Finding a name for your new baby boy can be a daunting task if you don’t have something specific in mind. It can even be hard if you are just looking for a second name that has that little bit of flair or that is exotic without sounding odd!

Ideally you’d like a name that stands out but not one that he’ll hate or will sound out of date later in life. Luckily the choice really is endless and so Linku2 have put together our list of approximately 150 “out of the box” names that may help you in your decision.

Boys names beginning with …

• A
• Aaren, Archie, Aiden, Alfie, Ace, Atlas, Austin
• B
• Balen, Benedict, Bailey, Bentley, Boston, Branson, Beckham
• C
• Cruz, Cade, Cain, Casper, Caspian, Cosmo, Chaz, Crew, Colt
• D
• Dante, Dagon, Dakarai, Dale, Dayton, Darwin,
• E
• Earl, Ewan, Eli, Everest
• F
• Felix, Finn, Frankie, Forrest
• G
• Gideon, Giovanni, Grady, Gray
• H
• Harley, Harper, Houston, Harris, Heath, Hudson
• I
• Imran, Issac, Izeyah, Ira, Israel
• J
• Jett, Jonah, Jordan, Jory, Justyn, Jackson, Jupiter, Jaxon,
• K
• Kal, Kane, Kash, Kyle, Kingston, Kalari
• L
• Lloyd, Levi, Leyland, Lyle, Leighton, Lennox, Lachlan, Lamar, Layton
• M
• Mercury, Maddox, Maliki, Max, Marlon, MacLaren, Maddock, Marsh
• N
• Nash, Nico, Nolan, Nelson
• O
• Otis, Orson, Oscar, Oliver, Orion
• P
• Parker, Paxton, Pierre, Prince, Phoenix, Pascual, Pegasus, Preston
• Q
• Quade, Quinn, Quinton
• R
• Rocco, Remus, Roscoe, Rafael, Rhys, Rex, River, Radley, Raven
• S
• Stone, Shepherd, Sheldon, Skyler, Sylus, Santiago, Sterling, Saxon
• T
• Talon, Teagan, Tobias, Titan, Tray, Troy, Tyson
• U
• Ulysses, Urban, Uriel
• V
• Vlad, Van, Vito, Varian, Vernon, Vidal
• W 
• Wade, Wolf, Westley, Wrestle, Washington
• X 
• Xavier, Xander
• Y 
• Yosef, Yair, Yves
• Z
• Zacharias, Zane, Zachary, Zion, Zephyr, Zahir

And if you're expecting a girl we also have a list of unusual girls names you can consider.

When it comes to babies and pets, many people become a gooey, mushy mess, and you will often find the two go hand in hand. A new baby in the household signals a change in home life, and for pet lovers, this can also be the perfect time to introduce a new pet, allowing the baby and pet to grow up together.

Even those who prefer pets over little humans often refer to their pets as "fur babies," lavishing them with as much, if not more, attention than many other humans in their life! This is why Linku2 felt “Nappies and Paws” would be an apt Feature for our local pages on Babies and Kids as well as our Pets and Animal Services!

When expecting a baby, there’s a lot to consider before, during, and after pregnancy. Basics like finding a midwife, maternity wear, nursery furniture, and health services are essential. For optimal health, pre and post-natal exercises and activities are recommended and in the wider family situation you need to of course consult with parents over what they will be called to avoid duplication or conflict!! You can check out some options for both names for Grandma and names for Grandpa.

Sometimes it's the little things that can become stressful when they should be a joy such as choosing a baby name! If you're looking for a girl name and would like to consider something a little out of the ordinary you may get some inspiration from our Unusual Girl Names for Inspiration article.

Once baby arrives, your focus will shift to amusement tactics including toys and playgrounds and parks for outings and remember we are blessed on the Coast with a host of local beaches!

Soon, you’ll find a need to consider baby activities like baby and toddler swimming lessons, with great options available at Northern Arena and Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre. Party ideas and enrolling in preschool or childcare will follow quickly. Fame Preschool offers excellent teacher-to-child ratios and learning/play programmes. And of course if you are looking for great things do do as the kids need entertainment, we are lucky to have lots of things to do across the Coast and North Shore including great family fun for all ages with Snowplanet especially for the little ones in their Winter Wonderland!

Turning now to your fur babies! Now we are into the depths of the colder winter weather sometimes we forget just how much the weather can also affect our pets. Here are a few tips for those dog owners on How to keep your dog warm in Winter.

