in Australia: a parent’s starting guideChild Care Subsidy can help eligible families with approved childcare fees. The amount depends on your circumstances.NewbornBaby sleep routines by age: realistic expectationsSleep needs and settling patterns change as babies develop. Keep expectations flexible.NewbornChoosing a safe baby cot in AustraliaLook for cots that meet Australian mandatory safety requirements. Popular online does not mean safe.NewbornChoosing a nursery glider or rocking chairCompare comfort, footprint and ease of cleaning before you buy.PlanningA small-nursery checklistSecure shelving, accessible storage and only what fits.PregnancyA maternity wardrobe across the trimestersComfort, fit and pieces you will actually wear again.NewbornNappy bag essentialsWork out what you really need to carry.ToddlerPacking for travel with toddlersPack lighter for days out and longer trips.ToddlerEducational toys by ageAge-appropriate, open-ended play that lasts.ToddlerRainy-day toddler activitiesIndoor ideas for wet or very hot days.Family lifeChildren’s books by ageSturdy first books through to early readers.Money & supportPaid Parental Leave explainedWho can get Parental Leave Pay, how much it is and how to share it between parents.PregnancyPublic or private birth in Australia: costs and choicesHow public, private and midwife-led care differ, and what each usually costs.NewbornEnrolling your newborn in Medicare and CentrelinkThe forms to sort in the first weeks, and the order to do them in.Health & safetySafe sleep: the guidelines in plain EnglishSix simple steps that lower the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.Health & safetyIntroducing allergy foods to your babyWhen and how to offer peanut, egg and other common allergy foods.Health & safetyFever in babies and children: when to see a doctorWhat counts as a fever, when it is urgent and how to keep your child comfortable.Health & safetyCar seat rules in Australia, and when to change seatsThe national rules by age, and how to know your child is ready for the next seat.Health & safetySun safety for kids in AustraliaSlip, slop, slap, seek and slide, and how to use the UV index.Health & safetyWater safety and swimming lessons by ageConstant supervision, safe pools and how lessons fit in.Health & safetyScreen time: the Australian guidelines by ageWhat the national movement guidelines recommend, and how to make screens work for your family.WellbeingPostnatal depression and anxiety: signs and where to get helpHow it differs from the baby blues, and the free support available.ToddlerToddler tantrums: what helps in the momentWhy tantrums happen and simple ways to get through them.ToddlerToilet training: readiness signs and a simple planWhen to start and how to keep it low pressure.SchoolIs my child ready for school? Starting age by stateStarting ages across Australia, and what readiness looks like.SchoolNAPLAN: what parents need to knowWhat the tests cover, when they happen and how to read the report.SchoolFree kinder and preschool: what each state offersEarly learning in the year or two before school, and how to find a place.SchoolBefore and after school care: options and costsOutside school hours care explained, and how Child Care Subsidy applies.Family lifeBlended families: the first yearSmall steps that help a new family settle.Dads & partnersA partner’s guide to pregnancyPractical ways to be involved from the first scan to the birth.Dads & partnersSupporting your partner during labour and birthWhat to pack, what to do and how to advocate on the day.Dads & partnersNew dads and partners: looking after your mental healthSigns to watch for and where to get support.