Prepare for baby

Essentials for newborns

We've talked abou t the useless things you don't need for a newborn (like wipe warmers) but here's my list of essentials you do need.

Walk the line

How do you choose a genuinely unique name these days?

The 'mummy messiah'

According to America's newest, hippest guru, pregnancy is all orgasms, green smoothies and yoga.

The nesting phase

Seeing a heavily pregnant woman in the nesting phase is a lot like witnessing a force of nature.

Straying from home

My wife is due at any time. And what did I do this weekend? That’s right. Take off out of cell phone range for six hours to do a 20km trail run around the Rimutaka Forest Park.

We're commenting on...

We're talking about...

what's in this section?

Return of the working mum.

At home over the last two and a half years I’ve been the Captain of the ship. Now my wife is home too.

Not ready to be a mum

I may be a mum soon, but I’m not ready to say it yet - and I am not ready to join a mothers' group.

Savings for second baby

At 26 weeks, I've still not bought anything for baby number two. There's plenty of stuff I don't need and won't use.

Post-baby relationship

When a couple become parents, both have expectations of their partner. If we don't talk about them, conflict is inevitable.

Gestational Googlemania

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I've had a compulsive need to ask the internet about every conceivable pregnancy danger.

Baby shower for number two?

I'm excited about having a second baby, but this time I'm already in the club and I don't think I should be getting another welcome gig in my honour.

What I didn't expect

The relative freedom of my former life flashed before my eyes, and I was frightened I'd just made a terrible mistake.

Dealing with the information overload that comes with pregnancy and babies is a topic the British science writer Linda Geddes knows well. She's trying to cut through the glut of research and equip expecting parents to make their own decisions.

Bus-ing semen

Dealing with fertility issues can be scary and overwhelming. It is important that you and your partner are able to support each other through the testing process. It's not always easy, but a sense of humour goes a long way in helping you get through.

The unexpected pregnancy

It was our family doctor who wisely suggested we compile a list of pros and cons. This, she told us, was a good way for us to get our heads around the things we might expect from our unexpected pregnancy.

Parental leave loophole hits Defence

Paid parental leave law loophole leaves Defence Force rushing to cover staff.

Do you need a baby planner?

You've probably heard of wedding planners, but did you know you can also hire baby planners to help get you through pregnancy, birth and the newborn stage?

Getting baby's room right

While you may be tempted to buy everything in the store for baby's room, it isn't necessary to max out the credit card to make things look pretty.

The baby budget

Buying too many things you don't end up using can really blow your budget.

The parenting test

A 'test' designed to see if you’re ready for parenting has become the latest viral hit. If you’re already a parent you’ll laugh out loud, if you’re not you’ll probably restock your contraceptives.