And if you don't yet have a family pet you may be interested to read some of the greatest benefits from owning a pet. Once you do take the plunge and bring the fur baby into your home ensure you have a good local vet and keep vaccinations up to date.

Knowing your local kennels, catteries, and groomers is important, as well as where to find your local pet shops.

Regardless of whether you’re planning to have a baby, already have little ones racing around the house, considering a new pet or already have a home full of fur babies, there are plenty of local options and choices for you to get the best care and services which you can find on our local Babies and Kids and Pets pages. You don’t even need to leave the Coast.

Let’s explore these options together and support our local businesses to Go Local, Grow Local!

Owning a pet is a rewarding experience that can bring a sense of wellbeing, joy and comfort to people of all ages. From the first day they arrive in your life, pets are more than just animals and often become beloved companions and cherished members of your family. Here are a few of the key benefits of having a pet.

Emotional Support and Companionship

• Unconditional Love: Pets provide nonjudgmental affection, which can especially be comforting during tough times.
• Combatting Loneliness: Especially for people who live alone, pets offer companionship and a comforting presence.
• Stress Reduction: Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, while increasing serotonin and dopamine, which enhance mood and relaxation.
• Mental Health Benefits: Pets can help people manage symptoms of anxiety and depression by offering routine, comfort, and a constant presence.

Encourages Physical Activity

• Daily Exercise: Dog owners, in particular, generally walk more often and are more active due to daily walking routines.
• Healthier Lifestyles: Engaging in play or outdoor activities with pets can promote physical fitness and improve cardiovascular health.
• Weight Management: Regular physical activity with pets contributes to maintaining a healthy weight for both the pet and the owner.

Promotes Responsibility and Routine

• Teaching Tool for Children: Caring for pets can teach kids about empathy, compassion, and accountability, remembering dinner time is important and often can be prompted by the pet themselves too!
• Structure and Discipline: Feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet require a consistent routine, which helps establish discipline.
• Benefits for Seniors: Older adults can benefit from the daily structure and purpose that pet care provides, which may help with cognitive function and emotional wellness and development of disinterest in surroundings.

Improved Social Interaction

• Breaking the Ice: Walking a dog or visiting a pet-friendly location often leads to conversations with other pet owners and invariably can lead to new friendships.
• Community Connection: Pet ownership can help reduce social isolation creating a sense of belonging and encouraging social interaction. Nowadays dogs are usually welcome at cafes and other locations such as garden centres.
• Support Networks: If you are new to being a pet owner and want support there are often groups in your community which you can join or online communities where they can share advice and experiences.

Health and Therapeutic Benefits

• Emotional Therapy: Therapy animals are used to support individuals with conditions such as PTSD, autism, anxiety, and other conditions, offering emotional relief and stability.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that petting an animal can lead to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Boosts Immunity in Children: Exposure to pets in early childhood may help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies.

A Source of Love, Joy and Hope

• Endless Entertainment: Pets often have quirky, playful behavior that brings laughter and fun into the home.
• Loyal Companions: The unique bond formed with a pet creates lasting memories and emotional satisfaction.

The benefits of owning a pet go far beyond companionship. Pets positively influence emotional well-being, physical health, social life, and personal development.

It doesn’t matter whether you're looking for a jogging partner, a loyal friend, or a way to add structure and happiness to your daily life, a pet can be the one that can add that to your life and your home.

Choosing a unique name for your little girl can be tricky. You want something special, but not a name she’ll grow to hate in the future.

Nowadays of course you can choose any name you wish and there are some almost wacky names celebrities have chosen such as Cricket, Apple, Denim, Exa Dark Siderael, North, Pilot Inspektor and Story but if you aren't quite into the wacky but would like something unusual here are 100 beautiful and one-of-a-kind girls' names that you may find strike the perfect balance.

Browse through this alphabetical list and see if any are the perfect fit for your little one or at least give you some inspiration.

