Choice. Make the right one.

Fact sheets

Independent and trusted investigations and buying guides concerning the health and safety
of your child.

 
 

Education and childcare

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Child reading

Saving for your child's education

The cost of education is constantly rising so it makes sense to start saving as early as possible.

30 Jul 2008 | An education savings plan can be as simple as putting a few dollars a week into a high-interest account or as complex as developing a share portfolio.

Carer playing with children

Nanny agency services guide

It’s an unregulated industry and they’re dealing with your children, so it pays to do your research.

4 Jul 2008 | Finding a nanny can be time-consuming, stressful and hard work. A good nanny agency can make the process faster and easier, and provide peace of mind.

Baby playing

Childcare survey reveals inequities

Available, affordable, high-quality care is still out of reach for many families.

31 Oct 2006 | To find out Australians' experiences of the childcare system, CHOICE sent a survey to people with children six years or younger and who have used or looked for childcare.

Children with backpacks

School backpacks buying guide

An ergonomic backpack can reduce back and neck pain, but only if carried correctly.

11 Nov 2005 | The stuff high-school students carry around some days can certainly add up. That’s where a good, versatile backpack comes in.

Safety

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Shadecloth investigation

CHOICE has uncovered an alarming gap between the level of protection stated on a typical shadecloth and the reality once it is installed.

12 Dec 2008 | CHOICE has found that the UVR rating of the shadecloth is only half the story.

Children watching TV

Toppling television danger

Hospitals are reporting a significant number of injuries resulting from a TV falling onto a child.

7 Jul 2008 | Victims are particularly children under five, and the incidents include fatalities and some injuries requiring hospitalisation.

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Tipping stove danger alert

We take precautions to prevent burns to children from stovetop saucepans, but what if the stove itself is the danger?

7 Jul 2008 | While parents are alert to the dangers of hot baths and unguarded pots, there’s another hazard you probably haven't thought of — tipping stoves.

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CHOICE's toy industry survey

Our survey that safety is only part of the complex issues we face when buying toys for our children.

6 Jun 2008 | CHOICE investigate how seriously corporate social responsibility is taken in the toy industry.

Toy aisle

Toy safety buying guide

Toys help children develop skills and understanding, but some can be dangerous.

20 May 2008 | Here are some general rules to help you when choosing a toy.

Baby playing

Toy safety review and compare

We tested 30 toys against safety standards, and almost half of them failed.

6 Nov 2007 | The current piecemeal approach to toy safety regulation leaves consumers - and children - more at risk of dangerous products.

Child in playground

Playground surfaces not all equal

The surface children fall onto in playgrounds makes a big difference to their safety.

4 Jan 2007 | Having an appropriate landing surface that is well maintained significantly lowers the risk of injury should children fall.

Shopping

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Baby playing

Ten things not to buy your kids

Some common toys and children's products pose a risk to your child's safety.

9 Jul 2008 | All parents want the best for their children and there's a huge range of products out there to choose from. But beware — some could do more harm than good.

Cot

Ten things not to buy second hand

Some bargains just aren't worth it.

1 Jul 2008 | What’s not to love about buying second hand or, better still, helping yourself from someone else’s council clean-up?

Mother and baby

Your baby - getting ready

You don't need to mortgage the house to prepare for your new arrival.

24 Feb 2006 | As tempting and exciting as it is to buy a nursery full of baby gear before the birth, it's probably wiser to buy a few essentials and then spend carefully as the need arises.

Baby sleeping

Baby clothing - what you need

Here's a guide to help you make a decision when buying clothes for your baby.

22 Jul 2003 | Many of us go on a spending spree when we're expecting but your little one is going to grow fast so avoid buying expensive things and stick to the basics.

Health

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Little girl ready for bed

Children, babies and sleep

We look at some common causes and solutions to a child's sleepless nights.

9 Jul 2008 | There are many causes of sleep difficulties, so it’s important to get the diagnosis right.

Child in bed

Children and depression

If you think your child may be suffering from depression, it's important to seek help.

8 Jul 2008 | Depression is a serious condition and you should discuss all available treatments with your doctor.

 

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Polls
 
 

Which type of nappies do you prefer?

  
22%
 
Old fashioned cloth
  
33%
 
Regular disposables
  
26%
 
Biodegradable disposables
  
17%
 
Modern fitted cloth
  • 1166 votes

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