• A
• Addilyn, Adley, Analia, Aria, Armelle, Aviana
• B
• Bexley, Braelynn, Brea, Brinley, Britta, Bronywn
• C
• Calla, Camari, Cora, Corinna
• D
• Danica, Darby, Delaney, Diem, Dinah
• E
• Effie, Elodie, Elora, Ember, Embry, Emerson
• F
• Farah, Farren, Fleur
• G
• Gianna, Gracen, Grecia, Greer
• H
• Hadlee, Harlyn, Hartley, Hensely
• I
• Imogen, Ina, Isa, Isis, Ivana
• J
• Jaelyn, Joslyn
• K
• Kaia, Keegan, Kinsley
• L
• Laken, Larkin, Layla, Leona, Liana, Lilith
• M
• Makena, Maren, Marisole, Mavis, Merritt, Mireya
• N
• Naya, Nimah
• O
• Oda, Ophelia, Oriana
• P
• Paislee, Paloma, Pandora, Priya
• Q
• Quinn
• R
• Ramsey, Rayna, Remi, Rhea, Rowen, Royce
• S
• Sena, Seraphina, Shea, Sia, Sloan, Suri, Syden
• T
• Teegan, Thea, Tinley, Trinity
• U
• Ulani, Uri
• V
• Valentina
• W
• Waverly, Weylyn, Willa
• X
• Xael
• Y
• Yanet, Yani, Yvette
• Z
• Zariah, Zaylee, Zuri

And if it's a little boy you are expecting then we also have a selection of unusual boy's names you may consider!

Understand Your Dog's Cold Sensitivity

• Some breeds (e.g., Dobermans, Greyhounds, toy breeds) are more sensitive to cold.
• Hairless or short-coated dogs and over-groomed dogs need extra warmth.

Provide Proper Shelter

• Ideally, keep dogs indoors during winter, only going outside for bathroom breaks.
• Puppies should never be left outside.
• Outdoor dogs need a sheltered area with warm bedding (fresh straw works well).

Ensure Warm Bedding

• Keep bedding off the cold floor to avoid drafts.
• Consider a heated dog bed for older or arthritic dogs.
• Clean bedding regularly to reduce germs and fleas.

Use Canine Clothing

• Small, short-coated, or older dogs may benefit from sweaters or jackets.
• Make sure clothing is breathable to prevent overheating.

Groom Properly

• Don’t trim your dog’s fur too short—its full coat keeps them warm.
• Regular grooming prevents matting, which reduces insulation.

Shorten Walks in Cold Weather

• Shorter, brisk walks are safer in cold temperatures.
• Indoor activities like fetch or tug-of-war keep your dog active.

Watch Their Diet

• Don’t overfeed indoor dogs—extra food can lead to weight gain.
• Outdoor or active dogs may need slightly more food.

Guard Against Winter Illnesses

• Keep your dog warm and dry to prevent respiratory infections.
• Cold weather can worsen arthritis—ask your vet about treatment options.

Limit Bathing

• Bathe your dog less often in winter to preserve natural oils.
• If a bath is needed, use warm water and dry them quickly.

Never Leave Dogs Outside Unattended

• Even dogs with fur need a warm, sheltered place in extreme cold.
• Provide heated bedding and shelter if your dog must be outdoors.

Enjoy Winter Together

• Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans—perfect for cozy snuggling!

Turn your head for one moment and an injury can occur! Once on the move toddlers natural instinct to explore is a wonderful way for them to discover.

It's hard for parents to anticipate all the potential dangers or safety problems around children, however, vigilance, some careful planning and the ability to stay one step ahead of your young children will protect them and save you potential stress and heartache!

The first step in providing a safe environment for your child is to start in your home.

Toddler safety in the kitchen:

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Remove small magnets from the fridge or keep them up very high
• Move all items in glass containers in the fridge to high shelves
• Use the back burners on the stove and turn pot handles towards the back
• Lock all cupboards and drawers with childproof locks which contain glass, knives, scissors, other small objects, cleaning products and medicines
• Keep electrical cords high
• Never hold or pass hot liquids over your child
• Dispose of any plastic shopping bags, these can cause suffocation
• Lock your kitchen door, or use a safety gate to avoid your child going in the kitchen especially if no one is around
• Do not place hot fluids or heavy objects on tablecloths in case the child pulls on the cloth
• Keep containers of hot drinks inside away from the edge of tables

Toddler safety in the bedroom:

• Use a safe cot with a snug fitting mattress that cannot get pulled away from the corners. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the cot
• Make sure the cot has no areas with gaps more than 2 inches so the child's head cannot get stuck
• Remove all curtains and blind cords from around the cot
• Never lock a toddler in a room
• Preferably don’t place the cot near or under a window. If this is unavoidable make sure all windows are securely latched or use a window guard
• Where possible have cupboards can be opened from the inside so your toddler doesn't get locked in. Otherwise consider child safety latches

Toddler safety in the bathroom:

• Always check bath water temperature before putting a child in the bath
• NEVER leave your toddler in the bath alone, even for a short time. Toddlers can drown in just two inches of water
• Place a lock on all toilets
• Lock up cabinets containing perfumes, make-up, cleaners, creams and other similar items
• Don't keep large buckets or containers of liquid around the house, children can fall head first in to the container and not be able to get out

Toddler safety in other areas:

• Use furniture with rounded corners or cover sharp corners with homemade or store bought corner guards
• Use stair gates at both the top and bottom of stairs. Never use pressure gates at the top of the stairs.
• Keep all items in original containers to avoid mix-ups between food items and poisons
• Make sure all purses are out of reach, coins are the perfect choking size plus be espeically vigilant if there are pills around
• Install security stays or a window guard on upper story windows to keep them from opening too far
• Ensure your TV can't be pulled over
• Don't use open fans where a toddler can put their fingers through the grill
• Always be aware of small objects lying around

Other Points:

• Keep all sharp objects and tools out of reach
• Never let your child run with something in their mouth
• Never let your children run with something sharp in their hands
• Never let your children walk with glass objects in their hands
• Keep an eye out for sharp objects on walls, toys, cots, playpens, or strollers
• Use plastic instead of glass, whenever possible
• Always pick up toys, so no one slips and falls on them

For more useful advice visit our latest Nappies and Paws Feature.

As with a new Grandma learning you are about to become a Grandfather is a moment to be proud of and, as with the new Grandma one of the first questions always seems to be – so what should I be called?

With Grandfather a little more importance is placed on seniority unless the other grandparent already has a chosen name used by other grandchildren.  There are instances, and not uncommon, where you can retain the same chosen name as the other grandparent but usually you would then need to tag on your name at the end, eg Poppa Brian or Grandpa Tony. Otherwise you can choose an alternative.

Remember when choosing your name not to make it too similar to the name chosen by the other grandparent. It’s the grandchildren who will struggle with names that they can’t distinguish the differences.

Sometimes there is a name that has been passed down by tradition but perhaps you don’t like it or want to develop your own traditions. Also nowadays often your own parents are also still around and it would be confusing to pass a traditional name down to yourself – your poor grandchildren and even children!

Keep in mind too that you may choose a name but your children may not like it. Of course the prerogative is yours but you may want to keep them happy too. Plus of course remember when choosing a name that your grandchildren do need to be able to pronounce it themselves, although this can result in some interesting and yet often attractive alternatives which, if you are happy to keep, can often be adopted as the given name!

Good old traditional names of course include the likes of Poppa, Grandpa, Grandy, Gramps, Pops or even Boppy. However if you would like some alternatives to consider perhaps a derivative from a foreign word for Grandfather may be an alternative. Below are a few that might just appeal to you –

• Chinese: YeYe
• Filipino: Lolo
• Flemish: Bompa
• French: Grandpere
• French Canadian: Pépé
• German: Opa
• Greek: Papu
• Hawaiian: Tutu kane
• Hebrew: Saba
• Italian: Nonno
• Irish: Seanathair
• Japanese: Ojiisan
• Korean: Haraboji
• Polish: Dziadek
• Portuguese: Avo
• Russian: Dedushka
• Spanish: Abuelo
• Yiddish: Zayde

Learning you are about to become a Grandmother is one of those moments never to be forgotten and one of the first questions always seems to be – so what should I be called?

Care needs to be taken in choosing a name for yourself to be referred to as a grandparent to ensure you don’t conflict with other grandparents or upset any family traditions.

Fortunately, nowadays you can just about choose anything you please from the traditional Granny, Nanna or Grandma to more modern options which are being taken up by more trendy baby boomer grandparents such as G-ma, Mimi, GiGi or Mema.

Some children nowadays will also have a number of grandparents included in step family relationships so it is good to be able to distinguish. However grandmothers mustn’t become attached or insistent on a particular name as often children will change it over time, either by mispronunciation or personal preference. Most grandparents though embrace any name mispronounced or invented by their own grandchildren.

If you would like some ideas on grandmother names perhaps look at the word for Grandmother in another language to give you inspiration. Below are a few that might just appeal to you –

• Afrikaans: Ouma
• Chinese: NaiNai
• Dutch: Grootmoeder
• French: Grandmere
• French Canadian: Mémé
• German: Oma
• Greek: YaYa
• Hebrew: Savta
• Hungarian: Nagymama
• Indonesian: Nenek
• Italian: Nonna
• Japanese: Oba-chan
• Korean: Halmoni
• Latin: Avia
• Portuguese: VoVo
• Russian: Babushka
• Spanish: Abuela
• Swahili: Bibi